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Best way to hook up a sub?

Okay, so I just found a sub tonight (svs sb 12 plus) that has xlr inputs and outputs. Question is what is the best way to incorporate a sub in my system. I can run xlr's into my amp and use the remaining rca's into the sub, but I think I will get a hum if I do this (another ground loop?), and I would rather use xlr's because I just think they sound better. What about an xlr splitter? If I do use a splitter, does a cheap splitter offset the advantage's of high quality Xlr's? If not, would it be better to split the signal at the pre amp, or just run xlr's into the sub from the pre amp, and then from the sub into the amp, as this is possible with this sub?
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doggiehowser
672 posts
 
I'm not a big fan of adding another crossover in front of the speaker's crossover.
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b_limo OP
2,274 posts
 
I like the idea of running my main speakers full range and letting the sub pick up where my mains drop off. I ended up buying the svs pb plus 12. Im happy with it, I just notice alot of the bass I hear coming from my back right side corner of my room, no matter where the sub is placed, which is pissing me off. I ended up hooking it up to the left and right rca pre outs and Im using my xlr out puts for my amp. This seems to be working well with no ground loop hum.
doggiehowser
672 posts
 
Try downloading the Thiel SmartSub manual. There's a section on subwoofer placement.

I think centre between the 2 speakers is best for a single sub
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highend64
277 posts
 
What is your room dimensions and list of equipment? Have you tried placing the sub in between the speakers? Is the bass one-note bass or is it all bass frequency that you find annoying? If you can find the frequency that is bothering you, you can tame it with the Parametric EQ on that model.
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b_limo OP
2,274 posts
 
I've tried placing it between the speakers and lose alot of output, and alot of the deeper bass. The bass I hear collecting in the back right side of the room does seem to be just a certain frequency whereas the other frequencies seem to be coming evenly from all over. I guess my next option is to do what you suggest and try taming it by ear with the p.e.q. Im also wondering if some room acoustics (bass traps) would help with that particular problem. Thanks hi end for the idea with the p.e.q. though.
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