[rudstre]

Hi guys,
 
I currently have two JBL LSR305s and an Audioengine D1 DAC and was wondering how to add a subwoofer into the setup.  My general confusion is that the subwoofers I've been looking at (in the $200-300 range) only have speaker level outs instead of RCA outs that I could plug the monitors into.  Is there a solution for this?  Is there a way I could use a High to Low converter to fix this (the one that people use for radios)?  Are there subwoofers that I haven't found that have RCA or other types of line out connections that I'm missing?
 
Thanks!

 

[PurpleAngel]

This $220 Monoprice sub-woofer will work with your JBL LSR305 studio monitors.
http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=115&cp_id=11504&cs_id=1150401&p_id=605999&seq=1&format=2
Would just need two 1/4" mono plug to 1/4' mono plug cables to connect the Monoprice sub-woofer to the JBLs.
And just connect the Audioengine D1 to the Monoprice using the same cable you now use to connect to the JBLs.

 

[rudstre]

Wow.  You're a lifesaver.  Thanks so much!

 

[rudstre]

Just out of curiosity, how did you know this one had a line out and the right crossover?  Is it just from time and research, or did you put in search terms somewhere?

 

[ProtegeManiac]

  Just out of curiosity, how did you know this one had a line out and the right crossover?  Is it just from time and research, or did you put in search terms somewhere?

 
It's one of the most popular brands, then he likely at some point (maybe long before you even posted) checked them out online, at which point he saw the rear panel.
 

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Just out of curiosity, how did you know this one had a line out and the right crossover?  Is it just from time and research, or did you put in search terms somewhere?

I bought my current 5"studio monitors from Monoprice.
And I try to buy all my cables from them.
I've seen a lot of people looking for a sub-wooofer and the Monoprice one seems to offer the best bang for the buck and the sub-woofer is designed to work with studio monitors.

 

[rudstre]

Nice!  Thanks again.  I was looking through amazon trying to find that model, and while looking, I also came across this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AJHAZZ4/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
 
It also seems to have line outs and a 50Hz crossover freq.  and is $100 cheaper.  What would the downsides be of getting this one?

 

[cel4145]

Actually, it appears to have a low pass filter dial for the sub like the other Monoprice subwoofer, both of which have a 50hz to 150hz range. Don't confuse that with a full crossover. That dial controls only the audio signal that the subwoofer receives. Now it could be that the line out on the Monoprice studio subwoofer has a preset high pass filter on the line out--some subs will have one around 80hz. But I couldn't find any indication of that in their specs. For subs that do have the high pass filter option on the line out, look at the PreSonus Temblor T10 or the KRK 10S.

Also, note that the Monoprice subwoofer you found on Amazon was previously tested by Sound and Vision, and it was found to have a frequency response of 47 to 130 Hz ±3 dB, and it drops off really fast under 40hz. Note that Monoprice only rates it down to 50hz (so at least they are being honest). So you could use it to double bass your LSR305s, but it likely will not add any significant lower extension to them if you want a sub that could give you deeper bass.

 

[ProtegeManiac]

  Nice!  Thanks again.  I was looking through amazon trying to find that model, and while looking, I also came across this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AJHAZZ4/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
 
It also seems to have line outs and a 50Hz crossover freq.  and is $100 cheaper.  What would the downsides be of getting this one?

No XLR or TRS ports, that one's designed for home audio systems. Not really a problem - as much as it would be easier to just get a pair of mono instrument cable with TRS plugs from a local instruments and pro audio store, you can always just order an RCA-TRS cable online.

 

[rudstre]

Actually, it appears to have a low pass filter dial for the sub like the other Monoprice subwoofer, both of which have a 50hz to 150hz range. Don't confuse that with a full crossover. That dial controls only the audio signal that the subwoofer receives. Now it could be that the line out on the Monoprice studio subwoofer has a preset high pass filter on the line out--some subs will have one around 80hz. But I couldn't find any indication of that in their specs. For subs that do have the high pass filter option on the line out, look at the PreSonus Temblor T10 or the KRK 10S.
 

Oh, good to know.  Had no idea there was a difference.  

 

[rudstre]

Also, note that the Monoprice subwoofer you found on Amazon was previously tested by Sound and Vision, and it was found to have a frequency response of 47 to 130 Hz ±3 dB, and it drops off really fast under 40hz. Note that Monoprice only rates it down to 50hz (so at least they are being honest). So you could use it to double bass your LSR305s, but it likely will not add any significant lower extension to them if you want a sub that could give you deeper bass.

Yeah, just noticed that.  I think I'll either get the first one PurpleAngel suggested or I'll look into yours.  Thanks!

 

[rudstre]

One more question: is there any significant advantange in going XLR over TRS?

 

[rudstre]

Also is it possible to use an electronic crossover instead of the subwoofers that you suggested to get the same result? (something like this: http://www.amazon.com/SX310-Pre-Amp-Electronic-Crossover-Subwoofer/dp/B001TE5YWU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1438527818&sr=8-1&keywords=electronic+crossover)

 

[ProtegeManiac]

  Also is it possible to use an electronic crossover instead of the subwoofers that you suggested to get the same result? (something like this: http://www.amazon.com/SX310-Pre-Amp-Electronic-Crossover-Subwoofer/dp/B001TE5YWU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1438527818&sr=8-1&keywords=electronic+crossover)

 

I don't think you can disable the crossover on the sub, but if you set the crossover on that one lower than the upper limits on the sub, then it shouldn't matter. For example, you want to cross the sub and monitors at a 50hz low pass (and a 75hz high pass depending on the slope) - if you set the sub crossover at 100hz then everything going into the sub (including much of what is above the crossover point) isn't within the range affected by that second crossover. 

 

[cel4145]

Also is it possible to use an electronic crossover instead of the subwoofers that you suggested to get the same result? (something like this: http://www.amazon.com/SX310-Pre-Amp-Electronic-Crossover-Subwoofer/dp/B001TE5YWU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1438527818&sr=8-1&keywords=electronic+crossover)

That's for a car audio setup. Made to hook up to a car battery.

Instead of frakensteining your home audio setup, I would suggest going with what you can afford and forgo the full crossover, or saving more money up to buy the sub that suits your needs.