Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Use VELODYNE DD-18 with a 518 processor & 500 CD?

Ello Mates,

I have a 518 processor & 500 CD with 2 DSP5000s.

Can I connect the 518 or 500 to my VELODYNE DD-18 (currently used in my analogue system) for more bass in my 2 channel listening, and if so, HOW?

Dave

Dave,

The 518 and the 500 only have digital outs. Your sub only has analogue inputs. You'd need to add an analogue stage at some point to control the volume, which at present is handled by your DSPs. You could add a 561 or 568 so that you could feed your sub from the analogue out and your DSPs from the digital outs.

I dn't know your budget, but I wonder whether you might not be better served by upgrading your speakers to a better DSP. Your sub is so large I worry that it is going to be underutilized in a two-channel system with DSP5ks. I suppose it depends what you are listening to.

Going to a DSP6k (they seem to be very cheap in the US when you can find them) or a DSP7k (or 7200) might achieve the better bass you're seeking but in a more balanced way.

There was a discussion about speaker hierarchy last year, you'll find the HHers thoughts here: https://www.meridianunplugged.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=130871

Since you have 18 bit speakers, you could add a 565 very cheaply.

The DD-18 has DSP built in so I dare say it can be tuned to match the 5000's to good effect.

Cheers
Greg

I think Dave used to have a setup based around DSP6000. It cannot play loud enough for his den though.

568's are cheap as chips these days, I would grab one of them.

568 into 5000s sounds much nicer than the 518 into them imho.

Plus you have a proper sub out with crossover etc.

If you are confident with the tools (or crazy), you could pop the lower drive unit out of each DSP5000 and attach a signal cable across each ones terminals.

Route the signal cables out of each DSP5000 (through the port so you don't have to drill any holes), wire each signal cable to the high level inputs of the DD-18.

The Sub will track the system volume as it's taking it's feed from the DSPs power amp.

This will work and is effectively free.

I would try it, but I have; 1, the training, 2, the skills and 3, a mind that comes up with 'different' solutions...

Good luck,

Steve.

That is actually a really good idea.

I have a pair of 18 bit 5000s up for sale and a pair of Rel Strata's sitting doing nothing, I am also off this week so may pop to Maplins and buy a socket to add to the back of the speaker.

Does anyone have the wiring diagram for the amp board, easier to take the signal from that rather than routing the cable back into the rear chamber of the speaker where the amp sits.



Edit: would taking the hi level signal to a hi level input on a sub change the load on the speaker and alter the output??

And they said I was mad...


Speaker is 8 ohms maximum, amplifier input is at least 10,000 ohms, probably 47,000 ohms
There will be no discernible drop in level on the drive unit (if it did, the sub would do this to a passive pair of speakers in it's normal operating mode).

I thought routing the cable out of the port would be the easiest (no drilling) and easily reversible. I'd assume the drive units share the same space as the port so attaching to the bottom one would also be easy.

Good Luck!!

Steve.

Just one point, if you do try this, it might be an idea to check that the - speaker input on the sub isn't grounded (it shouldn't be!).

Steve.

+1, the man's a genius. The DD-18 has left and right speaker level inputs, so you could run a line from both speakers into it.

Slight snag, I guess the speaker will not be sending a full range signal to that driver, it will be high passed I would guess?

Where is the crossover?

I presume the DSP/Pre amp section sets the crossover points and then that signal is sent onto the amp?

So probably no where to grab a full range signal from?