Hi Paul, this is Michael. Thanks so much for the straight answer. I haven't added the subwoofer yet, but it is next on my list, and I'll be ordering some Y connectors and cable to make that parallel connection. You were the right guy to ask! Cheers
You don't need to spend silly money you want 50ohms cable as your internet from preamp to amplifier, A triple shielded microphone cable something like Belden 8402 we'll do your needs, and to subwoofer, or you could take the speaker output from the amplifier to the subwoofer terminals you don't need a Y splitter then.
Probably a 1970s era subwoofer. Most audiophiles in my neighborhood love these kinds of subs because it allows them to design and built their own active crossover for even better sound using EF86 preamp tubes.
If your sub has a single lfe line level input you are also going to need a stereo to mono adapter. Not just another Y splitter because that will mess up your stereo image to the power amp. It needs to be one that isolates the mono signal from the stereo output to the poweramp.
i know that it is hard to hear where the base sound is coming from but if it is recorded in just one channel? And that happens to be the channel the sub is not connected to?
much better in this case to use Y coupling. but remember that you can get less stereo. the bass speaker receives stereo signal and converts it to mono. some may have low resistance between GND. and signal, and some take 2 resistors (kilo ohms) and shorting R. L. the amplifier sees no short circuit but you get less stereo sound. stereo separation gets worse.
You nave to make sure the Sub Woofer does not short the left and right channels together. (That would be a bad Sub Woofer). With such design, I would use resisters but also be very annoyed with my Sub Woofer.
I am running an active system and the controller, that provides the preamp's crossovers for the speakers, has only enough connections for the main speakers. I wanted to use two subwoofers in my system, so after the preamplifier, I did use a Y-connector. The amplifiers I am using also have the capability to choose crossover ranges; therefore, I had the crossover point and the level control for the subwoofers, which blends perfectly . . . and they sound great!
I have a question, ive got a Samsung HTS-J4500 and it hat small speakers with 3 ohms and 80W , ive seen speakers that are rated at 6ohms but much bigger diameter (bookshelf)and i was asking if i can just use them as replacement for my tiny 3 ohms ones???
Paul, Can I connect one of my (receiver 1) RCA Subwoofer Pre outputs to another (receiver 2) in any RCA audio imput to use this second receiver as an amplifier, connecting it to two passive subwoofers in the left/right speaker connections?
Additionally some subs have an output including a high-pass filter, for example one of my subs cuts 80Hz and below on the RCA outputs without an option to bypass the filter
Paul's gonna get "bashed" on this one - - not because of the connecting suggestion he's recommending, but because he instructing the subscriber to buy a "cheapo" "Y" connector - - and yes, I've got stupid money tied up in cables and in all honesty I'd be real hesitant to employ a 10 dollar Y connector in the chain - - not sayin' I could hear it mind you so don't come at me with something from Amir - - nonetheless, I love Paul and agree with his advice, but personally, if I were employing his suggestion I'd probably hunt down a more high end Y set up, I know they're out there.
So, can I just go from the pre outs on my integrated to the sub with RCAs? I'v had folks tell me I can do it but it will change the sound of the system.. Please help!
Maybe. You first need to determine if your components are balanced. I'm 99% sure your dac is. Balanced and single ended components are not compatible. When you have a balanced piece with a choice of outputs, typically you can only use 1 type at a time. Check to see if there's something you have to do to switch between the 2. With high end home audio, the most popular way to switch between bal and se is either a switch somewhere on the component, or they give you these little jumpers that you stick in the xlr connectors first, then you can use the rca outputs. The main point is there's some type of action you need to take. If the components are not balanced, and they just have xlr connectors, then you can use both at the same time. This information will definitely be in your owners manual. If you accidentally connect a balanced component to a SE one, you'll definitely hear your mistake, but you can also damage your gear, so you need to be careful.
@Douglas Blake I’ve used both pigtail and hard adapters. If it’s plugged into the back of a piece of equipment, I prefer the pigtail, because RCA connectors aren’t very strong, and with a hard adapter, the weight of the cable has more leverage to bend the connector down.
