How would an expert connect this system?

jimmyzen

This pertains to my stereo listening system. I have posted this previously in another section and only got one response I wasn't comfortable with. How would you connect the following components for optimal audio:
2 Polk RTi 12s speakers
2 Polk PSW 1000 subwoofers
2 Carver TFM 35x amplifiers that can operate in 2 channel stereo at 250 wpc or as mono blocks, bridged at 700 watts each.
I haven't wired in the secound sub yet and currently the amp speaker outs feed the sub speaker in and the sub speaker out drive the RTI 12s. My main musical listening would be generically considered rock and jazz.

treitz3

How many line level variable outputs does the pre have?

jimmyzen

treitz3 wrote: »

How many line level variable outputs does the pre have?

Just a single set. Right now I have the RTi s fed from one of the subs in a standard amp speaker out to sub speaker in, sub speaker out to main speakers arrangement. I have a set of RCA Y splitters from the preamp out one of which feed the amps and the other to the line in of the second sub.

treitz3

OK, you have a setup much like mine, only you are adding one more PSW1000. Here's what I would suggest...

Source>preamplifier. Now, at the preamplifier install "Y" cable [L+R] for two separate routes.

Route 1 from "Y"> line level in to 1st PSW1000> line level out to 1st Carver TFM-35x> speaker level out to upper binding posts only [L+R, remove jumper].

Route 2 from "Y"> line level in to 2nd PSW1000> line level out to 2nd Carver TFM-35x> speaker level out to lower binding posts only [L+R again, jumper removed].

This will improve the damping factor from the Carver's and you will still be able to utilize the crossovers on [both] the subs. Each one will receive the full spectrum of frequencies, so you can have a little more play room with rooms that are not anechoic.

jimmyzen

Am I correct in this interpretation of what you are suggesting? In this set up you are running the amps as individual 250 wpc stereo units and bi-amping the RTi s. The subs are between the preamp out and amp ins. When I run the amps bridged (700 wpc) as I have them now, I only use the left input of each amp.

treitz3

jimmyzen wrote:

Am I correct in this interpretation of what you are suggesting? In this set up you are running the amps as individual 250 wpc stereo units and bi-amping the RTi s. The subs are between the preamp out and amp ins.

Yes.

jimmyzen

treitz3 wrote: »

Yes.

I have a temporary hookup until I get to the store for more cables. I also have one amp out for service that's due back this week. Right now I have a single amp running in stereo wired the PSW1000 #1 speaker inputs. The RTi s are connected to that sub's speaker outputs. I installed Y connectors on the preamp's outputs. one leg from each channel goe to the amp per a normal hookup. The second leg of each channel goes to the Line In of PSW1000 #2. The sound level between the two subs is so different with the same settings I didn't think #2 was even working. While I could feel the air moving from sub #1's speakers from a few feet away I had to put my ear down by #2's speakers to make sure it was working. That's a pretty huge volume difference and increasing the volume on #2 didn't do much to even remotely approach #1's overall level. I wouldn't have expected that much difference in connection vs. volume through a common amplifier. That may be why I liked its sound better when I only had the #1 sub and switched from the way #2 is currently wired to the way #1 is wired now. (in an earlier post I commented on how much better I liked the sound with that way of connecting it) Why so much volume level difference between the connections? I know speaker level voltages are larger than line level ones but I would have thought that the amplifier would have some equalization circuitry.

If I was to wire each channel with the respective amps in stereo mode to the speaker ins of each sub and then use the speaker outs into the RTi s and wire them in a faux bi-amped mode (L = upper terminals and R = lower terminals) would that be OK as far as audio quality goes or would something be overstated? I'm still going to try it the way you suggested first and run it that way for a week or so before trying it the way I mentioned above. Unless someone has a good reason not to....:)