Line vs. Speaker Level

raymeedc
raymeedc Posts: 10
edited March 2009 in Basic Hookup/Wiring Questions
I'm a newbie with subwoofers. What's the difference between line & speaker level hookups? Are both possible with vintage amps? (I have Kenwood KA-9100, KA-7100, KA-8006, KA-5700).
Post edited by raymeedc on
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited March 2009
    Line level is low voltage like from a pre amp and utilize RCA connectors.Speaker,or high level inputs are driven from the speaker outputs of an amp or reciever.
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  • ShinAce
    ShinAce Posts: 1,194
    edited March 2009
    Line level inputs are always available on the amp.

    Most sub amps also have speaker level inputs, so that you can just add it to an existing 2 speaker setup. By using the speaker level inputs, you're insinuating that there is no RCA output on whatever is giving you a signal.

    You can also buy what's called a line-level converter. It's usually used in car audio where the deck only has speaker outputs. The converter lets the headunit play the speakers normally while giving you an RCA signal to feed some amps.
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  • raymeedc
    raymeedc Posts: 10
    edited March 2009
    Which is preferable, & why? My Kenwood KA-9100 has pre-amp outs. Is this the only way line connections can be made, or is it also possible with conventional amps without pre-amp outs?
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  • ShinAce
    ShinAce Posts: 1,194
    edited March 2009
    Pre-amp outputs are preferable, when the source can output them. Signals are meant to be line level between devices.

    Let me confirm again, speaker level inputs are a band-aid fix.

    p.s. the amp doesn't have pre-amp outs, it has pre-amp ins. Your deck(or cd player, or receiver) is the one with the pre-amp outs.
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