Can I share a subwoofer?

[wgscott]

This is likely a stupid question, sorry, but I'm not sure where to find this out.

I have a two-channel audio system that is separate from my TV/DVD/etc. I just bought a Rel R-218 subwoofer for the audio system, and have it connected at speaker level to my amp.

I currently have a very low-brow TV audio system consisting of a Vizio soundbar and associated subwoofer. I want to get rid of this, and use my Rel sub for both my two channel system and my TV. However, the TV is on the opposite side of the room, so I will need to replace the soundbar with some small speakers, and keep it completely autonomous from the audio system, apart from the shared sub.

Since I still have an RCA input available, and an LFE input available, I am wondering if it would cause problems to use one of those connections on the sub. Obviously, I don't plan to use both sound-systems simultaneously, but if one of my kids accidently turns both on, I don't want to destroy the sub.

 

[Adam]

Welcome to the forum!

The owner's manual for the REL R-218 gives instructions for using the high and low level connections at the same time, so it's designed to be used that way. You won't damage anything if both systems are accidentally turned on at the same time.

 

[wgscott]

I saw that, but it is assuming you are using the same amp, not a different one. As long as that doesn't matter, I guess it is worth the experiment...

 

[Adam]

I saw that, but it is assuming you are using the same amp, not a different one. As long as that doesn't matter, I guess it is worth the experiment...

I thought about that, too, but I don't believe that you're at risk of damaging any of the equipment. Because the sub is designed to not damage electronics sending both a high a low level signal, it won't damage electronics even if those signals come from two different sources.

 

[bikemig]

It may be unusual but it is not uncommon for devices that allow more than one signal to be received. The audioengine powered speakers have two inputs and both are "active." They will sound bad if two signals are sent but it does not damage them.

 

[walter duque]

I share one of my subs with the display. I bought a 4 into 1 switcher at Radio Shack (cant' find the link at this moment) It's 4 stereo RCA inputs to 1 stero output.

 

[wgscott]

Thanks for all the input. I appreciate it. I think I will go ahead and try it with a 5.1 receiver, and if the house doesn't burn down, will have a nice post-hoc justification for my Rel impulse purchase.

In case it is not obvious, I don't know anything about home theatre.

 

[wgscott]

Well, I haven't burned down the house. This works better than I could have hoped for.

 

[Adam]

Awesome- glad that it worked out!