Help me reuse audio equipment
July 13, 2020 5:14 AM Subscribe
I have speakers etc lying around from previous audio purchases and instead of buying a new set, I am thinking of reusing them.
I am not an audiophile, what I want is nice sounding speakers with some base. I am thinking of buying a cheap bluetooth compatible speaker and linking existing speakers and subwoofer to it and it will help me if I can buy something that works.
This is what the back of my subwoofer
looks like:
This is what the back of my speakers look like (I have two of these):
These are some of the amplifiers I have found that have the input features I am interested in but don't want to buy something that wont work with the outputs.
One
Two
Any advice greatly appreciated.
This is what the back of my subwoofer
looks like:
This is what the back of my speakers look like (I have two of these):
These are some of the amplifiers I have found that have the input features I am interested in but don't want to buy something that wont work with the outputs.
One
Two
Any advice greatly appreciated.
And now I see that "One" comes with a house-current adapter. It still costs more than a Bluetooth adapter, though.
posted by Kirth Gerson at 6:12 AM on July 13, 2020
posted by Kirth Gerson at 6:12 AM on July 13, 2020
Response by poster: Thanks Kirth. I don't have an amplifier. I need to understand how the connections on the back of my subwoofer work
posted by london302 at 7:28 AM on July 13, 2020
posted by london302 at 7:28 AM on July 13, 2020
To hook the subwoofer up, you need an amplifier with a line level audio output, preferably one specifically designed for a sub, which neither of those have.
A sub out (if properly implemented) sums the left and right sides of the audio (so that no matter where the bass is panned in the left-right audio field, you would still get it) and also has a high pass filter applied to the main speakers, so that they're not duplicating the frequencies that the sub will be putting out. Most cheaper gear doesn't do the high pass filter - it's not a huge deal.
In practice, almost all audio sources that are in the frequency range that subs put out are panned in the center of the audio field, so as long as whatever you get has a left-right line level audio output (typically RCA plugs), you can use either to feed the sub and be fine.
I don't know what the market in the UK is like, but my general advice for a cheap amp in the US is to go to a thrift/charity store. I pretty routinely find amps that sold new for $200-300 for $5-10 in them. You could then add a Bluetooth adapter to it.
I need to understand how the connections on the back of my subwoofer work
I'm 99% certain that your sub either takes line level audio via the RCA jack or has the multicable connection (the rectangular one) that takes line level audio on one of the cable pairs and speaker level audio for the non-sub speakers, such that you could run one cable from the amplifier to the sub and then have the non-sub speakers plug into the sub to reduce the number of visible/trip hazard cables if the amp was not near the speakers.
posted by Candleman at 7:33 AM on July 13, 2020
A sub out (if properly implemented) sums the left and right sides of the audio (so that no matter where the bass is panned in the left-right audio field, you would still get it) and also has a high pass filter applied to the main speakers, so that they're not duplicating the frequencies that the sub will be putting out. Most cheaper gear doesn't do the high pass filter - it's not a huge deal.
In practice, almost all audio sources that are in the frequency range that subs put out are panned in the center of the audio field, so as long as whatever you get has a left-right line level audio output (typically RCA plugs), you can use either to feed the sub and be fine.
I don't know what the market in the UK is like, but my general advice for a cheap amp in the US is to go to a thrift/charity store. I pretty routinely find amps that sold new for $200-300 for $5-10 in them. You could then add a Bluetooth adapter to it.
I need to understand how the connections on the back of my subwoofer work
I'm 99% certain that your sub either takes line level audio via the RCA jack or has the multicable connection (the rectangular one) that takes line level audio on one of the cable pairs and speaker level audio for the non-sub speakers, such that you could run one cable from the amplifier to the sub and then have the non-sub speakers plug into the sub to reduce the number of visible/trip hazard cables if the amp was not near the speakers.
posted by Candleman at 7:33 AM on July 13, 2020
It looks like the subwoofer is part of an all-in-one surround set (with a control unit). Assuming you don't have the control unit, it's probably useless. In those AIO speakers the amplifier is built into the subwoofer.
