Mofojo 5-25-2017
Does the MZ2 only have one set pre outs? Can another be added if so as an option? If I was not happy with the one watt I would want to run the MZ2 as a preamp and still have an extra preout to run a JL sub.
If a second set of pre-outs is added the two sets would almost certainly be wired directly together inside the rear panel, as opposed to being driven by separate output stages. Consequently I would expect the results to be no different than using a good quality "hard y-adapter," such as
this one from Audioquest, on the single set of outputs.
In both cases (two sets of pre-outs or hard-y adapters) those results may or may not be good depending on the output impedance of the pre-outs, the input impedance of the sub, and the input impedance of the power amp. And also, if the output impedance of the pre-outs is high, on the lengths and capacitances of the two sets of cables that are involved.
My belief is that the negative comments that are often seen about splitters are often and perhaps usually not due to the splitter itself, but are due to the inability of the component providing the signal to be able to drive the two sets of load impedances and the two sets of cables that are involved, with good results.
The unbalanced input impedance of some of the JL subs is 50K, which would be encouraging, while it is only 10K for some other models, which could very possibly be a problem depending on the output impedance of the pre-outs and the input impedance of the particular power amp that would be used.
I would suggest that you start by asking LTA what the output impedance of the pre-outs is, at 20 Hz as well as at the mid-range frequencies (such as 1 kHz) at which output impedances are usually specified. If the pre-outs are capacitively coupled the 20 Hz output impedance will probably be much higher than the output impedance at mid-range frequencies, and could result in roll-off of the deep bass content of the signals provided to both the sub and the main power amp.
Regards,
-- Al
