Using Carver TFM amps for passive subs.

Along the same lines of this thread --
I don't have a sub or need a sub in my TT system as the mains handle it.

Still, I have 3 channels going wasted there on my 400x5.
How could I make use of that wasted power on a passive sub? I see those subs in the photo are not too high, and look very hard core -

Makes me wonder if I step up to a Cinema Grand Signature Series II 5 channel amp and use it for my front 3 (Polk LSi's) and then use the other 2 channels for 2 passive subs and run my surrounds off my Integra DTR 5.9.



So thinking out loud about how I would possibly EQ the subs using my current gear. Would I run the LFE to something like a SMS-1 and split it from there to 2 channels on the amp, and from the amps to the passives....

You can't have everything, all the time. IF you don't stress every channel of the multi-channel amps, they will treat you right. But realized you can't expect the maximum from every channel at once; it's just not physically possible. There are @ 1800 watts available from a 15 amp circuit, IF it's dedicated. That's IF the amplification device is at or near 100% efficient (which it isn't). If you want to run 50-60% power out of all channels simultaneously, then you're probably going to be just fine.

You can't have everything, all the time. IF you don't stress every channel of the multi-channel amps, they will treat you right. But realized you can't expect the maximum from every channel at once; it's just not physically possible. There are @ 1800 watts available from a 15 amp circuit, IF it's dedicated. That's IF the amplification device is at or near 100% efficient (which it isn't). If you want to run 50-60% power out of all channels simultaneously, then you're probably going to be just fine.

Yeah, right now its mostly low level listening. I havent ever maxed out the Carver 705x I have, and its got a bunch less wpc than any of the amps I am looking at.

I would more than likely be at 50-60 % volume MAX, and honestly be closer to 30-40.

The question here is.....how LOUD do you NEED to play it??? I would think 90-100db should be plenty loud enough.....much more than that and you will damage your hearing over time. 1000W should be good for @ 140db unless the speaker is REALLY inefficient. Maybe you need to look at some more efficient speakers?

More efficient and accurate sub you say? Check out the VMPS Larger. NASA approves it for all frequencies at 104Db down to 20Hz faithfully. Why wouldn't you?

BTW, if you want it to dig to 10 Hz and not be as accurate? You can do that as well but you will need the insane amount of available power you have been seeking.

I dont need it that loud so honestly using 2 channels of the Grand Cinema Signature might just solve my problem TBH.


Get a great 5 channel amp, and then let the AVR handle ALL surrounds, and the amp my front 3 + both subs.

i'm running a tfm 55 bridged to my sub and this folded horn pounds really hard

i have had a tfm35 to 55 on 4-12" woofers for almost 16 or so years.