Amp level versus line level inputs for subwoofers

"I assume that if the signal comes from one amp or mono amps, the sub would then retain more of the sonic characteristic of the main amplifier and less from its own internal amplifier"

Thats what they say, but I don't buy it. The sub is playing different freq's than the speakers, so how could you detect this "sonic characteristic" flow through?

The speaker level connection is there for people that don't have preamp outputs.

Of course this is just my opinion, and you can try them both? Who knows?.......you may like one better than the other.

Dave

REL and a number of other sub manufacturers (and manufacturers of speakers with powered woofers) swear that best sound is achieved when sourced from the speaker outputs of the main amp - they claim that the sound is more coherent, as the sub picks up the "flavor" of the main amp. On the other hand, many hi-end manufacturers believe the amp input is a dirty source that is inferior in every way to a line-level input.

The answer will be system-dependent, i.e., best sound quality would be ensured by providing both line-level and amp inputs (presumably, this is not always done due to cost).

I use the speaker level inputs on a stereo pair of subs with great results both with music and movies. My subs have RCA, XLR and speaker level inputs.

I assume that if the signal comes from one amp or mono amps, the sub would then retain more of the sonic characteristic of the main amplifier and less from its own internal amplifier

I agree absolutely. Mine are not connected to the amp, but to the speaker binding post via bananas.

Line level comes from the amp output (or from the speaker) but is a very high impedance (on the sub) which means it is sensing the voltage and not using any real current to drive it. The best scenario (in my opinion) would be a sub out from the pre with a built in (or external that would go between the pre and the amp if not built in) crossover. That way there would be more available current for the speakers since that power won't be wasted on something the speaker can't reproduce audibly. Without a built in or external crossover that current is still going to the speakers. So if a crossover is not possible I would prefer line level.

Hope that helps