Need help with subwoofer connection

[Dankul]

hi, I'm thinking of buying my first sub but am not sure of how to connect it. I am currently using the kingrex t20 amp which has only a rca audio input and 2 channel speaker output. The source i'm using right now also only has 1 rca output. I do have an old receiver that i can get from a friend though. When I buy a sub, should I connect the speaker out from my amp to the sub's high level input and then the speakers out from there? or would it be better to use the receiver somehow? or is there any other method? Any help would be great. Thank You

 

[MDS]

When I buy a sub, should I connect the speaker out from my amp to the sub's high level input and then the speakers out from there?

That's the only way you could do it. You'd then have to set the xover on the subwoofer itself. Not all new subs have high level inputs though so that may limit your choices somewhat.

Using a receiver with bass management would be far easier and if you get one with pre-amp outputs you could still use the amplifier too.

 

[Dankul]

Thanks for the response

Simplicity aside, is one way better than the other in terms of sound quality? Using the high-level, would my amp power matter and would it change to sound of the speakers besides cutting off the low frequencies?

Also little off-topic: can you have a sub thats too big for a room? I live in a 10x12 apartment bedroom and am deciding between 10" and 12". I do plan on moving out at the end of the year into a small-mid size studio. Sorry about all the newbie questions, but i did try searching first. Thanks again

 

[MDS]

There shouldn't be any difference in sound quality assuming the controls on the sub are similar to what would be offered by a receiver; ie same slope of low and high pass xovers and same range of xover frequencies you can select.

If you use the high level inputs, the signal has already been amplified. The sub will knock it down to line-level and then perform the xover, sending the frequencies above the xover to the main speakers that are connected to it. A disadvantage IMO is the need to run so many speaker cables, especially if the sub will be located far away from the main speakers.

If you use a receiver with a sub pre-out and bass management you need only 1 cable to the sub. The receiver sends the sub a line-level signal and the sub just amplifies it.