Subwoofer Connection (LFE)

[bound4h]

I've read quite a few articles on the best way to wire a subwoofer, but I still have a few questions that I can't find answers to.

1) If my sub has a L and R line-level input and my receiver (Denon AVR-4802) has a SW pre-out (located amoung the other 5 channel pre-outs), do I just connect it to the L input on the sub or do I NEED a Y adapter. I've read some articles saying yes and some no. Below is the back of my receiver:

2) What cable is acceptable for the subwoofer LFE input? I have read RCA, but can it be ANY RCA cable? Does the thickness, material, etc. not matter like speaker wires? And, just so I'm on the same page, the traditional composite video/audio cables (Red, White and Yellow) are RCA, but the seem so thin? I have some digital interconnects that looks like they fit the RCA inputs, but can they carry analog signal?

Thanks

Mike

 

[Brian_the_King]

You certainly do not need a Y adapter, but you can definitely try one to see if you hear any differences. I also have heard mixed opinions, and I use a Y adapter in my system and my parents system. I couldn't really tell you if i'm getting noticeably better bass though.

As far as cabling goes, any shielded RCA cable should do the job fine. The real thin RCA cables that come with everything and anything you buy are just of low quality.. something at least a little bit thicker/better shielded/higher quality should probably be used in your system.

...I have some digital interconnects that looks like they fit the RCA inputs, but can they carry analog signal?...

These also should work fine.

 

[j_garcia]

I can't say that you would get better bass from a line level connection to the sub with a Y splitter, but I do know for a fact that some subs have an input sensitivity that will allow them to turn off while you are watching/listening if you have a passage that does not have any significant bass for a while. In those cases, a Y can be a good solution, but it is by no means a must as mentioned.

A coaxial digital cable is nothing more than a 75Ohm RCA cable, so yes it can be used for analog audio.