You should not do that. Speaker level voltage can be much higher than line-level audio voltage, and the speaker outputs are expecting to see an impedance load in the 10 ohm range, while the line-level input is probably in the 10,000 ohm range.
Subwoofer Connection: Speaker Level Amp to Line Level on Sub?
Hey there. Are there any real problems inherent in running a signal to a sub (SVS SB-3000) from an integrated (PrimaLuna EVO 100) - from speaker level on the amp to line in on the sub using an adapter? Thanks!
17 responses Add your response
from speaker level on the amp to line in on the sub using an adapter?It should be fine if you connect the sub line level rca inputs to your amp speaker blinding posts via a LOC (line output converter). https://images.crutchfieldonline.com/ImageHandler/trim/1736/1129/products/2008/543/x543ADP12-f.jpeg |
Your Prima has ’Tape Out’. That is the same as ’pre-out’, which is ’line-out’. Your SUB has ONLY line-in/out (no alternate speaker wires in/out). You can use the Prima Tape Out to go to the self-powered sub’s line-in. It has it’s own crossover so it ’ADDS’ ONLY low bass to your system as any sub is designed to do, job done!. ........................................... Note: the Prima (40 wpc/8 ohms) will still amplify any source’s low bass (as well as everything else), and the Main Speakers will also try to produce all frequencies, therefore neither the amp or mains get a break from the low bass job. ........................................... To give a low powered amp and smaller main speaker’s a break, (or because you are driving low sensitivity (efficiency) or low impedance mains perhaps) you need to get line level out, to a crossover (separate or in the sub) that takes the low bass. The crossover then sends all frequencies EXCEPT low bass via it’s line out back to the amp’s line level in (main-in, tape in, processor loop). Your Prima does NOT have tape-in, main-in, processor-in, so you cannot do this. Raven says bass is 65% of power needs, which is why moving the job of low bass to the sub, and everything else BACK to the AMP is better than using speaker wires. Line out/Line In (outsourcing the low bass job) is the best way to get more out of low powered amps, thus a great way to try tube amps. |
This: It should be fine if you connect the sub line level rca inputs to your amp speaker blinding posts via a LOC (line output converter). |
Tape out is not the same as pre out. If you use tape out it will bypass the volume control on the EVO!
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> +1 On any tape out, that I've used. Yea I see your dilemma. Do you already own the SVS SB3000? The LOC would work good too just use the binding post connection you're NOT for you speakers and use that for the LOC.. Easy Peasy, Good idea MC.. It's adding a great option for a very small price.. Can add as many subs as you like. As good as a pre out.. You could add an EQ, DSP, or even a DCX2496 OXO (A) Regards |
imhififan & millercarbon Thanks for this. I'll def keep this in mind as I go forward. It should be fine if you connect the sub line level rca inputs to your amp speaker blinding posts via a LOC (line output converter). |
The LOC is nothing more than two resistors per channel. One typically about 10k ohm to drop speaker volts down to line level, and another typically about 1k for load. Here is how it works and what it looks like https://www.epanorama.net/circuits/speaker_to_line.html This circuit can be anywhere. It can be in a LOC box, or you can do like I did and wire it inside the amp. See the pic on my system page. https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/8367 Also if you can find the circuit diagram of any sub with speaker level input you will see the same resistors are the first thing on the board when speaker level inputs are used. |