Home Theater Pass Thru Sub Connection

[J.R.E.]

I’m building a combo system with an 5.1 AVR for a HT with pass thru to a 2ch stereo Integrated Amp for stereo. I want to use the subwoofer for both the HT and the 2ch stereo, so my question is: how to connect the sub to the system? If the sub is connected to the pre-out on the IA, will the IA separate the sub signal pass-thru feed from the R & L channels from the AVR and send it to the sub? Or should I find a splitter And connect both the AVR & IA into one cable into the sub.

2nd question: The subwoofer is a B&W and has only RCA connections. Should I use analog RCA cables or coax cables with plug adapters?

 

[lovinthehd]

The point of using such a setup I thought was to have "2 channel purity" whatever that is. What integrated amp? You plan on readjusting the sub between the two units everytime you want to use one box vs the other?

The sub connections are analog rca, but you could use a "digital" coaxial rca cable easily enough.

 

[J.R.E.]

The point of using such a setup I thought was to have "2 channel purity" whatever that is. What integrated amp? You plan on readjusting the sub between the two units everytime you want to use one box vs the other?

The sub connections are analog rca, but you could use a "digital" coaxial rca cable easily enough.

First, thank you for taking the time to help me out!
You make a good point about the ‘purity’ of 2ch....I hadn’t considered that, or the requisite adjustment between amps as I’m somewhat new to this and was just looking to enhance the experience. I will set up the system w/ the sub connected to the AVR only and listen to both as you recommend.

Here is the complete system:
Anthem mrx520 AVR
Arcam sa20 Integrated Amp
Bowers & Wilkins CM6 towers, CMC ctr, ASW675 sub
Oppo BDP103

Any thoughts about these components? I already own the speakers & disc player, but have not yet purchased the AVR / IA.

Finally, I’ll use a pair of analog RCAs for the AVR, but what are the pros/cons vs. a digital coax?

Again, Thanks!

 

[lovinthehd]

Personally I'd just use the avr and skip the integrated amp (or move the integrated on to another set of speakers) and use the system for both music and movies, I do this in several systems. I'd probably skip Anthem avrs and stick to Denon/Marantz or maybe Yamaha for better value. If I really wanted more amp than the avr, then I'd rely on an avr with pre-outs so I could add an appropriate power amp as needed.

There's little difference between the types of rca you're talking about, they're generally interchangeable; digital coax may have a spec of 75ohm, but won't really matter for your sub. Some analog rca cables have minimal shielding, for a longer run to a sub you'd probably want a well shielded cable.