How do subs sound with high level inputs?

swegyptian

So I am thinking about getting a new integrated amp to replace my preamp/amp setup, to simplify things due to moving to a smaller house. I am looking at the Onkyo A9555 and Pioneer Elite SXA9J. I can get the Onkyo for a bit less, and the reviews are really great, but it has no preamp out. So I wold need to run the sub from high level. I could hook it up to speaker B, but will this reduce sound Q for the sub? The Pioneer has preouts, but costs more, and doesn't have much in the way of reviews. Thoughts?

Thanks,
Alex

madmax

On really high end subs a high level input is provided so the characteristic sound of the amp feeding the main speakers is produced by the sub as well. There is nothing worse than different characteristics from different parts of the speaker system. Many lower end subs also provide the same thing but for a different reason which is so someone who does not have pre-out on their lower cost equipment can still use their sub.

After much thought I would never want to use low level inputs if high level inputs are available. This comes from my perspective of high quality 2 channel audiophile listening so home theater people may feel differently, I'll let them comment on HT.
madmax

swegyptian

Do you think that a subwoofer's ability to perform with high level or low level inputs varies by model? I have hooked up one cheap sub in the past with high level, and I thought it sounded pretty miserable compared to the low level.

madmax

I believe it can. More importantly it can vary due to the amp driving it depending on how clean the amp is. If the main amp isn't that good you may do better by using a low level input.