Gain stage:
In order to maximize dynamic range and minimize distortion, clipping, etc....this is the proper way to setup audio gear in the analog realm and in many cases digital as well.
Turn gain down all the way on all devices.
Turn up gain on first device in the chain to 90-95%. (higher than that is where most distortion occurs)
Go to next device and do the same.
Then third, then 4th, etc....until you get to the last stage where you adjust the gain to the level you want to play it at.
Note: An even better way, once accustomed to setting up the gain stage properly, is to adjust each stage to just below audible distortion. Even if none heard still turn it down a bit from full output.
If a device is being used to adjust the level, say a pre amp, then you still set it as high as you can then adjust the next level so that you can go as loud and soft as the range you need to cover so the last stage still should not be turned up much at all, unless needed of course.
Subs:
My preference is open baffle if I have the space to do it right but sealed can be just great, my last home system had four audiophile grade sealed 15's with a lot of quality power. I seldom used more than two and much less power, using them all was only for party time.
Ported, can be quite musical, I might build in two 15's in our now full time RV and might go ported, I can physically and electronically tune them.
I should probably just get two smaller sealed active subs, do not need the 15's but own them and love them, used many as used to be a dealer selling custom car audio systems for C5 and C6 Vettes, more hobby than business, it was fun
Two Subs:
Almost always better than one, if one I prefer center between speakers though less output not being in a corner thus corner loaded but much easier to tune, usually.
Four Subs:
One in each corner or as works best in the particular space, done right this can be amazing.
Horn loaded:
I came close to doing this in my last house, many years ago, but I was always out in my shop build up my next race car project...Build a huge horn in the basement, It could be anywhere from 20 to 200 or much more cubic ft in volume depending on output desired. One sub or two units so two subs passing through the floor, needs a very good sub but not exotic priced one and not a great deal of power.
-------------I really hope the fix for using the USB out to a DAC and the Sub out(wish it was stereo) to the sub amp is what I want to setup with the Ultra, only reason I want it over the Pro Plus I have, simpler is better, I will try the Ultra DAC just in case it satisfies my goals in sound quality for a budget.
My DAC: I have not used it this way yet but it has been done and seems to work great. Topping V70 Velvet, Balanced line out to mains amp(s), RCA out to sub amp as both can be used at the same time. DAC has output gain control so use as preamp. I would lose the subwoofer control of the Ultra going this route. That is why I hope they can implement the USB and Sub Out fix on it and soon
Rick
NOT SURE I have seen this info posted elsewhere on the site so I might edit most of this out and put it in a new thread.
