agree with the above--unless the amp has inboard bass management you're not likely to hear a huge difference between the connection methods; however i'd opt for the rca out, as there's some sense that the rca cables will provide superior shielding/noise resistance.
Sub-woofer connection question
Hi all,
I have a Music-Hall a15.3 integrated amp and a JL Audio 8" "Dominion" powered sub-woofer.
The sub-woofer has speaker-level inputs (R & L, + & -) but also has line-level RCA inputs.
The amp has an RCA out as well as (of course) speaker-level out.
So I can connect the RCA out of the amp into the RCA in of the sub-woofer, but I can also piggy-back off the amp’s speaker connections to the sub-woofer’s speaker-level inputs.
I am not sure which method is better. I called Music-Hall and the guy (maybe it was Roy Hall but I am not sure) told me "I don’t like sub-woofers... just do what ever the sub-woofer manufacturer says".
But the JL Audio manual does not specify one method over the other.
I am new to sub-woofers, so I was hoping maybe somebody on the forum might be able to help.
Thanks in advance,
Eric Zwicky
Richmond VA
I have a Music-Hall a15.3 integrated amp and a JL Audio 8" "Dominion" powered sub-woofer.
The sub-woofer has speaker-level inputs (R & L, + & -) but also has line-level RCA inputs.
The amp has an RCA out as well as (of course) speaker-level out.
So I can connect the RCA out of the amp into the RCA in of the sub-woofer, but I can also piggy-back off the amp’s speaker connections to the sub-woofer’s speaker-level inputs.
I am not sure which method is better. I called Music-Hall and the guy (maybe it was Roy Hall but I am not sure) told me "I don’t like sub-woofers... just do what ever the sub-woofer manufacturer says".
But the JL Audio manual does not specify one method over the other.
I am new to sub-woofers, so I was hoping maybe somebody on the forum might be able to help.
Thanks in advance,
Eric Zwicky
Richmond VA
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- 15 posts total
| Post removed |
But the JL Audio manual does not specify one method over the other.Actually, it does. On page 16 of the manual it states as follows: Speaker Level Inputs: This feature is included for convenience when needing to connect the Dominion™ to a receiver or integrated amplifier that only offers speaker level outputs. The use of this feature is only recommended when no suitable line-level signal is available.One reason for that recommendation might be that the "grounded/isolated switch" the sub provides, which can be useful if hum issues are present, affects just the RCA inputs and not the speaker-level inputs. On the other hand, it is possible that the 10K impedance of the sub’s RCA inputs might be too low to be sonically optimal for the integrated amp’s pre-outs. (The output impedance of the pre-outs does not appear to be specified). Also, some people believe that in general it is best to provide the same signal to a sub as to the main speakers. So it would be preferable to evaluate it both ways. Regards, -- Al |
almarg wrote: But the JL Audio manual does not specify one method over the other.Actually, it does. On page 16 of the manual it states as follows: Speaker Level Inputs: This feature is included for convenience when needing to connect the Dominion™ to a receiver or integrated amplifier that only offers speaker level outputs. The use of this feature is only recommended when no suitable line-level signal is available. Dang, I missed that, thanks. So I will continue to use the RCA pre-out from my amp to the RCA in on the subs. Thanks! |
Some sub manufacturers like REL suggest speaker level for better sound. On my Velodyne dd10+ Pair I think I like speaker level better, but I should try the test again. However the amps are extra special (hybrid BHK300’s - dealer for amps and subs) so that could be part of the magic. I also run separate cables from the amp instead of piggybacking from the speaker. I run my mains full range and bring in the subs at 30-40 hZ. |
- 15 posts total