Speaker Cable Length

[Miniperl]

Hello,
I’m thinking of replacing my subwoofer with a model that has speaker level inputs due to connectivity challenges with my integrated amplifier, streamer & dac. My integrated amp does have 2 sets of binding posts. A & B. My current subwoofer is positioned between my main speakers next to my audio rack. My main speakers are connected to my amp with 5 foot lengths of cable. I have a somewhat small room. The mains a 6 feet apart. If I connect the new sub to my amp with 2-3 foot length of speaker cable, will that cause any problems, like phase for instance? I would appreciate any courteous, constructive feedback. Thank you.

 

[flyboylr45]

Short answer, NOPE.

 

[everettT]

Hello,
I’m thinking of replacing my subwoofer with a model that has speaker level inputs due to connectivity challenges with my integrated amplifier, streamer & dac. My integrated amp does have 2 sets of binding posts. A & B. My current subwoofer is positioned between my main speakers next to my audio rack. My main speakers are connected to my amp with 5 foot lengths of cable. I have a somewhat small room. The mains a 6 feet apart. If I connect the new sub to my amp with 2-3 foot length of speaker cable, will that cause any problems, like phase for instance? I would appreciate any courteous, constructive feedback. Thank you.

What sub, what integrated amp? It's always better to use coax no matter what some manufacturer says, ie REL. Using the A+B is the wrong solution even if you wanted to use speaker cable, which isn't shielded. You would want to run the A out to the sub, and then the sub out to the mains. If your integrated has a sub or main out use it.

 

[TLS Guy]

Hello,
I’m thinking of replacing my subwoofer with a model that has speaker level inputs due to connectivity challenges with my integrated amplifier, streamer & dac. My integrated amp does have 2 sets of binding posts. A & B. My current subwoofer is positioned between my main speakers next to my audio rack. My main speakers are connected to my amp with 5 foot lengths of cable. I have a somewhat small room. The mains a 6 feet apart. If I connect the new sub to my amp with 2-3 foot length of speaker cable, will that cause any problems, like phase for instance? I would appreciate any courteous, constructive feedback. Thank you.

A & B outputs are parallel outputs and not discrete. So it all hangs on what the impedance of those speaker level inputs is. I suspect they are high impedance, but I don't know. Speaker level inputs are in general a poor choice. I suspect you have an old two channel receiver with no sub outs or bass management. Those units were not built for the current era.

 

[Miniperl]

I have a new Denon PMA1700NE that has no sub or pre-outs. I would be purchasing the RSL Speedwoofer 10S MKii.

 

[everettT]

I have a new Denon PMA1700NE that has no sub or pre-outs. I would be purchasing the RSL Speedwoofer 10S MKii.

Unfortunately the speaker level is your only option. As I mentioned, you need to feed the subwoofer with the A output of the Marantz and then feed your speakers from the RSL. If you haven't purchased the Marantz yet you may want to reconsider your options.

 

[Miniperl]

The new RSL I’m considering has speaker level inputs. No speaker level outputs. This whole problem stems from the fact the the WiiM Ultra that I’m using as a streamer has a sub output. But I have the WiiM set to fixed output so I can control the volume from the Denon. By having the WiiM set to fixed output, the line level & the sub output is also set to fixed, which has those outputs at 100 and maxed out. This makes my existing RSL Speedwoofer 10E sub very loud & boomy. It’s now difficult to integrate the sub with my main speakers. Unless I turn the gain down on the sub to 8:30 to 9:00. Even then I find myself constantly adjusting it through the WiiM app. I thought by switching to a subwoofer with speaker level inputs, it would integrate better with my main speakers. But as usual, it’s always easier said than done. Thank you for your input.

 

[everettT]

The new RSL I’m considering has speaker level inputs. No speaker level outputs. This whole problem stems from the fact the the WiiM Ultra that I’m using as a streamer has a sub output. But I have the WiiM set to fixed output so I can control the volume from the Denon. By having the WiiM set to fixed output, the line level & the sub output is also set to fixed, which has those outputs at 100 and maxed out. This makes my existing RSL Speedwoofer 10E sub very loud & boomy. It’s now difficult to integrate the sub with my main speakers. Unless I turn the gain down on the sub to 8:30 to 9:00. Even then I find myself constantly adjusting it through the WiiM app. I thought by switching to a subwoofer with speaker level inputs, it would integrate better with my main speakers. But as usual, it’s always easier said than done. Thank you for your input.

Sorry I kept calling it a Marantz, brain is still on turkey. How do you have the WiiM connected? I understand your issue but as @TLS Guy mentioned there could be an impedance issue. You can try it but it might present your speakers with a half load which isn't good. I'd start with low volume since you don't have a way to high pass your speakers.

 

[Miniperl]

The WiiM is connected to an SMSL RAW DAC1 via usb then into the Denon via rca out from the SMSL. The fact is, I love the sound I’m getting from this setup into my Monitor Audio Silver 300 7g speakers. The Denon is a great amp IMO. I just wish it had a set of pre-outs. The owners manual said I can connect a subwoofer with speaker level inputs to either speaker A or B on the amplifier. Maybe I’ll give it a shot. Thanks again for your time and insight.