Best way to connect Subwoofer into 2 channel system

[erpauls]

I have the Cambridge Audio Azur 841N and 851W.
Speakers are Chane A5s
Sub is SVS 1000pro

I'm looking for the best way to connect the sub into the system.

 

[lovinthehd]

You're using the CA 841N or 851N? I cant find the 841N in any case, so assume its the 851N

The 851N doesn't appear to provide a sub pre-out. However, your main pre-outs could be split (between amp and sub) and use the rca inputs on the sub, you'd need an adapter/cable to suit. You could also use the speaker level inputs on the sub along with your speakers from the amp alone.

 

[j_garcia]

851W, like many quality amps, has a loop output on both the XLR and RCA connections. You might actually be able to just use that to feed the sub.

 

[lovinthehd]

851W, like many quality amps, has a loop output on both the XLR and RCA connections. You might actually be able to just use that to feed the sub.

I don't see such on the 851W (power amp).

nm now I do....not sure I looked at the right pic of rear panel earlier.....

 

[erpauls]

Yes the amp does have loop output.

 

[erpauls]

The 851N (not the 841, typo) has both balanced and unbalanced(RCA) outputs. As does the amp. Would it be better to use one of these(and which one...from amp or the N) or to use speaker line.

 

[lovinthehd]

The 851N I only saw balanced outputs (I did see some rca line outputs, but assume labeled as such they will not provide volume control). I'll have to take a look at the amp's manual, I glanced at the rear panel and didn't see such.


ps Now see the loop output connections....can you use an xlr in but rca out, tho or does it need to remain same type of connection with that switch provided for one or the other.....

 

[j_garcia]

I googled it after and saw that others recommended to use the loop out from this amp to use a sub also. Not sure about using different connection types or the same has to be used. 1000 pro does not have XLR, but it would just take an RCA cable to check if both loop outputs work.

 

[erpauls]

Ok so it seems the general consensus is to use RCA over the speaker wire.
So that leaves a big question. Would it be better to run the loop out from the amp to the sub or should I send signal from the N to the sub and then back to the amp?

 

[lovinthehd]

Well, if you can connect XLR to the amp and then from amp to sub (aside from whether you can switch to rca at that point) it technically would still just be one channel rather than the summed response so be sure to use both....altho most bass is mono I'd rather have a mono signal (and also would prefer the pre-amp to have a sub pre-out and bass management ). So feeding a left/right signal to the sub and let it sum the signal seems like how I'd go in your situation.....

ps and maybe just wiring layout might make one way work better than another?

pps not sure you could otoh hear a difference using the speaker level inputs....