If you had the control unit, you could theoretically use other speakers (maybe even the ones you have) with the subwoofer. They're just normal speaker connections, although it might not work out with the impedance.
For the other speakers, you're going to need a receiver to drive them. I'd say "you should be able to find one cheap at your local thrift store" but... (waves arms vaguely at current situation)
posted by neckro23 at 7:37 AM on July 13, 2020 [1 favorite]
If you had the control unit, you could theoretically use other speakers (maybe even the ones you have) with the subwoofer. They're just normal speaker connections, although it might not work out with the impedance.
For the other speakers, you're going to need a receiver to drive them. I'd say "you should be able to find one cheap at your local thrift store" but... (waves arms vaguely at current situation)
posted by neckro23 at 7:37 AM on July 13, 2020 [1 favorite]
Oh, snap. Looking at it again I didn't see the "SW-Input" on the sub. I think you're still out of luck using it as the amplifier though, since you have no way to control the master volume.
If you get a 5.1 surround (or better) receiver, you could probably connect the "Subwoofer Pre Out" on that receiver to the sub for some bassy goodness. There's even a knob to control the subwoofer level.
posted by neckro23 at 7:42 AM on July 13, 2020 [1 favorite]
If you get a 5.1 surround (or better) receiver, you could probably connect the "Subwoofer Pre Out" on that receiver to the sub for some bassy goodness. There's even a knob to control the subwoofer level.
posted by neckro23 at 7:42 AM on July 13, 2020 [1 favorite]
Some subwoofer outs are not line-level - like this one. So make sure you're looking for one that's not a powered sub output.
I think you're still out of luck using it as the amplifier though, since you have no way to control the volume.
The knob above it is the volume knob.
posted by Candleman at 7:44 AM on July 13, 2020
I think you're still out of luck using it as the amplifier though, since you have no way to control the volume.
The knob above it is the volume knob.
posted by Candleman at 7:44 AM on July 13, 2020
The knob above it is the volume knob.
On every subwoofer I've seen, that knob controls the subwoofer level, not the master volume. The master volume is set digitally from the control unit.
posted by neckro23 at 7:50 AM on July 13, 2020
On every subwoofer I've seen, that knob controls the subwoofer level, not the master volume. The master volume is set digitally from the control unit.
posted by neckro23 at 7:50 AM on July 13, 2020
(Also, I believe that Lepy products are knock-offs of Lepai products, if that matters to you. This is a little murky, though.)
posted by wenestvedt at 7:59 AM on July 13, 2020
posted by wenestvedt at 7:59 AM on July 13, 2020
You can use the sub as a sub by connecting a line level output from an amplifier to SW-Input. The volume knob is for sub level. Looks like the sub would take a line in from an amplifier and then you could hook up surround speakers from the sub. Forgetr about all this. You need an amplifier, any old amp will do and you will also need a Bluetooth dongle connected to the amp. Go on Craigslist and look for a cheap amplifier/receiver.
posted by Ferrari328 at 8:03 AM on July 13, 2020
posted by Ferrari328 at 8:03 AM on July 13, 2020
I can & will answer more later, but:
Your subwoofer is clearly part of a complete surround sound system and it to some extent served as a control/audio distribution hub for the complete system. Exactly how this worked in the original system is unclear - I can't find a manual for the system. There are technical reasons this could be important.
Do you happen to have the manual for the original system and could you take pics & post them to Dropbox or somewhere?
posted by soundguy99 at 9:13 AM on July 13, 2020 [1 favorite]
Your subwoofer is clearly part of a complete surround sound system and it to some extent served as a control/audio distribution hub for the complete system. Exactly how this worked in the original system is unclear - I can't find a manual for the system. There are technical reasons this could be important.
Do you happen to have the manual for the original system and could you take pics & post them to Dropbox or somewhere?
posted by soundguy99 at 9:13 AM on July 13, 2020 [1 favorite]
Do you happen to have the manual for the original system
As a warning, if you search for that unit and manual, there's a sketchy Google Doc that will show up in the front page that has a download link in it. I can't say for sure that it's malware but it sets off a lot of alarm bells in my mind. I would not recommend opening it.
