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2 Channel Subwoofer connection

Hello, I am seeking advice for a Subwoofer connection.  My system consist of a Rotel RCD 1570, Jolida JD 202 Integrated Tube Amplifier and a pair of Bowers & Wilkins 705. This set up is just for music listening.
I like how much detail I get from the music with these 705, the only problems is that my loft is an open space with high ceilings, therefore, the bass is not very strong. I thought I could add a Subwoofer. The issue is that my integrated amplifier doesn't provide a Subwoofer out. The only option will be to run speaker wire from the integrated into the Subwoofer's speaker level inputs, then connect the 705s to the subwoofer's out (As pictured in the diagram)

 https://cloudflare.crutchfieldonline.com/ImageBank/v20160824170200/ImageHandler/scale/978/978/core/l...

However, as I've never attempted this connection, I am concerned this could degrade the audio signal, would the sound quality be affected due all these extra wiring and having the signal go through the subwoofer and then to the 705 monitors?
I've looked into the Bowers & Wilkins ASW750  but this doesn't come with sub's level inputs. I am considering the ASW300 instead. Any advice will be much appreciated.
Thanks,

Joseph







mamifero
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
+1 hifiman5
seanheis1
625 posts
 
Yes mattmiller please explain your logic
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
Subs that use 4 (2 neg and 2 pos) wires from the amp to receive the signal is an old outdated way of running a sub, how can you say the active sub dosent see the 2 additional wires connected to it..it does, and it has to deal with it. I call this smoke and mirrors and subs hooked up in this way never integrate and your always adjusting knobs with every song. The REL’s dont connect this way they only send 3 wires (2 positive 1 neg) this way the amp really dosent see the sub because its running at 100,00 ohms! You set the REL and once its dialed in thats it, you dont fiddle with volume and crossover points ever! The REL is just there doing its job, and its very musical, anyone that thinks subs are for adding non directional bass has never heard a REL.

And NO i'm not a REL rep, I always hated Subs because of lousy connections and bad integration...until I found a REL Britania B2 10" in natural cherry. with upgraded (signalcable.com) spkon connection.

Matt M
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
Matt.
Talk to Richard Vandersteen. He can explain to you that a sub can work superbly in the way you say it can't. Yes, I have listened to a Rel Gibraltar 3 at length and the Vandy 2Wq will do everything the Rel does and more.
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
+1 mr_m   I have two Vandersteen 2wq subwoofers.  Using RV's top quality crossover that you set relative to the input impedance of the system amplifier, helps the subs to integrate seamlessly with the main speakers.  I have Vandy Treo CTs which are a full range speaker in their own right.  The subwoofers free the system amp of having to power the deepest bass as each sub. has a 300 watt amp. and the speaker cable hookup of the subs to the system amp allows the subs to see the amplifier output so that the sub sound integrates perfectly or nearly so, to the main speakers.

I have experimented with the integration notion by using the subs then disconnecting them and trying to identify the point at which the sub kicks in by ear.  I just can't find it.  The key to this kind of seamless sonic integration is to adjust the "Q" and level of the subs.  Once you get it right, you free the main speakers and power amp from providing deep bass, improving the dynamic ebb and flow of the music throughout the full frequency range of the music.  If you can establish proper speaker and sub. placement in your room, the speakers and subs just disappear.  It's all about the music now, no the gear reproducing it!

As far as REL goes, I have no experience with them but have read many many positive references to them on A'Gon and elsewhere.

Happy Listening!
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