Balance not fading speaker

No Y cables but they were recommended as an option on an earlier thread I previously started . One of the responses I received was:

"Right, you can't use the 'tape out' connections because they're not controlled by the volume control on the preamp, meaning the volume coming from the sub wouldn't change as you adjust the volume to your main speakers.

If you do want to split the preamp output you can use one of the devices Steuspeed recommended. He suggested one from Audioquest and there's another from Monster. Click here to see what the one from Monster looks like. Both it and the Audioquest version are solid connectors, no wire involved.

You shouldn't worry about using the speaker wire connection method, though. The subwoofer amp won't be pulling any substantial power from your main amp and won't overload it at all. That connection method is the one recommended by both REL and HSU, makers of some of the better subs out there. You should definitely do what you're most comfortable with, however, it's your gear."

There was a long discussion about the dual wire hook-up and everyone(incl. ARC) seemed to think it was perfectly fine, but maybe not?? The sub manual does address the Y adapter hookup but others poo-poo'd it for various reasons. Maybe it is the way to go??

Think I got it. Reviewed the Carver sub guide and a third option is to go from the pre out to the sub line in, sub line out to the amp. The higher frequencies pass through to the amp and main speakers while just the low freq is processed by the sub.

Now balance works correctly and sound is very good once again.

Thanks for steering me in the right direction.

When doing this, are you using the sub as a cross over and not sending the full signal to the amp for the main speakers? If so, I would be concerned about this.

Additionally, I don't know how crazy I would be to be sending my main signal through this sub (or any sub for that manner) where it can have a sonic impact to the signal.

But, you have it running and are happy and that is all that matters.

Y cables would be fine as long as you split both outputs. In other words don't combine L&R outs into a single input.

Yes Carver states that the sub passive crossover is "keeping" the less than 70hz signals and sending the rest to the amp. They also state that this is the preferred method if there's no LFE Output, using smaller speakers (Focal Chorus) and tube amp.

Carver also shows the dual wire set-up I was using. They do note that the amp needs to be "common-grounded" because the two negative posts in the sub's amp are also. I talked to ARC about this and they said the amp would be fine.

Anyway, sounds good and the balance is correct but think I'll also get a pair of Y adapters and see how that sounds. Then I will have tested three different methods.