Receiver only has subwoofer pre-out - can I still use a STF-1?

[FunkeeMonk]

My receiver (harman/kardon AVR 35) only has a
Subwoofer Pre-Out. Can I still use the STF-1 with my receiver? According to page 4 of the STF manual (http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/stf.pdf), connecting via pre-out is only available for STF-3. :(

Image of the rear connection panel of my receiver from the manual:
http://skitch.com/funkeemonk/dskpt/e549827c7257d255529e87f9388e8c99.pdf-page-9-of-48

Because i'm in Singapore, shipping any of the bigger subs is prohibitively expensive. Will I need to get a new receiver just to be able to use a STF-1?

[Pete_Hsu]

Hi Monk,

If your receiver has a single subwoofer pre-out, then simply feed from that to the 'Sub In' on the STF-1 amplifier.

If one has a preamplifier/integrated amplifier with left and right pre-outs only (and no subwoofer pre-out), then one would need to use a custom cable to sum left/right signals to mono to feed the STF-1 (or STF-2) amplifier.

Sincerely,

[FunkeeMonk]

If your receiver has a single subwoofer pre-out, then simply feed from that to the 'Sub In' on the STF-1 amplifier.


Thanks for the quick reply Pete.

Are there any negative impacts from feeding the subwoofer pre-out to STF-1 compared to feeding a controller with an LFE or Subwoofer out to the STF-1, like what the STF manual recommends? What was the rationale behind the recommendation?

[Pete_Hsu]

Your H/K receiver is the "controller" in this case. Most receivers have a single subwoofer pre-out labeled as "sub out" or "sub pre-out".

Presumably your H/K will let you set crossover/distance/channel level for all speakers and subwoofer in the receiver main menu, correct?

Thanks

[FunkeeMonk]

Most receivers have a single subwoofer pre-out labeled as "sub out" or "sub pre-out".


Can I clarify that "Subwoofer out" is equivalent to "Sub pre-out"? Page 4 of the STF manual seems to indicate otherwise. Sorry for all these newbie questions, this is my first time making a subwoofer purchase.


Presumably your H/K will let you set crossover/distance/channel level for all speakers and subwoofer in the receiver main menu, correct?

I see the ability to set channel levels, but not crossover in the manual.

[Pete_Hsu]

Yes, subwoofer out and subwoofer pre-out is the same thing (but is not the same as left and right pre-out).

Your H/K should have a fixed (ie. non-adjustable) low-pass crossover frequency for the subwoofer. You may want to contact H/K to find out details about what frequency. If it doesn't, then you will need to set crossover to 'In' on the sub amplifier, and set crossover knob to the max position to start.

Sincerely,

[FunkeeMonk]

Your H/K should have a fixed (ie. non-adjustable) low-pass crossover frequency for the subwoofer.

Found this snippet in the manual:

For each of these settings use the LARGE setting if the speakers for a particular position are traditional full-range loudspeakers that are capable of reproducing sounds below 100Hz. Use the SMALL setting for small- er, frequency-limited satellite speakers that do not reproduce sounds below 100Hz.

So I guess this means that the crossover frequency is set at 100Hz?

[FunkeeMonk]

Your H/K should have a fixed (ie. non-adjustable) low-pass crossover frequency for the subwoofer. You may want to contact H/K to find out details about what frequency.

I've contacted H/K and this is their reply regarding the crossover frequency:
"The cross-over frequency ranges from 40hz-150hz and it is NOT adjustable."

Furthermore, it seems the h/k AVR 35 which I have is one of those that don't have bass management in 2-channel mode, like described in this forum post: http://forum.hsuresearch.com/showpost.php?p=7198&postcount=8

Should I be prepared for the Method B hookup method as described in the STF manual, using the STF's high level inputs?

Thanks!

[Pete_Hsu]

Reading the AVR35 owner's manual, it appears that low frequencies will always be sent to the subwoofer when the main speakers are set to "Small". So all you need to do is feed the low level input on the STF sub.

I'm not sure why H/K says that crossover is non-adjustable "from 40-150Hz". If the crossover is non-adjustable, then it is a fixed frequency. Based on what is said in the manual, it must be 100Hz.

Sincerely,