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Sub wiring help, high level speaker terminal to RCA line level Sub inputs

I just received a new Rhythmic L12 sub, and surprisingly did not realize it only has RCA line level inputs. I had purchased it thinking it also had high level speaker inputs to connect it directly to the speaker posts on my power amp.

I have a Cambridge CXNv2 connected to a Schiit Aegir Power Amp through the line level RCA. Now, the CXN does have an additional balanced XLR out, but I can only connect the Schiit Aegir through RCA.

So these are my options and questions:
1. Connect the Power Amp to the Sub using a custom cable with speaker terminals on one end and RCA on the other end.
2. CXN XLR --> Power Amp RCA, and CXN RCA --> Sub RCA
3. CXN RCA --> Power Amp RCA, and CXN XLR --> Sub RCA
4. Return the Rhythmic and get an SVS SB1000 with high level speaker inputs.

In this case I’m not sure what the positives and negatives are about trying to connect the Sub via speaker terminals or RCA line level on the CXN. Or is it even advisable to use a cable that goes from the speaker terminals to the RCA line level inputs of the Sub?

Appreciate any help!
rhern213
rhern213 OP
12 posts
 
@yogiboy The CXN has 2 outputs I can use, RCA and XLR, so adding a Y adapter to one seems to just add unnecessary connectors.

@m-db Yes I know the Aegir XLR input is for mono, what I meant in option 2 is to use an XLR to RCA cable from the XLR output of the CXN into the RCA input of the Aegir. Then go straight RCA’s from CXN to the Sub. So either way you think it’s better to use the CXN outputs?
jtcf's avatar
jtcf
1,620 posts
 
Just use a Y adapter from the Cambridge.The one yogi recommended is a nice high quality connecter,the same one I use.
rhern213 OP
12 posts
 
@jtcf I just don’t see the reasoning in using a Y adapter if I could just use a straight cable from the source to the Sub. Is the adapter going to give me a better connection or signal in some way than a straight cable? I would still need to spend more because of the cost of the adapter and also an extra set of cables as well. And I figure it could potentially introduce more adapter related issues unnecessarily.
rhern213 OP
12 posts
 
I’ve done some more reading and found using an XLR to RCA cable is a bad idea. Mainly because to make the cable the XLR (-) lead is shorted to the ground lead on the RCA side, which could cause feedback issues and potential damage, so those options are out.
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/cd-player-xlr-output-buzzing

So my options are then what yogiboy and jtcf suggested to use an RCA Y-splitter, or my original though of using a speaker terminal to RCA cable.
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
rhern213, sorry for the bad advice above. I've actually done this. The simplest solution is a Line Out Converter or LOC 
https://www.parts-express.com/stinger-sgn111-30-watt-fixed-line-out-converter--268-482

This is simply a couple of resistors between the wire inputs and RCA outputs. One resistor drops the amplifiers output voltage down to line level, the other provides the impedance load to whatever the output component needs- the sub in your case.

My integrated amp didn't have a pre-out and so when my new sub amp had like yours only line-level inputs I researched this to death before modding my amp. In my case I am comfortable modding and installed the parts inside my amp. It does look better that way. Electrically however it is identical to the above LOC, which I'm sure you will find a whole lot easier to use.
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