Stereo receiver LFE?

[cdn5003]

Why don't new stereo receivers have an LFE output?
I can't find one that has one. I just bought a Velodyne VRP-1200 for my basement stereo setup and would rather use LFE than running speaker wire in and out.

Any suggestions on a stereo receiver to drive Boston Acoustics CR7's and probably this subwoofer due to no LFE?

[tugboat]

Why don't new stereo receivers have an LFE output?
I can't find one that has one. I just bought a Velodyne VRP-1200 for my basement stereo setup and would rather use LFE than running speaker wire in and out.

Any suggestions on a stereo receiver to drive Boston Acoustics CR7's and probably this subwoofer due to no LFE?

Most AVRs have a sub out connection, which is the LFE as well.

[Erik Tracy]

Why don't new stereo receivers have an LFE output?
I can't find one that has one. I just bought a Velodyne VRP-1200 for my basement stereo setup and would rather use LFE than running speaker wire in and out.

Any suggestions on a stereo receiver to drive Boston Acoustics CR7's and probably this subwoofer due to no LFE?

I would guess because "LFE" is a term used in Home Theater configurations with the emphasis on bass effects that are part of movie soundtracks and specific to a 'channel' dedicated for that - NOT a 2-channel 'stereo' capability (eg - you don't see Red Book CDs or legacy LPs mixed and labeled as 2.1 - its just 'stereo').

Looks like to use your sub you'll have to use speaker level connections.

If you want LFE, you've stepped over the boundary from 2-channel stereo rigs into HT and into AVR realm. :p

[cdn5003]

With the popularity of powered subwoofers these days you'd think that stereo receivers would feature a Pre out for a sub. I guess historically you would always use full range speakers with stereo receivers so it makes sense. The technology is already in AVR's so why not? If i'm the only one that has a problem with this then i'll shut up. Thanks

[McLoki]

As mentioned above - it is because it is a stereo reciever (meant to only handle 2 channels at a time) not an AVR or Audio/Visual Reciever made to take care of multiple channels at once as well as decoding.

One thing you can do that may make your sub and stereo reciever work a little better together (if you have A and B speaker outputs) is

Hook your speakers to the "A" speaker outputs.
Hook your sub to the "B" speaker outputs.

When you want to use just your fronts turn on the "A" speakers only. When you want to use the sub as well, switch on the "B" speakers along with the "A" speakers.

At least the only additional cables you will need to run is from the "B" terminals to your sub. (you do not have to jack with the wires running to your mains.)

Good luck,

Michael

[Erik Tracy]

With the popularity of powered subwoofers these days you'd think that stereo receivers would feature a Pre out for a sub. I guess historically you would always use full range speakers with stereo receivers so it makes sense. The technology is already in AVR's so why not? If i'm the only one that has a problem with this then i'll shut up. Thanks


Maybe because to add the circuitry for low-pass filtering and the LFE connectivity it would drive cost?

You've got a point, though - it would be a nice feature for 2-channel rigs and users that supplement their speaker configurations with subs.

But then running another set of wires is probably cheaper :rolleyes:

[shack]

There are quite a few STEREO receivers that have sub outs. It's not called LFE (low frequency effects) but you can set the crossovers for your mains and sub for the frequencies you want them to play.

(Click to see websites)

Denon DRA-697 (http://usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/3363.asp)

NAD C720BEE (http://nadelectronics.com/products/hifi-receivers/C720BEE-Stereo-Receiver)

Harmon Kardon HK 3390 (http://www.harmankardon.com/product_detail.aspx?Region=USA&Country=US&Language=ENG&cat=REC&prod=HK%203390&sType=C)

Harmon Kardon HK 3490 (http://www.harmankardon.com/product_detail.aspx?Region=USA&Country=US&Language=ENG&cat=REC&prod=HK%203490&sType=C)

Yamaha RX-797 (http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/productdetail.html?CNTID=200028&CTID=5000600)

Yamaha RX-497 (http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/productdetail.html?CNTID=200029&CTID=5000600)

Onkyo TX-8555 (http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=TX-8555&class=Receiver&p=f)

[ben62670]

Harmon Kardon HK3390

Harmon Kardon HK 3490

I was going to recommend these also;)
Ben

[Erik Tracy]

There are quite a few STEREO receivers that have sub outs. It's not called LFE (low frequency effects) but you can set the crossovers for your mains and sub for the frequencies you want them to play.

(Click to see websites)

Denon DRA-697 (http://usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/3363.asp)

NAD C720BEE (http://nadelectronics.com/products/hifi-receivers/C720BEE-Stereo-Receiver)

Harmon Kardon HK 3390 (http://www.harmankardon.com/product_detail.aspx?Region=USA&Country=US&Language=ENG&cat=REC&prod=HK%203390&sType=C)

Harmon Kardon HK 3490 (http://www.harmankardon.com/product_detail.aspx?Region=USA&Country=US&Language=ENG&cat=REC&prod=HK%203490&sType=C)

Yamaha RX-797 (http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/productdetail.html?CNTID=200028&CTID=5000600)

Yamaha RX-497 (http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/productdetail.html?CNTID=200029&CTID=5000600)

Onkyo TX-8555 (http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=TX-8555&class=Receiver&p=f)

Makes sense that some manufacturer would offer that.

And I 'larned' sumthin' new today - cool! :D

[schwarcw]

I've used the "Tape Monitor" RCA output jacks to go to a subwoofer. They aren't variable output so you'll have to tweak the volume knob on the powered subwoofer. You also need a sub with a built in low pass crossover. This configuration can work quite nicely in the right setup and if you know how to blend them.

[cdn5003]

Thanks for the replies everyone. The information is greatly appreciated. I am currently using a vintage Technics receiver for my basement setup. It is actually quite powerful but an upgrade is in order. It only makes sense that current stereo receivers have sub pre outs. It is 2008 isn't it?

[wingnut4772]

Outlaw has one also.

[skykeys]

If your budget is tight, I recommend the Yamaha RX-V663, which has not only one, but two sub outs. I just got the RX-V863, which is a bit more expensive. I wanted HD Radio and the extra HDMI input. Otherwise, the 663 and 863 are virtually the same. I am very happy with the 863. But really, the 663 is one of the best values going right now in AVRs.

[cdn5003]

It looks like stereo receivers are going to cost me almost as much as new avr's so I guess it would be best for me to just save up a little bit and upgrade my avr. That way I could use my onkyo for the second system.

Are there good sales on avr's around the holidays or black friday? I'd probably be interested in the onkyo 805 or an HK, something with hdmi 1.3.

[John K.]

CDN, sure, your 540 would work well with a 2.1 speaker setup and has the bass management that you need.

As for sales, especially on the Onkyo 805, Shop Onkyo and Accessories4less have frequent very good deals on factory refurbs although that isn't any at this time. You might check those sites frequently and probably wouldn't have to wait more than a few weeks.