Subwoofer connection confusion. Advice?

[martinlest]

Hi. I'm thinking of adding a subwoofer to my relatively low-end (but highly satisfactory, IMHO!) system (one or two folks reading this may have also read my other, recent thread on this subject).

The system in question is a HiFi Walker H2 ‘MP3’ player/Fosi SK01 preamp/Fosi v.1.0B amp/Micca MB42X G2 speakers and is used mostly to play classical music, and quite often, organ music (hence the plan for a subwoofer, though of course all music would benefit).

Pretty sure I am going to go with an SVS SB1000 Pro, but searching how best to connect this to my system brings up some very different answers online.

OK, the Fosi amp does not have a subwoofer pre-out socket, so I wondered whether I would also need to buy a dedicated subwoofer amp, such as the Fosi TP-02. This is where the differences in reply arise: One source (Google Chrome) says that adding such a device is a ‘great option’ for more bass control (but I have that already on the SK01 pre-amp). Another source (DeepSeek, which seems the more trustworthy here?) says that the Fosi crossover and amplifier are both vastly inferior to the ones provided on the SVS subwoofer, and you’d in effect be downgrading the system by having the Fosi subwoofer amp take over control. It would also, they say, at the same time add unnecessary wiring and complexity to the system, only to produce worse results.

What do folks think about this? The DeepSeek advice seems logical to me (and they give detailed instructions on how to connect things up*), but I am no expert so would appreciate confirmation, (or otherwise).

*recommended method: simply run another set of speaker wires from the Fosi V1.0B amp's speaker output terminals to the High-level inputs on the subwoofer

Thanks.

 

[abacus]

If you haven't got a dedicated subwoofer output, and its mainly for music, then use the speaker wire method.
Don't forget to do the subwoofer crawl to find the best place to site the sub.

Bill

 

[skinnypuppy71]

I know your really asking about the svs subwoofer, but I'd say the Rel subs are a bit easier to wire up to some types of systems with their high level input cable(they come already supplied), your fosi amp is class d as is the amplifier in most subwoofers, this creates a bit of a problem with hum....the Rel high level input is easy to remedy this, yellow and red cables in to the hot(+) left and right speaker terminals, with the blue attached to some kind of earth with in the system, I use my Brooklyn Bridge's earth terminal, originally meant to be used with a turntable but I'm sure it's not too hard to get the wire earthed in any system.....and the Rel's are very good subwoofers.....just a bit of food for thought.

 

[martinlest]

Thanks for the input so far.. will follow up on all suggestions!

As far as I see, Rel subwoofers aren't sold on Amazon. If I had to return it for any reason, that could be a problem (I live in a remote place, no car). Amazon's 'no questions asked' returns is a big selling point for me. Which Rel unit would you recommend as being is closest to the SVS SB1000 Pro in specs (e.g. down to 20Hz?)?

Have others had hum issues, as described? 🙁

 

[gasolin]

It makes a difference having a good mic and room correction + high pass filter

Why such an expensive subwoofer for such a cheap system (micca front speakers)

What you should do is get a wiim amp pro + dayton usb mic and buy a much cheaper sub

Speedwoofer 10E

RSL Speakers - A division of Rogersound Labs - is a factory direct loudspeaker manufacturer, since 1970, based in Los Angeles, California. Family owned and operated.

rslspeakers.com

The amp,mic and home app will help you get most sound out of your system including high pass filter so your miccas don't have to play bass it can't, since super deep organ pie music is also played by the main spekers = super hard load, they will give up very fast, high pass filter will help with that

The miccas will get sound under 50hz and down to under 20hz and will seriously limit the max spl when playing organ pipe music and the harmonic distortion wil be super loud

 

[martinlest]

My system is what it is - and I have to say I am very happy with it. I originally bought the SK01 for use with my Sennheiser HD650s: I added the speakers and Fosi V1.0B amp last month so that I can listen on speaskers when I don't want to use the headphones. The result, to my ears at least, is excellent. I am a professional classical musician, so know just how the various instrfuments should sound - and although I dare say I could do even better with better equipment, what I have now does a fantastic job and sounds realistic to me: the speakers already deliver amazing depth for their size.

Yes, I admit, I am a bit uncomfortable with adding a relatively expensive sub to a relatively inexpensive setup. I have looked at other subwoofers, from £150 to £300, but if I want to add some realism to deep organ pedal notes, I am not convinced any of them will really 'work' for me.

 

[abacus]

My system is what it is - and I have to say I am very happy with it. I originally bought the SK01 for use with my Sennheiser HD650s: I added the speakers and Fosi V1.0B amp last month so that I can listen on speaskers when I don't want to use the headphones. The result, to my ears at least, is excellent. I am a professional classical musician, so know just how the various instrfuments should sound - and although I dare say I could do even better with better equipment, what I have now does a fantastic job and sounds realistic to me: the speakers already deliver amazing depth for their size.

Yes, I admit, I am a bit uncomfortable with adding a relatively expensive sub to a relatively inexpensive setup. I have looked at other subwoofers, from £150 to £300, but if I want to add some realism to deep organ pedal notes, I am not convinced any of them will really 'work' for me.

You do have to take into account that listening to an instrument your playing (Or very close to another player) will sound different to being in the audience (Room acoustics will be completely different) , and as most systems are designed to sound as if you are in the audience, they may not always be to your liking. (Headphones on the other hand are ideal, as the sound is close up)

Bill

 

[martinlest]

Yes, good point, but I would be expecting to be in the audience, not in the orchestra (I'm not an orchestral player).

 

[record_spot]

I think, if it was me, I might be inclined to revisit my assumptions on what the setup could be, with a plan to get to a more balanced outcome.

Needn't mean spending oodles of cash, but for organ music, I don't think it's just down to the bass notes you need to be aware of. The midrange and a sweeter treble are all very much on the cards too and while I don't know about your current speakers, I think you could maybe rebalance your budget and achieve a better outcome across the board.

You've several options, clearly, but I'd sit down and work through what you need, rather than just "subwoofer!". I suspect the answer isn't quite as simple as that and other possibilities are there, outwith pro-audio, that would give you a better and more satisfying outcome. Focusing on the subwoofer option alone seems misguided IMO.