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Cons of using main XLR/Balanced outs for subwoofer?

I'm putting my system together for the first time in a new space with a new to me preamp and new speakers.

Signal Chain:
TT/Streamer
McIntosh C220
McIntosh MC7270
Ohm Walsh 4.4012

The 7270 does not offer balanced inputs.
The Ohms have active subs which offer balanced input.
The C220 has only one Balanced output for the Main Output. 

Is there any harm in using the main XLR output to send signal to the subwoofers, and using the 1, or 2 RCA output to send signal to the main drivers?

Thoughts?

Thanks
z
zdw11
rlb61
792 posts
 
@atmasphere Ralph, please explain the hookup with the ISO-MAX. I’m running the balanced main output from my preamp into the power amp. I’m running simultaneously the single ended main output into my sub. So, if I used the ISO-MAX for the sub, how would that be hooked up if you don’t recommend using the single ended output at all? Thanks.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,107 posts
 
You would run dual balanced outputs, one set to your main power amp. The other set would go to the ISO MAX units (left and right channels). Only at that point would you use RCA connections, between the ISO MAX units and your sub. So the ISO MAX units would be right by your sub so you could run a longer balanced line connection from the preamp to the ISO MAX. If you don't have dual outputs on the preamp, you would use some form of a Y adapter to make it happen. 
rauliruegas
13,125 posts
 
Dear @zdw11 @cardani  :  I can see that both of you are running your main speakers/subs to listen MUSIC ( at least do not posted for HT. ).

Now in the Ohm speakers the sub is part of the speaker ( I don't know forsure all the subs controls to operation. ).

If we want to listen in specific MUSIC through our room/system and want to add subwoofers the rigth way to do it is that those pair of true self powered subwoofers crossover ( should be. ) around 80hz-90hz but this crossover frequency is not only for the low-pass subs but we need and should be that the main speakers been too crossing around that frequency with the high-pass filter and in this waythat room/system will takes a true advantages to add subs to listen MUSIC because in that way the main speakers will be handling frequencies from 80-90hz and up and the IMD and THD distortion levels that existed in those passive speakers goes really lower in benefit of higher sound reproduction quality level and at the same time that room/system will handled with accuracy the low bass range and even can goes lower in that range.

Due that I don't know of the overall Ohm speaker operation then I could be wrong with but with the other gentleman that's the rigth way to integrates subwoofers to MUSIC soun reproduction as our main system use.

Here a link about:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/do-you-think-you-need-a-subwoofer/post?postid=310058#310058


Of course that one thing is what " should be " and the other what we like/want so in this specific subject everything is up to you and this post is only an opinion and nothing more.

R.


rlb61
792 posts
 
@atmasphere Ralph ... I have two main outs - one is balanced and one is single ended. The balanced goes to my power amp directly. The single ended goes to the sub directly. If I used the ISO-MAX, then it would appear I'd just go from the single ended output into the ISO-MAX and then go single ended into the sub. Will that configuration really make a big difference? Thanks.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,107 posts
 
Will that configuration really make a big difference?
@rlb61 Did you notice a difference in the mains between not having the sub hooked up and all, and having it connected but its volume turned all the way down? If there is no difference then your RCA output is buffered from the balanced out and the ISO MAX isn't needed. If there is a difference then this is the solution.
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