Connecting Subwoofer, need help!

[jingka]

Hi, I recently bought a subwoofer as an add-on to my lean system, problem is after looking at the input connectors of the sub and my amp, I got confused on what type of cable to use...I am new in this area and don't know much about sound system and cables...

Here's what I have:

Subwoofer available inputs:

1. One line-in input, RCA type, diagram says its low-level or Line input, connect this to subwoofer output of the Receiver/Amp
2. Two pairs of High level inputs labeled (L) left and (R) right with (+) and (-) terminals(binding posts), diagram says it speaker-level inputs and I can connect this with the speaker out of my amp

Amplifier available outputs:

1. Two pairs of Pre-out, RCA type with (L) and (R)

Question:

1. What type of cable should I used?
2. Should I use the line input of the sub? How do I do this since I don't have a dedicated sub-out on my amp? Can I use just one channel, say the (+) output of my amp?
3. Should I used the high level inputs of the sub? What kind of cable has one end an RCA(red and black colored) and the other end a speaker type to fit to the binding post?

Thank you very much and sorry for my ignorance on this matter...

 

[Geno]

If your receiver doesn't have a dedicated "Subwoofer" or "LFE" output jack, you'll have to run your main L & R speaker outputs from your Receiver to the subwoofer, then run your L & R speakers from the subwoofer. Hope that helps.

 

[jingka]

Geno, thanks for the response, my sub doesn't have output terminals, only input terminals I mentioned...Is it possible to connect the pre-out of the amp to the high level terminal inputs of the sub? meaning RCA (L&R) from the amp to the speaker input binding posts of the sub?

Thanks...

 

[markw]

No.

...Is it possible to connect the pre-out of the amp to the high level terminal inputs of the sub? meaning RCA (L&R) from the amp to the speaker input binding posts of the sub?

Thanks...

Well, yes you could, but it won't work unless you run both channels through an amp with level controls first.

You don't NEED speaker outputs on the sub, but they are nice to have for blocking the lows from the mains.

Just run a pair of speaker cables from the receiver's speaker outputs to the sub's speaker inputs. Obviously, you'll still need to have the speakers connectd to the receiver.

Your best bet would be to exchange that sub for one that has either two line level inputs and/or one with speaker outputs.

 

[jingka]

Can I used a Y-adaptor taking both outputs(L&R) from the amp pre-out and and then use this as the input to the subwoofer Line input?

 

[markw]

no

Can I used a Y-adaptor taking both outputs(L&R) from the amp pre-out and and then use this as the input to the subwoofer Line input?

Well, it WILL combine the right and left channels to the subwoofer but, it will also combine the right and left channels to the power amp as well. You don't want a mono system, do you?

Plus, it's fine to split an output to two inputs but combining two outputs into one input can be tricky. There's no guarantee that simply combine the two outputs will not harm your preamp.

You need something like this that will combine the bass and keep everything else seperate.

http://www.etronics.com/product.asp?stk_code=nadcx22sw&store=&catid=4053

You did pick an odd duck of a sub. Most have two line level inputs.

 

[jingka]

Hi Markw,

Yes, you're right, I've tried using the Y-adaptor although I'm really hesitant doing it coz most cases I see was output split into two and not two combined into one, after trying I noticed a degration in the SQ, don't know what it is but my hearing tells me the sound quality degraded especially in the mains speakers (bookshelf type).

I called the store where I bought my amp and they suggested to used only one channel from the pre-out of the amp, will this be a problem? The sound quality is okay but I'm not sure if there will be impact in the long run...

It's true that my sub is a bit odd considering it has only one line level input but one factor also which made me choose this is the budget constraint at the moment,you know what I mean? by the way, my Sub is Audio Pro Sub Soniq model from Sweden, it has a decent specs, only that it has this only one line level input which is giving me this challenge...

Hey, thanks for taking time responding to my query...have a nice day man!