Fosi Audio TP-02 as an active crossover

[Kwikfab]

Long time audiophile, but long out of the game.

Recently put together a new garage setup with components I scored for cheap -

Peachtree Nova integrated
Polk TSI100 speakers
Definitive Technology Supercube 2000 subwoofer

Received my Fosi Audio TP-02 mono subwoofer amplifier with the intent to use it as an active crossover; let me explain.

My Peachtree Nova integreated has full-range preamp outputs with no dedicated subwoofer output. My subwoofer has a single LFE input with no built-in low pass filter.

My goal was to use the TP-02 subwoofer output for providing low frequency effects to my subwoofer, however I did not see in the manual what the volume setting should be used to act as a simple "signal out" without adding gain/distortion.

Is anyone using this amplifier for such a thing?

I know many subwoofers have a variety of inputs (from L/R to speaker level inputs) but this is one situation where mine doesn't.

 

[Kwikfab]

The new integrated just arrived, it's the DA-2120C.



It was that or the BT-30D since my requirements were power, a dedicated subwoofer output, and built-in DAC since I'm often running a digital signal to my equipment. The latter of the two would require me to run bluetooth, something that wasn't as important to me as a DAC is.

Granted the DA-2120C is meant as a budget setup, I was hoping the paper specs would live up to the hype.

At 80w/ch running at 8ohms, I expected to get a similar "oomph" that my old Nova provided. It's only rated for 80w/ch when running at 6ohms so much closer to only 60w/ch running 8ohm speakers.



However, running the same music back to back between both setups, there's a clear difference between the two. Connected to the DA-2120C, the sound feels really flat.

I don't know if this is due to the different DAC or not, but stringed instruments didn't sound as lively as they do hooked up to the Nova. The Nova runs an ESS 9006 Sabre which is a big step above the DA-2120C's CS8422.

Anyway, I can't really complain given the price point. It's got all the inputs just about anyone would need, it's affordable, and it's really compact. All things that anyone can appreciate in a garage setup.

Now I can relocate the Nova elsewhere and send back the TP-02 I was using as an active crossover.