Bass Management/ high pass crossover with Audioengine A2's and subwoofer

[Quen047]

Hi all,

 

I'm new here but this seems to be the place to ask. My setup is iMac---Audioengine D1 DAC---Audioengine A2's---Polk PSW10 subwoofer. As currently configured, the PSW10 is running from the A2's via the 3.5 mm input/output jack into the RCA's with a y-cable. The DAC is attached via RCA's.

 

Configured as such the A2's are running full range, and even with the sub crossover turned all the way down to 80 hz, the bass is a little muddy in certain areas where the frequencies overlap. I realize the PSW10 is a cheap sub, but I think the sound could be improved if I could: #1 block the high frequencies to the A2's with a high pass crossover, and #2 control the bass from the desktop. Paradigm used to make an active crossover called the X-30 that sounds like it would have been perfect, but it is out of production and I can't find one. Also, a potential cheap option is the FMOD passive high-pass crossovers that simply attach via the RCA's into the A2's, but I assume that would also high pass the sub, since it is attached through the active speaker. No bass management with that option either.

 

Any ideas on how I could accomplish either a high-pass crossover, and/or control the bass would be appreciated!

[wgscott]

The sub has speaker outputs, so you could use the sub in line first and use its crossover.

[Quen047]

The sub has speaker outputs, so you could use the sub in line first and use its crossover.

 

 

As far as I know the sub does not have a high-pass crossover, only low-pass. Also, trying to avoid the speaker outputs if possible. I understand that this would reduce the sound quality significantly.

[Audio_ELF]

You could consider the KRK Ergo. This would replace your existing DAC and has room correction and crossover built in.

 

Eloise

[designmule]

Where do you want to control the volume? If you are doing it from the computer, you could get your hands on a used M&K line-level, high pass filter. It would go after the DAC and feed a high passed signal to the Audio Engines. The sub would receive a full range signal which would then be handled by the low pass filter of the subwoofer.

[Quen047]

Where do you want to control the volume? If you are doing it from the computer, you could get your hands on a used M&K line-level, high pass filter. It would go after the DAC and feed a high passed signal to the Audio Engines. The sub would receive a full range signal which would then be handled by the low pass filter of the subwoofer.

 

That sounds promising (and yes, ideally I would want volume control for the sub). Would the sub then connect to the M&K? Or would blocking the high pass into the speaker amp still allow for a full-range signal to the sub, even if the sub is connected as it currently is through the A2's? I suppose I should ask Audioengine this question.

[Quen047]

Just solved my problem by finding a Paradigm X30 crossover still new in the box on ebay. Thanks for the help everyone!