New to the whole connection concepts of 2.1 stereo. I have a powered sub with line level and speaker level inputs. My pre does not have a sub output (only 1 output total), my power amp is 2.0 channel.
Should I use piggyback connectors from the pre outs to the sub line level input (has L/R inputs) and keep my L/R speakers powered by my power amp?
Or
Should I use speaker level inputs from my amp to the sub and run the L/R from the sub? Can I run my L/R and sub from my power amp with just two sets of speaker cables from one set of terminals without damage to my power amp?
Eventually I would like to build a nice sub, this one is a hand-me-down that works and sounds fine to get my system dialed in. Ive always just had 2.0. I will also need to build new cables, so trying to figure out what connectors i will need to buy and how much cable.
Audio chain is; source, Noir hpa/preamp, Aleph 30 power amp, EPI 100 speakers, if it matters.
Should I use piggyback connectors from the pre outs to the sub line level input (has L/R inputs) and keep my L/R speakers powered by my power amp?
Or
Should I use speaker level inputs from my amp to the sub and run the L/R from the sub? Can I run my L/R and sub from my power amp with just two sets of speaker cables from one set of terminals without damage to my power amp?
Eventually I would like to build a nice sub, this one is a hand-me-down that works and sounds fine to get my system dialed in. Ive always just had 2.0. I will also need to build new cables, so trying to figure out what connectors i will need to buy and how much cable.
Audio chain is; source, Noir hpa/preamp, Aleph 30 power amp, EPI 100 speakers, if it matters.
It would be best to supply a photo of the connections on the rear of your powered subwoofer and stereo amplifier just to be absolutely sure of the connections available and not give wrong advice. I'm sure many members will then be able to help.
I believe the first method won't work since the amp pre produces a fixed level signal, meaning the amp's volume control will not control the volume of the sub.
I believe the first method won't work since the amp pre produces a fixed level signal, meaning the amp's volume control will not control the volume of the sub.
For subwoofers equipped with a speaker-level input and a speaker-level output, all you need to do is to connect the receiver speaker outputs to the speaker-level input on the subwoofer and then connect the speaker-level output on the subwoofer to your main speakers.
https://boomspeaker.com/connect-subwoofer-speaker-level-outputs/
https://boomspeaker.com/connect-subwoofer-speaker-level-outputs/
Sub
Preamp
Power amp
If I connect my L/R speakers through the sub, will the plate amp affect sound quality? I really like the sound from my Pass amp to my speakers. Volume control is on my preamp.
I do not have the sub in hand yet to test out.
Preamp
Power amp
If I connect my L/R speakers through the sub, will the plate amp affect sound quality? I really like the sound from my Pass amp to my speakers. Volume control is on my preamp.
I do not have the sub in hand yet to test out.
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No, because the plate amp extracts a tiny signal from the speaker in, which it uses to amplify only the very low bass content.
All other content passes directly from your power amp to the stereo speakers, so is not affected by the plate amp.
Read the section "How Do Speaker Level Outputs Work?" in the link I gave earlier: https://boomspeaker.com/connect-subwoofer-speaker-level-outputs/
Note my editing - hard to describe in just a few words!
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Ok, so the high pass filter is before the x-over in the plate amp. But, what if I used the speaker level in only and left my L/R speakers connected to my amp? I would need to build only 1 new set of cables that way instead of two. I don't want to try and fit 5 way or banana jacks onto the plate amp to use my current cables.
Then you would not have the low bass filtered out of your stereo speakers - they would be working in tandem with the subwoofer at the low bass frequencies - they should be relieved of that duty for best results.
From my link:
"[The purpose of the crossover filters is to] separate the lowest frequencies for the subwoofer from the high frequencies for the main speakers.
Doing so reduces the acoustic interaction that can occur if mains and subs are trying to play the same frequencies. Sending such mixed and out-of-phase sound waves into the listening space will not be pleasant."
From my link:
"[The purpose of the crossover filters is to] separate the lowest frequencies for the subwoofer from the high frequencies for the main speakers.
Doing so reduces the acoustic interaction that can occur if mains and subs are trying to play the same frequencies. Sending such mixed and out-of-phase sound waves into the listening space will not be pleasant."