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Two subwoofers for two channel music listening

Hi all , 
How do you hook up two active subwoofers? I have two SVS 1000 series subwoofers with both high level (speaker) and line level (RCA) ins.

Method one - Lets say the subs have high/speaker level inputs. So do you hook up the left sub from the left amplifier out and similarly right speaker out from the amp to right sub high level in? This set up is just like the stereo pair of speakers.

Method two - The alternate is from a preamp hook up the RCA line in of one subwoofer then daisy chain i.e. RCA out from the first sub to the RCA in of the second subwoofer. Not using a Y splitter from the preamp. Trying to use both red and white RCA from preamp to red and white RCA in of the first sub.

Which method do you prefer? Any benefit or disadvantage of one over the other? Thanks for your comments and inputs.
128x128confuse_upgraditis
turnbowm
353 posts
 
skypunk292 posts01-31-2021 12:10pm
"....Then why is REL recommend using speaker out?"

REL has long maintained that Speaker Level connections to their subs provides better (and easier) integration because the same signal feeding the main speakers is also fed to the subs. As such, the sound characteristics of the main power amp are accounted for.

In general, I've always found it best to heed the advice of equipment designers, who know far more about their products than Internet "experts". 
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Still I will stick what REL is telling me over you. 

Like I said, go with what you want, maybe Rel has got a sus low level input on their subs, who knows, show us a circuit diagram for some clarity.

chilli42
109 posts
 
I have a couple of REL subs and love them.  The manufacturer is very specific about setup. The ideal setup (from their point of view) is the subs connected at high level (to the speakers .... they have slightly different ways to do this depending on the type of amp you have.  Connection to the preamp is verboten :) Their ideal position depended on the room you have outside of the main speakers is the option for my long room, second choice inside main speakers for other shapes.  I have the impression from this and others responses that there are a few ways to do the setup.  If I were you I would call SVS and ask them what in their experience is best for you particular situation.
ieales's avatar
ieales
1,201 posts
 
^^^ REL recs are nonsense. Subs are 100% room and main dependent.

Right. No difference. Sub bass is mono. Line level or speaker level, same result. Running from one to he next is fine too. I've done all three. No difference. Use whichever is most convenient.
Unless you have mains that play well to 30Hz or lower, the subs are going to have significant output into the mid-bass which is easily localizable.

Mains with smallish woofers - [less than 10"] - will benefit from rolling the lows from the mains

Line level is the ONLY way to do it properly. Hi-Level inputs are a compromise to the amp, the mains and the subs.

See  ieLogical SubterraneanHomesickBlues for some useful information on sub integration.



golfnutz
231 posts
 
I think only advantage REL offers with high-level is convenience factor.
I agree using line-level direct to subwoofer is probably a better approach.
Pre-amp (or using DAC direct line-level) to amp -> High-Level connection to Subwoofer -> Drop voltage to match internal line-level of subwoofer.
For sure line-level is more direct, but who knows if you can really hear any difference unless using long runs of RCA cable is having issues with RFI. Line-level using XLR will have advantage over RCA.
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