Adding subwoofer to Audioengine A2

[Zubrowka]

My first post and I'm a newbie to the audio world so go easy.

I'd like to add a subwoofer to my Audioengine A2 speakers.

I'm currently leaning towards a SVS PB-1000 (also considered HSU and the Rythmik LV12R - more than I'd like to pay).

I'm still not fully confident I understand how the setup would work, despite reading several threads.

This guy says run an RCA cable from the A2 to the sub, seems easy:

AudioEngine A2 & SUBWOOFER : Secret - YouTube

And audioengine says this:

"you can also connect an external sub if you wish (or connect Audioengine speakers to your sub's line-level output). You can even connect our wireless AW1 adapter to the A2 or A5 powered speakers for a wireless subwoofer!"

The SVS has a "Stereo line-level RCA Input & 80Hz High Pass Filtered Output connections" and a "Continuously variable low pass filter frequency"

So the low pass filter would weaken the high frequencies going to the sub and the high pass filter output connections would weaken frequencies below 80 going back to the A2? Am I understanding this correctly, and will it work reasonably?

Thanks!

 

[markw]

You have it basically correct.

A low pass filter passes low frequencies and blocks high frequencies. This is what you want for a subwoofer signal.

As you might guess, a high filter does just the opposite. You don't need lows going to your audioengine speakers.

The audioengine directions will work perfectly well with the Hsu sub.

 

[agarwalro]

The method in the video works perfectly for the 3.5mm input. If you needed to use Input B, the RCA L, R, simply put 2 female to female Y-splitters on the signal cable and run a second RCA cable to the sub.
Something like this,

What is your source connection?

 

[Zubrowka]

Currently I have the 3.5 mm jack running from my TV to the Input B on the A2. I play music from my laptop through my TV using a apple airport express. Sometimes I just connect the speakers directly to my laptop. So I guess I would connect the A2 to the sub using the RCA jacks.

 

[markw]

In your case, I woud connect your source to the RCA input jacks on the subwoofer and the A2 units to the RCA output jacks on your sub.

 

[Zubrowka]

Interesting, thanks for the tip!

Out of curiosity what would be the advantage of this method over connecting my source to the A2?

 

[agarwalro]

Interesting, thanks for the tip!

Out of curiosity what would be the advantage of this method over connecting my source to the A2?

The RCA outs on the sub will give you signal at higher frequency than the crossover. Aka. bass management.

In your case, I woud connect your source to the RCA input jacks on the subwoofer and the A2 units to the RCA output jacks on your sub.

Good call!