Please help connect DAC+SUB+Monitors

Mar 11, 2015 at 12:24 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 16

StormClaw

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Ok guys, here's what i got:
 
- DAC (usb SoundBlaster HD)
- Sub
- pair of Adam A5x monitors
 
Question: how do I connect all this together?
 
 
DAC:
 

 
 
SUB:
 

 
Monitors:

 
Mar 12, 2015 at 9:00 AM Post #2 of 16
Have you found a user manual for the sub anywhere?
 
I'm trying to understand why it appears to have a by pass filter switch but no pass through terminals.
 
Mar 12, 2015 at 12:14 PM Post #6 of 16
I had the impression I needed to connect the Sub to DAC first and then monitors to the Sub

Or it doesn't matter?


It depends on the sub and speaker inputs and outputs and other features. DAC->sub->speakers might work for some equipment. DAC->speakers->sub for other.

You should be able to download a manual for the subs that explains how to hook them up.

I'm now looking towards Adam Sub7 or Sub8 to match the monitors.  Shouldn't be a problem connecting this one.


You don't have to buy the sub to "match the monitors" in a sound matching way. However, you want the input/output options and other features that integrate well with the speakers. So could be another brand sub would have the necessary features and work as well. In other words, you don't have to limit yourself to Adam subs.
 
Mar 12, 2015 at 12:42 PM Post #7 of 16
   
I had the impression I needed to connect the Sub to DAC first and then monitors to the Sub
 
Or it doesn't matter?

 
That depends. Some subwoofers have an input that runs through a crossover with both low pass (for the sub) and high pass (for the speakers), or at the very least just a signal bypass output, while at the same time most monitors don't have any bypass outputs. So if you have such a sub paired with such monitors, then that's the only way you can hook them up. In your case, from what I can see on the photos, the sub doesn't have a bypass output (filtered or not), but the monitors do.
 
Mar 12, 2015 at 1:04 PM Post #8 of 16
Not to put too fine a point on it mate but you seem to have got something of a dogs breakfast there.
 
A gamers sound card. Meant to work with headphones and computer speakers. A domestic hi-fi/HT sub. Meant to work with an AVR or receiver. Plus a set of pro studio monitor. Meant to work with an audio interface.
 
Hold up on flashing the cash for a bit. Work out what you want to do first. Or you risk making things worse.
 
You can get the whole thing working ok for very little. I think what the guys in your situation do is buy a line splitter. Attach that to the line outs on the soundcard. Send one pair to the sub and the other to the mains. I'd use the stereo link option on the ADAMs. That way you retain a individual volume control for both mains and sub. Balanced in out of the question so don't bother with XLR.
 
If you are thinking of getting an alternative sub consider the EVE TS range. Same price as the Monitor Audio and the Sub7 but crucially for the home user it has a system level volume control as well as the usual sub level, variable low pass, fixed high pass and phase controls. It also has LFE (or party) mode where it operates up to 300Hz for a right banging sound. All controls are available on the included remore too.
 
Check it out. Same price, better features. 8" model is much superior if you can afford it and have the space.
 
http://www.eve-audio.com/index.php?page=TS107
 
Then take a long look at the soundcard. Start thinking about getting something more appropriate and versatile when you can. Focusrite 2i2 would be an improvement for not much more money but better to spend ~$200-$250 on something from MOTU, native instruments or something further up the Focusrite range.
 
That's from the viewpoint of going fully down the pro audio route. In keeping with your best product. Your mains. people with more gaming or HT experience will probably recomend something different. 
 
Mar 12, 2015 at 1:12 PM Post #9 of 16
No they don't Protege. I have a pair myself. What you see is called the stereolink feature.
 
In unbalanced single ended mode you can connect a line level RCA pair to either monitor then send a single RCA cable (included) to the other monitor. Means you can use the volume control on wither monitor to control the volume on both. Doesn't work in balanced mode where you are expected to have a mixer or interface/monitor controller already.
 
The Monitor Audio subwoofer looks strange. It doesn't appear to offer throughs. (cannot find a manual) but it does have a pass through filter. What's that all about?
 
Mar 12, 2015 at 1:12 PM Post #10 of 16
If you are thinking of getting an alternative sub consider the EVE TS range. Same price as the Monitor Audio and the Sub7 but crucially for the home user it has a system level volume control as well as the usual sub level, variable low pass, fixed high pass and phase controls. It also has LFE (or party) mode where it operates up to 300Hz for a right banging sound. All controls are available on the included remore too.

Check it out. Same price, better features. 8" model is much superior if you can afford it and have the space.

http://www.eve-audio.com/index.php?page=TS107


$600 for a subwoofer with a 6.5" driver and only a 100 watt amplifier? :eek:
 
Mar 12, 2015 at 1:15 PM Post #11 of 16
The Monitor Audio subwoofer looks strange. It doesn't appear to offer throughs. (cannot find a manual) but it does have a pass through filter. What's that all about?


Not strange. The bypass filter completely eliminates the low pass filter from the signal chain.
 
Mar 12, 2015 at 1:17 PM Post #12 of 16
 
Then take a long look at the soundcard. Start thinking about getting something more appropriate and versatile when you can. Focusrite 2i2 would be an improvement for not much more money but better to spend ~$200-$250 on something from MOTU, native instruments or something further up the Focusrite range.

 
Yeah i'm working on that too.
 
Soundblaster card was the quick and easy fix when my MB card died.   
 
I'm currently looking to buy a decent DAC.
 
One feature that I love about my current SoundBlaster is that I can plug a mic into it.  DAC don't have mic input.
 
Mar 12, 2015 at 1:24 PM Post #13 of 16
Mar 12, 2015 at 1:25 PM Post #14 of 16

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