Y-Splitter for Subwoofer

[Big Dub Sounds]

Does it make any difference? I've seen both opinions online and have no idea whether its worth the $10 trip to the store.

 

[lovinthehd]

Mean any difference to what? If you need one use one.

 

[j_garcia]

I use one on mine. HSU used to recommend using one when your preamp out had a lower output voltage, but these days most have decent levels. If you need it, use it as mentioned.

 

[Big Dub Sounds]

Thanks, my question is does it make any difference in the quality of sound? Essentially is there any benefit to using one and if so what is the benefit?

 

[j_garcia]

That part isn't so easy to answer because all sub amps are different. ALL of them are summed to one signal inside the amp, but as for "Quality" of the sound should not change.

 

[Speedskater]

Are we talking about splitting one receiver output to two sub-woofers?
Or summing Left & Right outputs to one sub-woofer?

**************************
Sound quality depends on mechanical quality. If the wye makes good contact the it will sound the same. So the question is about the construction of the wye, will it make good contact new and continue to make good contact thru it's life.

 

[Big Dub Sounds]

Are we talking about splitting one receiver output to two sub-woofers?
Or summing Left & Right outputs to one sub-woofer?

**************************
Sound quality depends on mechanical quality. If the wye makes good contact the it will sound the same. So the question is about the construction of the wye, will it make good contact new and continue to make good contact thru it's life.

I was asking about the second scenario where you're connecting a sub out to a sub with no LFE input.

Just browsing around online many say it makes no difference at all while some swear it makes their sub sound better.

 

[Speedskater]

You should not join two outputs to one input using a wye. While you will get sound, it's quality will be reduced.
See RaneNote:
"Why Not Wye?"
http://www.rane.com/note109.html

 

[lovinthehd]

Thanks, my question is does it make any difference in the quality of sound? Essentially is there any benefit to using one and if so what is the benefit?

The benefit is generally you can use two or more subs from one pre-out (as many avrs have a single pre-out, also note many avrs that have two pre-outs essentially use an internal y-splitter altho some high end avrs actually have provisions for delay/level for two separate subs). There won't be an issue even splitting it a few more times. One benefit of using a splitter to use both the L/R inputs on the sub may be a 6dB gain, as described in step two of this guide http://www.audioholics.com/subwoofer-setup/basic-subwoofer-setup

 

[Big Dub Sounds]

Thanks, I've read that article and few times and have gotten great results using some of its tips. If the 6dB gain is true it could be simply a matter of either turning up the sub to a preferable level or spending the $10 on a Y-splitter. Only thing is I've seen a lot of arguments online that the Db gain from splitting it is nonsense.

 

[lovinthehd]

Thanks, I've read that article and few times and have gotten great results using some of its tips. If the 6dB gain is true it could be simply a matter of either turning up the sub to a preferable level or spending the $10 on a Y-splitter. Only thing is I've seen a lot of arguments online that the Db gain from splitting it is nonsense.

I believe I've read that with some amp designs it doesn't work for the 6dB gain but its been a while. Usually a receiver pre-out level is quite sufficient and the additional gain on the sub side isn't necessary (all of my commercial subs are fine with a single input).

If you want to read up on gain structure, check out Wayne's article http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-theater-receivers-processors-amps/35677-gain-structure-home-theater-getting-most-pro-audio-equipment-your-system.html