Subs in our 2ch rigs

organ

I don't want this to turn into a forum fight (I know some of you hate subs for 2ch) but was just wondering if you guys run a line level from the pre to your subs for 2ch?

I've been doing this for a long time and just recently tried using speaker cables running in parallel at the amp's output terminals. So one set goes to the speakers and the other to the sub. I noticed that this set up allowed my sub to blend in better with the mains. Anybody try this? Not sure if it's because the sub is picking up the amp's sound signature instead of just the pre or it's a phase thing between the sub and mains.

audiobliss

So you're sending an amplified signal to your sub? I obviously have no idea, but that just doesn't sound good.

organ

All powered subs accept this. It just takes a tiny amount of current which gets sent to the sub's internal amp. A standard connection for every subwoofer. The voltage levels on both runs are the same but very little current travels on the sub's cable.

I-SIG

I'm running the my SVS on the second output of my DLC. With some patience, a spreadsheet, port plugs, and SPL meter, I've got it blended quite well. I'm flat between about 100hz and 60hz with about a 4-6dB rise from 60 down to 25hz. What more can you ask for?

Wes

jmierzur

Not getting into the debate of the benefits of using sub(s) in any system, I initially ran mine with the speaker level connection. Then I tried using the plate amp line level connections, preamp to sub then to amp.

When I purchased my Dynaudio speakers, I decided to try using a dbx 120x which has a line level active crossover plus other bass features I do not currently use. Inserting an active crossover was a significant improvement over any of the above connection methods. I am only dissappointed in the fact I did not use this sooner as I have had this component for a very long time.

venomclan

Hi Organ,
I used to run My RT16's and PSW150 the same way. At first I ran an RCA from my sub out on my old receiver, then I switched to parallel runs of speaker cables and there was an immediate increase in sub quality and integration.

There is nothing wrong with running the sub this way. As long as you have an active sub, it will not hurt the amp in any way or effect it's impedence.
Venom

dorokusai

Yes. I've never had blending problems with any speakers.

steveinaz

I've heard that some people like the sound better when run that way. I ran mine (when I had one) line level from my looping pre-outs on my Parasound amp.

miner

On my 2 ch setup using a Rotel RC-1090 pre and RB-1092 amp, I am running a pair of LFE from my pre (2nd outs) to my sub (but not looping back to my amp). My mains are B&W 804 & sub is B&W ASW800. My subs internal Xover is set at 50 Hz.

amulford

at this point I have not had to, but I wouldn't hesitate..

BobMcG

I've always used the second set of pre-outs for this duty. You get it blended right and you're good to go. With full range floor standing speakers all you're doing is augmenting the deepest lows. I listen sometimes with and sometimes without the sub. It depends on what I'm listening to, at what level and just plain what kinda mood I'm in. That's the one thing about it.... you can turn it up and down, on or off. Amazing thing. Modern technology that is.

organ

OK, I think some of you misunderstood my post or I didn't make it clear.

I didn't mean, sub to main blending. I meant the 'tone' of the sub and mains. I've never had a problem blending in the mains and sub but there were times when I was able to tell the sub's sound signature was completely different than the mains when running line level. With speaker wires, their tonal characteristic had a better match.

Early B.

At the risk of asking a dumb question, here goes -- if you have a tube amp that has 4 ohm and 8 ohm speaker terminals, can you connect your 8 ohm speakers and run speaker cables from a passive sub to the 4 ohm terminals?

TroyD

I wouldn't recommend it.

RuSsMaN

Never use more than one tap on a tube amp's outputs.

NEVER.

Here Here for the Polk hookup method Maurice. They've touted speaker (high) level connections for years. Me? I'm still an unbalanced RCA fan, but have NO issues integrating a sub (though I haven't always felt that way from a purist standpoint) - it just takes a little effort, and can make for a very satisfying listening experience.

Cheers,
Russ

I-SIG

organ wrote:

OK, I think some of you misunderstood my post or I didn't make it clear.

I didn't mean, sub to main blending. I meant the 'tone' of the sub and mains. I've never had a problem blending in the mains and sub but there were times when I was able to tell the sub's sound signature was completely different than the mains when running line level. With speaker wires, their tonal characteristic had a better match.

Maybe, maybe not.

When I can hear the sub, it's usually because I forgot to turn it back down after a movie. I think the gain makes a huge difference.

Wes

michael_w

I stick to the second set of unbalanced preouts on my pre. I tried the high level route once but found it to be messy (tons of extra wire) and a PITA in general. I didn't really notice a big enough difference so I decided to go the cleaner way and went back to the preouts.

sucks2beme

I just retired the Paradigm towers and went with Snell bookshelf speakers and a 10" sealed Kef sub. I'm using the rca pre outs to the sub and back into the power amp. I'm able to get a very good blend on this setup.
The weakest part of the Snells was low end. They drop off quickly at 65 hz.
The crossover at the sub is set for 80 hz.
I tried the sub with the Paradigm 11se and could never get it to blend.
The Paradigm's really didn't really need the sub either.
I'll never get the concert level volumes that the old setup could reach, but for
general listening, especially vocals, this setup is much better.