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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
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
If I understand the OP's situation, he can connect any active sub with high level (speaker level) inputs to the speaker terminals of his Jolida 202 and the Jolida will still recognize ONLY the load from his B&W 705s.
I agree.

The one qualification I would add to that is the slight possibility that electrical noise picked up by or introduced into the sub cable could conceivably have audible effects on the signals provided to the main speakers as a result of entering the feedback loop of the integrated amp. (The 202 is described as using "less than 9 db" of negative feedback). That kind of effect, by the way, might be one of the reasons people report finding sonic differences among different sub cables.

To the extent that might be a possibility, four wires could very possibly be better than three, depending on the specific cable designs.

Regards,
-- Al

mr_m
1,900 posts
 
Thanks to you, Al, and hifman5. I knew a  lot of these things both of you mentioned, but just couldn't put it into words;)
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hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
+1 almarg!  Very easy to follow explanation.  I appreciate the clarity.
wolf_garcia
6,702 posts
 
I use 2 RELs with home assembled Canare cables and Neutric Speakon plugs…used in mono by joining the wires in appropriately large AQ silver spades (main speakers are on bananas). I had to lift the ground on the larger REL (Q150e) but this rig is utterly noiseless. Also, somebody noted you don't have to reset the levels, but I've found bass level disparities among various recordings sometimes requires adjustment of the REL levels here and there, and I put an easy access chicken head knob on each one for that purpose.
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