subwoofer connection issue

[bikemig]

I'd like to connect an integrated amplifier to a subwoofer. What are the pros and cons of using the line in as opposed to the hi level in and out?

I'm curious because I've seen a few subs that have a high pass crossover set if you use the hi level in and out. If the sub is matched right with the speakers, it would make sense to use the hi level in and out, right? I take it that subs generally do not have a high pass crossover, and that the hi level out sends the full signal to the speakers? This question has been bugging me for a while and I'm not entirely sure if I have my sub terminology right.

 

[BillCinLR]

The intent of In/Out pairs (BOTH high and low) on a subwoofer amp is to use the subwoofer's crossover and send ONLY frequencies ABOVE the crossover setting to the OUTPUTs. An LFE ONLY In/Out would simply be a "pass-through" to allow daisy chaining amps.

Please note that this a generalization and not all subwoofers will act exactly the same ... read the manual.

Bill C

 

[bikemig]

@Bill: thanks; I always read the manual. I think my questions were a bit different. LFE is not an option. (1) Is there any reason to prefer the line in (using an rca cable) over the high pass in (and out) (using speaker wires? I imagine the best answer is to try both and pick the one you like best but I was wondering whether there are any differences between the 2 means of connecting a subwoofer that I should be aware of. (2) I've noticed that a few subwoofers have a high pass crossover as well as a low pass crossover. That seems to make sense if your receiver lacks bass management features. I imagine there is little demand for a high pass crossover since most subs are made to work with AV receivers that have bass management features. Still that seems like a fairly cool feature.