Your subwoofer is clearly part of a complete surround sound system
One article I found on it said that it goes up higher in the low-mid range than most subs. But I found a few things indicating that it can be used as a stand-alone sub using the RCA input.
posted by Candleman at 10:01 AM on July 13, 2020
As a warning, if you search for that unit and manual, there's a sketchy Google Doc that will show up in the front page that has a download link in it. I can't say for sure that it's malware but it sets off a lot of alarm bells in my mind. I would not recommend opening it.
Your subwoofer is clearly part of a complete surround sound system
One article I found on it said that it goes up higher in the low-mid range than most subs. But I found a few things indicating that it can be used as a stand-alone sub using the RCA input.
posted by Candleman at 10:01 AM on July 13, 2020
Yeah, part of the "can't find the manual" part for me was "except for really sketchy Russian (?) sites that I am not downloading anything from."
I do believe the sub could be used separately - for me the question is what is up with the additional spring clip speaker outs on the sub and how that multi-pin input is wired and what may or may not be happening in the original base unit before the multi-pin cable.
posted by soundguy99 at 10:25 AM on July 13, 2020
I do believe the sub could be used separately - for me the question is what is up with the additional spring clip speaker outs on the sub and how that multi-pin input is wired and what may or may not be happening in the original base unit before the multi-pin cable.
posted by soundguy99 at 10:25 AM on July 13, 2020
Best answer: Easy:
Your MS902 speakers are regular bookshelf home stereo speakers. You need an "amplifier" to power them. ("Amplifier" is in quotes because most home/car stereo units technically have a "preamp" section that can include tone controls, multiple input connections, and some method of switching between those inputs. You do have to be careful searching, though, as it is certainly possible to find amplifiers that are just amplifiers and do not have the necessary preamp section built into the unit. "Integrated amplifier" or "receiver" might be better search terms.) You run a pair of wires to each speaker from the amplifier Left and Right outputs. You can do this with pretty much any amplifier you would buy, so you can use these pretty much forever until they break, and even then you could possibly repair them.
Almost as easy:
The first "amplifier" you linked to is clearly intended to be used mostly for car audio - the 12 volt electrical power input plus the shape with big heat sink flanges on the outside and the small cutouts on the bottom flanges meant for screws is the evidence for that. It should work in your house, as it supposedly comes with a 12 volt adapter - although I do note that at least one review says that the 12 volt adapter is technically incorrect for the UK as it does not have a fuse in the connector.
The Amazon page claims that it has crossover & level control for subs, but I don't entirely believe that as there is no subwoofer output connection that I can see - there are just spring clip connections for Left and Right.
This unit accepts inputs via Bluetooth, USB stick, SD card, or a couple of somewhat old-school wired connections. You switch between inputs with the remote.
This would be useable for your main speakers, but there's no easy way I can see to connect your sub.
The second amplifier you linked to is also clearly intended for car audio, only it's not entirely clear if this one comes with a 12 volt adapter, it does not have built-in Bluetooth, and it only has two analog wired audio inputs. Also no subwoofer outputs. So take this one out of the running.
Not so easy:
Using the sub.
As I said, that subwoofer - even given the little I found online - is clearly meant as part of a complete "home cinema" surround sound system. The little thing labeled "speaker input" is a place to plug in a multi-conductor cable from whatever the main unit of the original system is. The main unit will include some kind of decoding processing that takes the multiple audio output signals inherent to surround sound and sends them to the subwoofer unit, which then sends those signals out to the sub and the other appropriate speakers via the output spring clips.
The problem here is that this "speaker input" jack is not any kind of standard audio connection, and even if you could kludge something together there is clearly some processing going on in the original main unit.
The sub does have that "SW-input" RCA jack, which is clearly meant to be used if you use a different amplifier that has a separate line out subwoofer output.
Unfortunately, at the kind of size and price range of integrated amplifier you seem to be looking at, a unit with a spearate sub output does not seem to exist. I can't entirely tell if my searches of amazon.uk are not really working (I'm in the US), or if such things just aren't really sold in the UK, or if Amazon is simply not the best place to buy this kind of thing in the UK (like most home hifi gets sold through speciality stores or more general "department stores"? I just don't know.)
