Sub connect: line in or high level in?

[Desert Toad]

Howdy gang!

So I've just hooked up my Klipsh RW-10d sub to my Yamaha 5990 receiver, and was just wondering what the best way to hook it up is. I've just run rca cables from my the 5990 to sub via pre out to the line in. Would it be better to use the high level inputs? If so, the sub manual says to go from the main speaker output on the receiver, which output would that be?

Also, is the auto setup on the Yamaha with the mic about the best adjustment?

thanks a ton,

DT

 

[Johnd]

What kind of speakers do you have?

Typically, the sub out is the best method if your main speakers have ample quality low end.

 

[Desert Toad]

Wow, you're fast!

I have the Klipsch RF-52 towers. My receiver only has a single sub out. So I should plug that into the L line input on the sub with a single rca cable? Not sure I really understand the sub controls yet, only my second day. It has a few adjustment settings on the top via a lcd screen - volume, LFE, lowpass, and a couple of others.

thanks.

DT

 

[Johnd]

Wow, you're fast!

I have the Klipsch RF-52 towers. My receiver only has a single sub out. So I should plug that into the L line input on the sub with a single rca cable? Not sure I really understand the sub controls yet, only my second day. It has a few adjustment settings on the top via a lcd screen - volume, LFE, lowpass, and a couple of others.

thanks.

DT

What difference does it make if your receiver has only one sub out? This is the norm. If you ever obtain a second sub, you can get a splitter so they both operate.

I would use an rg-59 or rg-6 cable from the receiver to the sub.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Yes just plug in to one connection from the AVR.

What has a few adjustments? You should set the crossover on the sub as high as it will go and use the AVR crossover (start around 80hz) Also set all your speakers to small and then do a level calibration.

Wow, you're fast!

I have the Klipsch RF-52 towers. My receiver only has a single sub out. So I should plug that into the L line input on the sub with a single rca cable? Not sure I really understand the sub controls yet, only my second day. It has a few adjustment settings on the top via a lcd screen - volume, LFE, lowpass, and a couple of others.

thanks.

DT

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

My receiver only has a single sub out. So I should plug that into the L line input on the sub with a single rca cable?
DT

You can get a Y-Cable.
http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/cab_y_about.html

 

[fmw]

I would use an rg-59 or rg-6 cable from the receiver to the sub.

Why? At audio frequencies we don't really want a lot cable impedance.

 

[markw]

Huh?

Why? At audio frequencies we don't really want a lot cable impedance.

What do you think the impedance of "official" audio cables is, anyway?

You're only talking 75 ohms. Actually, audio cables are a lot less finicky than video and RF, but 75 ohms seems to be the de facto standard nowadays for all cables, due to economy of scale in manufacture.

Actually, audio cables have historically been higher and 110 ohms was not uncommon in the old days.

 

[markw]

Is ther some treason you don't want to use the LFE on the receiver?

Howdy gang!

So I've just hooked up my Klipsh RW-10d sub to my Yamaha 5990 receiver, and was just wondering what the best way to hook it up is. I've just run rca cables from my the 5990 to sub via pre out to the line in. Would it be better to use the high level inputs? If so, the sub manual says to go from the main speaker output on the receiver, which output would that be?

Also, is the auto setup on the Yamaha with the mic about the best adjustment?

thanks a ton,

DT

...assuming it has one, that is.

If you use the LFE, you have no choice but to use the sub's line level input. Either crank the sub's crossover to as high as it can go or, if you have the option, simply switch it out of the circuit.

If you don't use the LFE, you can pretty much rule out there auto calibration routines.

 

[jcPanny]

Coax cable

Why? At audio frequencies we don't really want a lot cable impedance.

Don't confuse the characteristic impedance of coax cable (approx 75 ohms depending on type) with cable resistance. The 75 ohm characteristic impedance allows an impedance match between the transmitter (receiver sub out), cable, and the receiver (sub) to prevent reflections and other noise from effecting the digital signal.

When selecting speaker wire, the total resistance is the critical specification to ensure that the receiver/amp power is transferred to the speaker coil and not disipated by the wiring. 14 AWG and 12 AWG copper work well for most applications due to their low resistance per foot.

Also FYI, good quality line level audio and digital audio cables are made with coax. So are analog video cables.