Combining pre-amp outputs => Is it possible?

BeRad

I have hope, but think I may be out of luck. My mains run through an amp which gets the signal from the pre-out on the avr.

Question:
Can I split the L and R pre-outs (one pair for amp, one pair for sub) and THEN combine the sub L & R into a single RCA connection to be used on the sub's LFE input? Can I combine at the AVR and then split again at the sub and use the L & R line-level inputs on the sub?

I had a brain-**** while running my in-wall setup and only ran one rca for the sub. It is a long run away from the equipment. I just want some lows when listening to 2 channel audio but feel I've dealt myself a 7-2 off, with only paint on the flop!

[Deleted User]

Hello,
I wouldn't recommend combining the left and right line level inputs at the sub. This would dramatically reduce the channel separation at your main amplifier. Since you are sending a full range signal to the sub just pick either the right or left channel input on the sub. Since low frequency information is recorded equally in the right and left channels either connection will provide a signal to the sub.
A question, however? Does your pre-amp have a dedicated sub-out connection? If so, you could send that signal in to the LFE input on the sub. If not the above method will work fine.
Cheers, Ken

BeRad

Thanks. I wasn't sure if the low end was equal on the L and R channels or not. I don't want to use the sub-out anymore because my avr doesn't use it when listening to 2 CH stereo (cdp or phono).

John K.

BR, it's highly unlikely that your receiver won't send a signal to the sub from the sub out in 2-channel stereo. Although you don't mention what you have, most(all?)modern HT receivers, certainly all the major makes, have a setting to do just that. You should study your manual carefully, but the general procedure is to set the sub on or yes, set the mains "small" with an 80Hz or other suitable crossover, and select the stereo mode(don't select a "pure" or "direct" mode if your receiver doesn't do bass management in those modes).

Then the "only" coaxial cable that you ran in-wall is the only one needed to connect the sub out to the LFE in. The bass management will be superior, with the mains rolled off below the frequency set in the receiver and the sub rolled off above that frequency. You should use the second method which Ken suggested.

BeRad

I think that the "pure direct" thing was the problem. Seems to be working now using LFE on the 2ch stereo setting.

cseils

Also, the sub pre-out on my avr is only a single rca, this is pretty standard. I have mine split right before the sub inputs as recommended in the manual.

Sounds like you may not have that, or you wouldn't be this bummed. But hey, now you have room to upgrade.