So as I see it you've kinda got three options:
1) buy your amplifier one, connect it to your MS902 speakers, put the sub in a closet to save for later.
2) look for somewhere else to buy your gear from if maybe Amazon.UK has fairly limited options.
3) Jump up quite a bit in price and get something like this Denon or this Yamaha that have subwoofer outs plus Bluetooth & other connections. Then you connect your MS902's to the main outputs, the sub to the subwoofer output, and you've got everything.
posted by soundguy99 at 9:01 AM on July 16, 2020 [2 favorites]
Your MS902 speakers are regular bookshelf home stereo speakers. You need an "amplifier" to power them. ("Amplifier" is in quotes because most home/car stereo units technically have a "preamp" section that can include tone controls, multiple input connections, and some method of switching between those inputs. You do have to be careful searching, though, as it is certainly possible to find amplifiers that are just amplifiers and do not have the necessary preamp section built into the unit. "Integrated amplifier" or "receiver" might be better search terms.) You run a pair of wires to each speaker from the amplifier Left and Right outputs. You can do this with pretty much any amplifier you would buy, so you can use these pretty much forever until they break, and even then you could possibly repair them.
Almost as easy:
The first "amplifier" you linked to is clearly intended to be used mostly for car audio - the 12 volt electrical power input plus the shape with big heat sink flanges on the outside and the small cutouts on the bottom flanges meant for screws is the evidence for that. It should work in your house, as it supposedly comes with a 12 volt adapter - although I do note that at least one review says that the 12 volt adapter is technically incorrect for the UK as it does not have a fuse in the connector.
The Amazon page claims that it has crossover & level control for subs, but I don't entirely believe that as there is no subwoofer output connection that I can see - there are just spring clip connections for Left and Right.
This unit accepts inputs via Bluetooth, USB stick, SD card, or a couple of somewhat old-school wired connections. You switch between inputs with the remote.
This would be useable for your main speakers, but there's no easy way I can see to connect your sub.
The second amplifier you linked to is also clearly intended for car audio, only it's not entirely clear if this one comes with a 12 volt adapter, it does not have built-in Bluetooth, and it only has two analog wired audio inputs. Also no subwoofer outputs. So take this one out of the running.
Not so easy:
Using the sub.
As I said, that subwoofer - even given the little I found online - is clearly meant as part of a complete "home cinema" surround sound system. The little thing labeled "speaker input" is a place to plug in a multi-conductor cable from whatever the main unit of the original system is. The main unit will include some kind of decoding processing that takes the multiple audio output signals inherent to surround sound and sends them to the subwoofer unit, which then sends those signals out to the sub and the other appropriate speakers via the output spring clips.
The problem here is that this "speaker input" jack is not any kind of standard audio connection, and even if you could kludge something together there is clearly some processing going on in the original main unit.
The sub does have that "SW-input" RCA jack, which is clearly meant to be used if you use a different amplifier that has a separate line out subwoofer output.
Unfortunately, at the kind of size and price range of integrated amplifier you seem to be looking at, a unit with a spearate sub output does not seem to exist. I can't entirely tell if my searches of amazon.uk are not really working (I'm in the US), or if such things just aren't really sold in the UK, or if Amazon is simply not the best place to buy this kind of thing in the UK (like most home hifi gets sold through speciality stores or more general "department stores"? I just don't know.)
So as I see it you've kinda got three options:
1) buy your amplifier one, connect it to your MS902 speakers, put the sub in a closet to save for later.
2) look for somewhere else to buy your gear from if maybe Amazon.UK has fairly limited options.
3) Jump up quite a bit in price and get something like this Denon or this Yamaha that have subwoofer outs plus Bluetooth & other connections. Then you connect your MS902's to the main outputs, the sub to the subwoofer output, and you've got everything.
posted by soundguy99 at 9:01 AM on July 16, 2020 [2 favorites]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Kirth Gerson at 6:08 AM on July 13, 2020