Home » Sponsored » Pi Speakers » input/output wiring of 3Pi subwoofer?
input/output wiring of 3Pi subwoofer? [message #84313] Sat, 14 January 2017 19:11 Go to next message
ziofil is currently offline  ziofil
Messages: 7
Registered: November 2016
Esquire
My current subwoofer just died and I'd like to build a 3Pi sub.

I'm wondering about the input/output wiring: in my current setup, a 2 channel tube amp feeds into the sub and then from the sub the signal goes to two speakers (just left and right channels). Will the 3Pi be able to do something similar? If not, what should I do for the configuration/wiring of a stereo (2.1) system?
Re: input/output wiring of 3Pi subwoofer? [message #84314 is a reply to message #84313] Sat, 14 January 2017 19:51 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Wayne Parham is currently offline  Wayne Parham
Messages: 18670
Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)

It's a passive sub, so you need an amplifier and crossover. Many people use a plate amp and attach it to the loudspeaker cabinet, effectively making it an active subwoofer.

Re: input/output wiring of 3Pi subwoofer? [message #84315 is a reply to message #84314] Sat, 14 January 2017 20:17 Go to previous messageGo to next message
ziofil is currently offline  ziofil
Messages: 7
Registered: November 2016
Esquire
I see. And does it make any sense at all to operate the 3Pi in passive mode with a 3W/channel tube amp?
Re: input/output wiring of 3Pi subwoofer? [message #84328 is a reply to message #84315] Sun, 15 January 2017 19:54 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Wayne Parham is currently offline  Wayne Parham
Messages: 18670
Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)

All speakers are ultimately passive devices, being a linear motor attached to a diaphragm. They are all driven by an amplifier of some sort.

I wouldn't run subs with tube amps even if my mains were run on tube amps. However, one of my personal systems uses SET amps for the mains and single-ended FET amps on the subs. I find that a good synergy.

Re: input/output wiring of 3Pi subwoofer? [message #84331 is a reply to message #84328] Sun, 15 January 2017 22:46 Go to previous messageGo to next message
ziofil is currently offline  ziofil
Messages: 7
Registered: November 2016
Esquire
Understood, thanks Wayne. So, just to be clear: what comes with the three pi subwoofer kit and what else will I need? (Besides the cabinet material and tools).
Also, does a plate amp include a crossover or will I need to build a separate one? If so, can I buy all the crossover parts together with the kit?
Re: input/output wiring of 3Pi subwoofer? [message #84349 is a reply to message #84331] Tue, 17 January 2017 10:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Wayne Parham is currently offline  Wayne Parham
Messages: 18670
Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)

Plate amps generally include the crossover, yes.

Our kit includes the woofer, the cable assembly with connector plate, a tube to use for the port and a printed copy of the plans.

Re: input/output wiring of 3Pi subwoofer? [message #84351 is a reply to message #84349] Tue, 17 January 2017 16:10 Go to previous messageGo to next message
ziofil is currently offline  ziofil
Messages: 7
Registered: November 2016
Esquire
Excellent!
Could I ask you for a recommendation regarding the plate amp? Also, I'm located in Ontario, perhaps you are aware of online shops here in Canada where I can find one?
Re: input/output wiring of 3Pi subwoofer? [message #84352 is a reply to message #84351] Wed, 18 January 2017 09:46 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Wayne Parham is currently offline  Wayne Parham
Messages: 18670
Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)

Do a search here for "plate amp" (click the link):
Re: input/output wiring of 3Pi subwoofer? [message #84369 is a reply to message #84313] Sat, 21 January 2017 12:53 Go to previous messageGo to next message
ziofil is currently offline  ziofil
Messages: 7
Registered: November 2016
Esquire
Thanks!
I'll make an order for the 3Pi soon, I'll ask you for the plans after ordering.

I did the search you suggested. I think I have settled for the SPA 250, do you approve? The other option is the BASH 300S.
Re: input/output wiring of 3Pi subwoofer? [message #84383 is a reply to message #84369] Sun, 22 January 2017 19:30 Go to previous message
Wayne Parham is currently offline  Wayne Parham
Messages: 18670
Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)

Both are good. While I really like Solen as a brand, I like the low-pass filter of the Bash unit better. But both are good units and will work well.

Previous Topic: Request for 6pi plans
Next Topic: 3 Pi Speaker Plans
Goto Forum:
  


Current Time: Thu Mar 28 20:53:20 CDT 2024

Sponsoring Organizations

DIY Audio Projects
DIY Audio Projects
OddWatt Audio
OddWatt Audio
Pi Speakers
Pi Speakers
Prosound Shootout
Prosound Shootout
Smith & Larson Audio
Smith & Larson Audio
Tubes For Amps
TubesForAmps.com

Lone Star Audiofest