Sub Hookup - Dual RCA or Single Sub Cable with Splitter? (music)

msg

You guys have any preference for sub hookup? I've been spending a bit of time recently reading a bit about subs. I understand that many prefer high-level inputs with subs for music.

If speaker-level is not an option:

• With a single sub, is dual RCAs better than a single subwoofer cable with a splitter for L/R RCAs at the sub?
• Or does it not matter, generally?
• Should one use two cables designed for subwoofer use?

May have an opportunity to try stereo subs, which I've always been curious about. I like this idea of multiple smaller subs vs a single large one. As I understand it, smaller subs are supposed to be faster than larger ones? Is this true or a wive's tale (old or otherwise)?

I'm curious about servo subs, but won't get to scratch that itch for a while yet.

Clipdat

I believe it depends on the application. Since most pre-outs are a single RCA, I would use an adapter like this if your sub has L & R RCA inputs:



Otherwise, just using the "L" input on the sub should be adequate. I'm not sure there's any "right" way to do this.

Regarding your question about smaller subs being faster, I recently watched this video which touched on the subject of a subwoofer's "speed":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eS_pNH2jrvY

halo

I use the speaker cables from my integrated amp to the sub's speaker cable binding posts.

If I had to use an RCA cable, I would connect it to the L on the back or get an adapter as Drew mentioned above

stevep

If your source has a subwoofer/LFE output you would split that using a male to 2 female RCA like this. https://www.amazon.com/Mediabridge-ULTRA-RCA-Y-Adapter-Inches/dp/B005DL2OVE/ref=pd_sbs_23_4/144-4914168-9672702 The typical mono input at the sub is the Left (sometimes marked LFE) but check the manual.

If your source doesn't have a sub output but has pre-outs for L and R, you will have to feed each sub with both the left and right line level signals so a pair of these plus a stereo RCA to each sub should do the job.

If you don't have any pre-outs then you'll need a High-Level Speaker Signal to Low-Level RCA Adapter, subs with speaker level inputs, or a new source.