I hope I’m not stealing the thread here. I currently run a single Klipsch sub from a Naimuniti 2. I use the line out l and r RCA outputs to the l and r RCA connections on the sub. The problem is, of course, that I cannot control the volume of the sub from the Naim and have to adjust this at the sub itself. The Naim has sub 1 and sub 2 outputs which I assume are for 2 subs. I’ve been thinking of getting a Y connection from sub 1 output to the Klipsch. Is this the way forward, will it give me volume control from the Naim?
I would presume the sub 1 & sub 2 outs are the same as pre-amp L & R outs. Therefore, I expect you should have volume control regardless of whether you are using one or two sub outs. That is, the subwoofer’s loudness should correspond to the speakers volume and you already can adjust speaker and sub volume in unison.
However, given your question, you must be having problem adjusting volume of the sub. Are you trying to increase sub volume alone? If so, you are out of luck and need a sub with its own remote control. Like the svs sb3000 which can be controlled via phone app connected over bluetooth.
Connecting both L & R will make sub louder, but not provide volume control.
Currently, I’ve been adjusting the volume of the sub at the gain control on the sub itself, and this works well enough although it often needs adjustment from one recording to another. But, of course, if I turn the volume down on the Naim then the sound is bass heavy. I had wondered about connecting the Klipsch to both sub1 and sub2 but assumed from their labelling that they were for 2 subs. I think I’ll give that a try. Thanks for your reply.
With one connection you are just getting one channel. You should connect both to your Klipsch sub. I had a Klipsch on my Supernait at one time and used two cables, sub out (l/r). I believe the Nova should be similar but don’t own one to test.
Setting up subs correctly can take quite a lot of effort. If you are having to adjust it regularly I would suggest some refinement is needed. Bass can behave strangely/unpredictably in different rooms. One possible method is to place your subwoofer in your listening position and move around your room, listening to where bass sounds strongest/best. In an ideal situation, this is where you should locate your subwoofer.
Once you have located the sub, now would be time to set it up using the controls. Set the crossover frequency to be close to the lowest frequency setting of your main speakers and the volume on the sub to minimum. Now play some familiar music and increase the volume until you can clearly hear the sub, then dial it back a bit.
If you have a phase control, then you should adjust this. If you have moved the sub then it could be slightly out of phase in its new position. Many subwoofers have 0 or 180 degree switch. I personally prefer a continuously variable adjustment but it depends what you have.
FYI I was never happy with the integration of my sub in my main system so did some research/trialing which resulted in me relocating the sub from between my speakers to closer to my listening position on the side wall and firing across the output of the main speakers, effectively intersecting just in front of my listening position. This has given me the best results I have had and I no longer have to worry about the sub sounding too loud/quiet/slow or out of time with the rest of the system.
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My personal experience is that in some rooms it can be really challenging to set up a sub properly without a measurement microphone. They’re not expensive and they can give you a lot of insight in what is actually happening with the frequencies and phasing.
I agree, there is a lot involved in setting up a sub. I experimented with positioning but found the best position in the room was the most inconvenient - sod’s law, but I’ve got as near as I can. I’ve adjusted the crossover, gain, and phase controls to optimum. My volume control issue aside, I still find adjustment necessary: old vs new recordings on vinyl and cd need lifting or lowering. Nevertheless, when the sub is spot-on all the fiddling is forgiven.
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