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REL subs with Rowland Amplifiers

I'm having issues connecting my REL Carbon limited subwoofer to my Jeff Rowland 625 S2 amplifier via the high-level input. I connected my sub according to REL's instructions...yellow lead to positive on one channel, red lead to positive on the other channel, and floating the black wire(ground). I get minimum output when connected according to the instructions. When I use the low level input, the output is sufficient and the sub sounds great. Per my conversation with Jeff Rowland I need to ground the black wire by loosening a screw on the amplifier and connecting the black wire, but if it isn't properly grounded I may damage my amplifier. Is there anyone that owns a REL with Jeff Rowland 625 S2 amplifier or other balanced differential amplifier? If so, how do you connect your REL via the high-level input. Is there an easier way to ground the wire than unscrewing the screw on my amplifier. I just don't want to unscrew the screw and prefer another method of grounding the sub.   
ricred1
oem-wheels
196 posts
 
I read the 1st 12 replies or so a few day ago and popped in today without reading the rest. So sorry if I repeat this or someone found a fix.. I just came across this "post" about how REL subs shouldn't be driven by a true balanced amp like the Rowland.. Not only won't work right but its dangerous.. Use unbalanced amp with REL.. 
ricred1 OP
2,019 posts
 
daveyf,

I ordered two 7’ cables with spades from Signal(one per side). 
ricred1 OP
2,019 posts
 
oem-wheels,

"I just came across this "post" about how REL subs shouldn't be driven by a true balanced amp like the Rowland.. Not only won't work right but its dangerous." That's true if it isn't connected the correct way. I talked to Jeff Rowland and one of the Chief Engineers of REL that told me how to connect everything. As a matter of a fact a friend that owns Rowland 925 mono-amps uses REL subs and told me how to connect my RELs. I believe he's had his setup for a couple years and has never had problems. 

calvinj
2,319 posts
 
How is it sounding 
ricred1 OP
2,019 posts
 
calvinj,

I received the upgraded Signal cable for high-level connection yesterday and connected it last night. My initial thoughts are I prefer the sound via the low-level connection. To my ears the bass is more defined and it integrates just as well. The subs disappear no matter what connection method is used. I’ll compare the sound of the different connection methods over the weekend and let my ears determine what sounds best. I know what REL thinks about the high-level vs low-level input, but how many REL owners have actually compared the sound of the high-level vs low-level in their system?
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