[goldworld]

Hi,
 
I'm new to sound matters and I have a question. I'm using Audioengines A5+, connected to Xonar Essence STX.
For now, I can adjust the volume using the knob on the speakers.
The problem is I'd like to add a subwoofer in the near future, and I'm going to split the RCA from the Xonar Essence to both A5+ and subwoofer, so I can't control the volume using the A5+ knob.
My only option is to control it via Windows mixer, which is going to be extremly annoying without an external knob.
 
Do you have any recommendations? Maybe there's even a better way to connect them that I haven't thought of?
(I don't mind adding additional equipment)

 

[Rune3400]

I just bought this one after a lot of reseach: http://www.ebay.com/itm/SM-PRO-NANOPATCH-NANO-PATCH-PLUS-SPEAKER-VOLUME-CONTROLLER-/321085969930?pt=AU_Pro_Audio&hash=item4ac237160a

It gets good reviews. If you are looking for something even cheaper Fostex is making a volume controller called PC1 or something, but it looks kinda crappy. 

 

[jackwess]

This device should do the trick. Got pretty nice customer reviews. 

 

[cel4145]

Check your manual. The Audioengine A5+ have RCA L/R out on the back. That might be a pre-amp output that is controlled by the volume knob.

Otherwise, buy a keyboard with multimedia controls

 

[Headzone]

How are you going to high pass filter your audioengine speakers? Both the sub and main speakers playing same frequencies will create phase problems.
 
You could buy a studio subwoofer such as KRK 10S, and route your Audioengine's through it. The subwoofer will do necessary high pass filtering, and you can then just add volume control between your computer and the sub.

 

[cel4145]

How are you going to high pass filter your audioengine speakers? Both the sub and main speakers playing same frequencies will create phase problems.

You could buy a studio subwoofer such as KRK 10S, and route your Audioengine's through it. The subwoofer will do necessary high pass filtering, and you can then just add volume control between your computer and the sub.

You can set the subwoofer's crossover to blend with the natural roll off of the A5+. There are a lot of audiophiles that prefer that to using a higher crossover. On the other hand, speakers tend to have a lot of distortion in bass below their tuning point when turned up. So you could get cleaner bass from a sub and the A5+s set with a 80hz crossover point with the high pass filter that Headzone describes.

I would recommend the SVS SB-1000 over the KRK 10S. For the extra $100, you could get a much better sounding sub with much deeper bass extension. Has an 80hz high pass in the RCA line out. The extra sub bass extension probably won't matter except with some modern EDM. Although it would make a good difference if you use your computer for movie watching.

 

[RonaldDumsfeld]

There are several potential solutions to this common problem.
 
1. Get a sub which already contains all the necessary controls. Pass through, variable filters, phase inversion etc.
 
Costs a bit more but it's a one stop solution. You might even get a remote control.
 
http://www.adam-audio.com/en/pro-audio/products/sub7/description
 
2. Get a  pro multichannel audio interface (DAC). Use separate channels for mains and sub.
 
Use the included software to filter, phase invert, EQ etc etc. Good basis for expansion.
 
http://uk.focusrite.com/usb-audio-interfaces/scarlett-2i4/specifications
 
3. Get a monitor controller. With more than one output pair.
 
There are specific 2.1 controllers but a simple one will do.
 
http://www.smproaudio.com/index.php/en/products/monitor-controllers/m-patch-2#features
 
4. You could also use the booth out, mono sum or sends found on many mixers. There is also a whole class of devices called distribution amps.
 
Probably too many channels for home use and the good ones are dear and the cheap ones cheap.
 
5. If money is a real problem you could probably get away with a splitter cable and one or two inexpensive volume controls.
 
Bit of a kludge but will tide you over.
 
http://www.fostexinternational.com/docs/products/PC-1eBW.shtml#1l
 
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In your position I'd suggest you have a look at this NI Audio 2.
 
http://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/traktor/dj-audio-interfaces/traktor-audio-2/specifications/
 
It's inexpensive @ ~$100. Send the same output to both output pairs and use the handy individual gain controls for mains and sub.
 
Could also act as a dual headphone amp for late at night. Free copy of Traktor into the bargain.
 
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N.B The examples linked are simply devices I am familiar with. You can get similar products from many manufacturers and spend much more or even less.

 

[Headzone]

What is OP's budget for the sub?

 

[cel4145]

There are several potential solutions to this common problem.

1. Get a sub which already contains all the necessary controls. Pass through, variable filters, phase inversion etc.

Costs a bit more but it's a one stop solution. You might even get a remote control.

http://www.adam-audio.com/en/pro-audio/products/sub7/description

The Adam Sub7 only has a single 85hz high pass filter setting; the variable low pass filter is standard on almost all powered subwoofers. So $600 is lot to pay for a 7", 140 watt RMS ported subwoofer, when the SVS SB-1000, a 12" 300 watt RMS sealed sub sells for less. The SVS will likely have more max output, definitely better low frequency extension, and I would bet, better SQ. The SVS also has an adjustable phase control vs. the 0 to 180 phase switch on the Sub7.

SVS Audio is one of a few Internet direct vendors that makes subwoofers that are generally equivalent in quality and performance to subwoofers twice the price MSRP from traditional pro and home audio speaker vendors.