Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Stereo Question on HSU VTF-2 MK 2 setup.

Looking for some advice again guys

For stereo I have a NAD C320BEE powering M60ti's. I'm looking to get a HSU VTF-2 MK 2 in the near future and need to know how I should hook it up so as to take part of the load off of my little amp.

1. Use the High Level Inputs/Outputs along with the crossover on the sub.
2. Use Y splitters to split the signal from the Pre-Out on the NAD to get two Line Level signals to the sub, and get a High Pass Filter to filter out the bass to the M60s.
3. The same as #2, except without the High Pass Filter.

I'm not sure how each of these differ, only that getting a High Pass Filter means spending more money.

Thanks in advance, and Happy New Year!

-Jon

Jon, #1. would get a full range signal to the sub and its crossover would low-pass the feed to the sub amp. The high-level outputs on the VTF-2, however, have no high-pass function and would simply pass the full range power from your 320 straight through to the M60s. Neither the 320 nor the M60s would be relieved of any of the low bass burden. #3. without a high-pass filter would have essentially the same result, but by way of a line level rather than high level output to the sub.

#2. would involve inserting a high-pass filter into the path to the main amp inputs on the 320(with the connecting jumpers removed)and would relieve both the M60s and the amps of the 320 of part of the low bass load. Dr.Hsu has such a filter available for $100, but something like this would also be suitable. Happy New Year to you too.

So it seems that #2 is the way to go. Using the FMOD 50 or 70 Hz crossover simulator would save money, which is good. Also, the NAD does have a pre-out that I'm not using, so do I actually need to use a Y splitter, or can I just use this instead?

Overall though, this a good idea? I mean, am I sacrificing sound quality or anything? Because so far the 320 has been more than enough for the M60s, I just figured taking some of the low Hz load off would enhance my setup.

Thanks,
Jon.

Jon, if there was a second set of volume controlled pre-outs, then they could be used instead of y-connectors, but the 320 appears to have only one set(if you were referring to the tape outputs, they have no volume or other control).

Sure it's a good idea(if you do get the sub), probably of more significance in relieving the M60s than the 320. Don't look for huge benefits, but the sound should be a bit cleaner. If you do get a filter, nothing lower than 70Hz would be advisable; 80Hz is the most common suggestion

Ok, I guess I was misunderstanding the way you're supposed to connect all of this together. I saw Pre-Out L & R on the amp, and Sub In L & R on the MK2, so I thought the one interconnect would do. My mistake.

70-80Hz eh, I guess that makes sense...let the sub do what it does best.

Thanks.

One thing to consider is the FMOD is at a 12 dB per octave crossover slope and Hsu uses a 24 db per octave crossover.Just something to ponder.

In my stereo set up I use a Outlaw ICBM which works great.I tried to use the Hsu high pass filter,but it introduced a hissing noise to the tweeters of my M80s.When I asked Dr Hsu about this he had said it was because the 80s had such a high sensitivity rating.I sent the high pass filter back.The ICBM introduces absolutly no noise to my set up.

So the FMOD only has a 12dB/octave crossover slope, the Hsu High Pass filter may add hissing, and the ICBM is too much money...

Maybe I'll go ahead and get a set of FMOD's at the time I buy the sub, then get the ICBM at another time.

Thanks.