Getting connected & set-up

The MusikBass is a passive subwoofer using the RiPol-principle.It is "activated" by an external amplifier module. ModalAkustik offers the TruAudio TRU-S500DSP and the Cornered Audio CA280DSP. The MusikBass is connected to the amplifier module with a regular speaker cable. If you have questions about how to connect the MusikBass to your system, do not hesitate to contact us.

An amplifier module can be implemented in your system in various ways:

Via subwoofer pre-out

If your pre-amp or integrated amp has a dedicated subwoofer pre-out or LFE output, then you can connect the subwoofer module to that output. The type of output can the chinch or XLR.

Practically every surround-receiver/amplifier und every surround pre-amp/processor has a subwoofer pre-out, and also stereo components increasingly do.

Components with integrated lowpass filter (e.g. all surround components) and adjustable volume for the pre-ot do only require a "regular" power amp, not a special subwoofer module (although it might still make sense to use one given the higher adjustment flexibility)

Via stereo pre-out

Every pre-amp has pre-outs that enable the connection to the power amp. These outputs can be available as chinch or XLR, for left and right channel. Also some integrated amps have pre-outs to enable connection to external power-amps.

In case your pre-outs are already occupied by your power-amp, a y-cable or adapter can be used to split the signal in order to connect the subwoofer module in addition to the main power amp.

Attention! The "Tape"-outputs of many older amplifiers cannot be used, because their volume is fixed. That means the volume of the subwoofer does not change when the main volume changes.

Via speaker output

Our amps do not have that option. You need to use a high-low-level adapter, please contact us if you need to use this method.

When using a high-low-level adapter or a subwoofer module with high-level inputs you can connect the subwoofer amp to your speaker outputs in parallel to your main speakers.

Your main amp does not have to work harder using this method, as the subwoofer amp only takes the signal and does not require power (in fact the subwoofer amp has its own power amp).

Using valve amps that is often the only method to implement a subwoofer.

Additional subwoofer amplifiers and active crossover

Subwoofer-amplifier:

Audac SMA350
AudioControl TS500 (mono) and TS1000 (two channel) (exhaustive DSP configuration via web interface)
Cornered Audio CA280
Dayton Einbauverstärker
Dayton SA1000
Earthquake XJ-700-DSP
Elipson A1000
Hypex plate amps
Linn Exaktbox Sub
minidsp PWR-ICE125 and 250 with PWR-ICE BackBox enclosure
Monitor Audio IWA-250
PSB CS500W
Sonance Sonamp DSP 2-150 MK2 (two channel, exhaustive DSP configuration via web interface)
Soundavo PSB-1000DSP
PSB CS500W
t.amp Quadro 500 DSP
TruAudio S500DSP
Velodyne SC-1250
WHD AMP4200

Separate active crossover (power amp needs to be added):

DBX 223 Xs
DEQX
JL Audio CR-1
minidsp Flex Eight
Ridtahler subwoofer crossover (analogue)
SPL Audio Crossover (analogue)
Sublime Acoustic K231 / K235 (analogue)

ModalAkustik offers the TruAudio TRU-S500DSP and Cornered Audio CA280DSP for using with the MusikBass:

Audio components with subwoofer pre-out

Some audio components offer dedicated subwoofer pre-outs. Here we list some of those components. This list is extended regularly. In addition all surround components (via subwoofer pre-out), all pre-amps and all integrated amps with pre-outs are suitable for adding a subwoofer. For all other components a high-low-level converter or a subwoofer module with high-level inputs need to be used.

Integrated stereo amps with subwoofer pre-out:

Anthem STR Series
Arcam SR250
Blusound
Cambridge Audio (various models, e.g. CXA61)
Classe Sigma 2200i
Cyrus 8.2 DAC QXR
Cambridge Audio CXA60 und CXA80
Elac EA101-EQ
IOTAVX SA3
McIntosh MTI100 (turntable with integrated amp)
NAD (various models)
Onkyo A9030
Pioneer (various models)
Project Stereo Box RS
Yamaha (various models)

Active speakers with subwoofer pre-out:

Kef LS50 Wireless
Nubert NuPro-Series
Piega Connect Hub
Piega 501 Premium Wireless
Triangle Sensa SN 03A

MusikBass set-up

Many subwoofer manufacturers claim that one can position a subwoofer anywhere, in every corner. But in reality it is not that easy! A subwoofer will sound different depending on its position in the room, therefore you need to find the optimal spot.

A general advantage of subwoofers is, that you can position it independent from the main speakers. Because where your main speakers deliver the best imaging is not necessarily the best spot for the bass.

There is no general rule for the optimal position in the room bacause rooms are too different regarding their size as well as nature (thickness of the walls, material of the walls and the floor, furniture etc.). However, there are some rules that should be followed:

The subwoofer should be placed not too far away from the main speakers
The subwoofer should not be placed directly at a wall or corner. We recommend a minimum distance of 20cm
The subwoofer should be placed with similar distance from the listening position compared to the main speakers in order to not ruin the timing (unless you correct the distance electronically via DSP, e.g. within an AV-processor).

A specialty of the MusikBass is the focused radiation of the sound because of the RiPol-principle. Unlike "regular" subbwoofers it therefore does make a difference how you toe in the MusikBass towards your listening position. That means you can affect the sound by using different angles, e.g. towed in towards the listening position or a position parallel to two walls.

Some subwoofer amplifier modules, like the ones ModalAkustik offers, allow adjustments of frequency response and phase. Correctly applied that can be a mighty instrument to adjust the sound, but it does not substitute finding the optimal position. You should follow the basic principle: First find the right position and then make electronic adjustments, if necessary.