Main amp or Sub amp?

PolknPepsi

When my self powered sub is hooked via the binding posts from my amp does it bypass the sub amp?

It's time to try experimenting with RCA versus speaker level again just to see if it's any better. I'm stuck with using the sub crossover because my Denon receiver unfortunatly does not have a sub output. Really, I haven't messed with it much since it was first set up and now that I'm used to it maybe I can make it better.

........Thanks

gatemplin

PolknPepsi wrote:

When my self powered sub is hooked via the binding posts from my amp does it bypass the sub amp?

Nope.

PolknPepsi

So........it's really not putting a load on my amp right?

I am trying to get as much out of this amp as I can for my speakers.

gatemplin

Right, basically no load on the Denon.

McLoki

gatemplin wrote:

Right, basically no load on the Denon.

I thought it still saw the load but it was not a speaker load.

i.e. the sub amp still powered the speaker, but dennon would still drive a full range load and the sub would just absorb the power from the denon w/o using it. (basically just absorbing the load and dropping it down to RCA level for the sub amp to use.)

I could be off on this, but I though the was the general consensus from an earlier thread on the same subject.

Michael.

PolknPepsi

McLoki wrote:

(basically just absorbing the load and dropping it down to RCA level for the sub amp to use.)

That's what I sort of thought.....maybe it converts it to a lower voltage signal or something.

And by by the way...the Denon amp is unused and is only being used as a processor to switch to different sources, the Sonograph amp is really the power. I have it hooked up the best I know how....any other ideas would be appreciated.

gatemplin

McLoki wrote:

I thought it still saw the load but it was not a speaker load.

i.e. the sub amp still powered the speaker, but dennon would still drive a full range load and the sub would just absorb the power from the denon w/o using it. (basically just absorbing the load and dropping it down to RCA level for the sub amp to use.)

I could be off on this, but I though the was the general consensus from an earlier thread on the same subject.

Michael.

Yes, the amp still sees a load. Grab a DVOM and check the high level inputs on the sub for resistance. It is usually around 5000-10000 ohms. This input load is in parallel with the speaker load.

So resistance total for 8 ohm speakers and the sub is:

1/R(total) = 1/R(speakers) + 1/R(sub) = 1/8 +1/10000

R(total) = 8 ohms

So there is a small load, but the main amp doesn't know the difference.

PolknPepsi

That's a relief......I just need a bigger amp for those good movies..

Even though my speakers are rated 100+ for sensitivity the woofers still drop to 2.8 ohms which is pretty low.

gatemplin

PolknPepsi wrote:

That's a relief......I just need a bigger amp for those good movies..

Even though my speakers are rated 100+ for sensitivity the woofers still drop to 2.8 ohms which is pretty low.

If 2.8 ohms is the minimum inpedance, that is quite low, but the amount of current required by the amp at reasonable volumes would still be low considering the speakers' efficiency.

dpowell

I try to avoid amplifying a signal twice since it just introduces more opportunity for distortion. RCA to any of my subs produces a better, cleaner bass signal than when I use the speaker connections.

PolknPepsi

Do you have any suggestions for getting an RCA signal to the sub? The preout on my receiver is being used by the amp.

Ahhh, Maybe a splitter?

dpowell

I guess a splitter would be the only option to try. Play with it and see how it works out. I've used splitters successfully in the past. The way I currently have the system wired, I don't need them.

PolknPepsi

I'm pulling my hair out trying to find a decent quality splitter at www.partsexpress.com and I'm not having any luck. Any suggestions?

Finally! found them.