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How to hook up 2 amps from one set of pre outs?

I have a Simaudio I-5 (70W X 2) which is not quite powerful enough to truly push my (Inefficient yet wonderful) Egglestonworks Fontaine's. I am considering adding a slightly older Celeste SimAudio 4150se into my system (150W X 2, versus 70W X 2). Should be enough power. I have a TBI VI powered sub which is currently being fed it's signal from Pre Outs on I-5. How do I connect the 4150se from Pre Outs and my TBI sub at the same time? Can I use a Y Connector on PreOut's? Or is this a no no.
chris_focal
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
I have a custom set of Y connectors [ 1 male to two females] that Audioquest made for me with their Emerald cable when I had this problem. Contact me if interested.
sns
3,514 posts
 
I always assumed the signal impedence would be altered tying in a second component to a single set of outputs (signal devided in half). I also assume you could add another main out and tie that into circuit (rather than simply pig tailing 2nd out) to maintain signal integrity. Perhaps I'm wrong, some more technically savvy member should know.
loose
239 posts
 
Why not run the sub w/ speaker cable instead of rca?

Not sure if your amp has two sets of binding posts, but if it does not, simply run two sets of speaker cable... One set going to the mains, the other set going to the sub. This way, you do not have to worry about Y connectors or possible problems w/ said configuration.

IMO, i've found connecting a sub this way reaps better sonics than using RCA cables, although i do realize that every system is unique in its idiosynchrasies.
loose
239 posts
 
regarding what SNS said, I have heard the same. I was in a similar situation at one point and every knowledgable person I asked told me splitting the pre-out was a no-no.

Just my 2cents.
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
I was alternating using two Meridian 605s a channel on my Duetta Sigs and using one of them and there was no difference using the Y connectors I could hear. The speakers sounded better when I was using 2 as you would expect with bi amping.
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