Important: Please Read! - Proper usage of outputs and Y connectors

Serendipity

I am posting this in the Clubhouse because I have seen various confusion about outputs and Y-connectors and feel that this post could save you from destroying your gear:

Outputs are low impedance and MUST only be connected to high impedance inputs.

Never connect two outputs together, whether it be via a Y-cord, by connecting two preamp outputs together, or by connecting two amplifiers to a single speaker.

I have seen various posts about connecting outputs together, such as to "combine" the left and right outputs of a component to feed a sub, or to use two preamps with a single amp. I have also personally seen an iPod with a 1/8" to RCA cable connected to a Y-cord summing the Left and Right channels together to feed a mono mixing console. A Y-cord cannot be used to sum two signals together by itself!

Please, for the sake of your gear, don't do this! Hope this helps.

Tankman

^^^^^^+1.I have a feeling that some people have done this with AVR's and Pre-amp's too use one sub with two outputs.I have been seeing a lot of powered subs with blown amps.This will do it.Great post!Newbee's take note of the post above.

Toolfan66

I have been using a Y off my AVR to run 2 subs for 3 years with no problems..

Serendipity

Toolfan66 wrote: »

I have been using a Y off my AVR to run 2 subs for 3 years with no problems..

That is fine, and not a problem. Summing the L/R signals together is.

You are splitting the signal to run 2 subs from the LFE output.

Tankman

True,but i have seen some people who use say a AVR and a say Pre-amp run a sub cable from the sub out from both units to a Y and then to one sub.You can get the negetive feed back from the sub back too the amp or AVR that is off.Not good.

Serendipity

^^ yeah, don't do that.

The unit that is off will present a load to the other unit's outputs and result in diminished sound quality.

obieone

In other words...:razz:




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Serendipity

From my experience, it is better to just go from your receiver or pre/pro's LFE out to the sub and then use a "2 channel bypass" setting for music listening. In Pure Audio mode, the sub is bypassed unless you select stereo mode.

Personally wish more HT receivers and pre/pros had 2 channel bypass with setup flexibility, so you can route the bass to the main speakers (true 2 channel) and not need to purchase a separate preamp. I like pre/pros because of their ability to integrate with many other devices in a system.

With so much talk about HT bypass I would prefer 2 channel bypass (i.e. Pure Audio = Straight with no sub) with Zone 2 capability. Not many units have this due to the single DAC chip and therefore, may encourage misuse of Y connectors.