Michael didn’t say whether the RCA input of the subwoofer is stereo or mono. I hope that the sub has stereo inputs, along with its own circuitry to mix them to mono. Sometimes I’ve seen people use Y cables the “other” way, to forcibly mix stereo down to mono, and I cringe when I see that.
I’ve tried doing this, and it would result in feedback from the devices when they are turned off - so turning on/off the sub would cause a pop or noise into the speaker amp, and vice versa… not a very nice experience, even if it’s fine.
Potential problem # 1: A sub with only one input jack (mono). Such subs should be used with A/V receivers or processors that sum the channels in the digital domain. Alternatively, one may connect only one channel of the preamp output to the sub and hope that most source material to be played through the system has mono bass (some may have stereo bass). Potential problem # 2: Low summing resistance in a sub that has stereo inputs. This calls for either a buffer stage or making a high-resistance summing adapter, neither of which is really desirable. Potential remedy for either of these problems: One sub for each channel, which brings an altogether different set of hitches to the party. I recommend avoiding subwoofers entirely if at all possible.
Both solutions would work and l dont know which is best. You would need to try both. However neither solution is optimal. The fact is that he'has been sold the wrong sub. Sell or return itl and get one with HP inputs
Again with this foolish notion that cables matter. Yes, frayed, anemic cables aren't good. My $1000 to your $1 you cannot judge the difference between an ample cable, a good cable and an esoteric cable. Not A Chance
Ya know what - - I get sick of this stuff too, and once in awhile I want to call you guys out - - foolish notion?? - - when ya got reference money invested in a reference front end and ya don't think a reference cable makes a diff then it's obvious you've never had a reference system in your listening space, and when you do, then try and tell me your 10 buck cable matches a reference cable, even I wish it was so, but it isn't - so ya, I've got NO problem with a 10 dollar Amazon Cable - I actually use a set for casual listening from my cable box (Music Choice) to my reference rig and that makes sense given the source - - but if ya don't think that you, meaning you, can't hear the diff in a reference cable running from a reference pre-amp to a reference power amp, not even to mention from a reference power amp to reference speakers, then you have a hearing problem. And yes, I like Amir too - so don't go there. Reference listening is not an AB test and decent cables are not a foolish notion - and anyone reading this should not except the idea that cables don't matter - it's part of your hobby - - don't take anyone's advice, including mine - listen for yourself. Finn, your comment is ridiculous.
@@skip1835 your word salad belies your penchant to overpay for audio jewelry. Define "reference system" as well. By reference you mean exorbitant amounts of money spent in order to impress others? This has nothing to do with Amir, it has everything to do with "hobbyists" like you. Who don't listen to their "reference" system because you're too busy adding and removing sources and solutions and speakers and interconnects. You spend more time listening to salesmen and reading reviews than you do actually listening to a system. Make sure to parallel those reference subs with a $3 Y connector. Stop listening to corporate shills and start listening to the music.
@@Finn-McCool omg - you guys always take things to some personal level - - I could barely get through your BS reply. Tough when ya get called out isn't it. You have no idea who I am or what influences me - - obviously ya didn't read my reply very well either - - I clearly suggested that others shouldn't take my word and instead employ listening - meaning that they shouldn't take your BS as gospel either. And that's exactly what prompted my reply to you in the first place - Finn, we probably have more in common than you think when it comes to listening and music - your initial comment and then your reply to me were, again, ridiculous and certainly not very nice, you guys always seem so grudgeful - But regardless, happy listening Finn, and I'd bet I'd love your system, certainly love to listen to it and I couldn't care less what cables or components you happen to be using - - Skip.
Hi Paul, this is Michael. Thanks so much for the straight answer. I haven't added the subwoofer yet, but it is next on my list, and I'll be ordering some Y connectors and cable to make that parallel connection. You were the right guy to ask! Cheers
You don't need to spend silly money you want 50ohms cable as your internet from preamp to amplifier, A triple shielded microphone cable something like Belden 8402 we'll do your needs, and to subwoofer, or you could take the speaker output from the amplifier to the subwoofer terminals you don't need a Y splitter then.
@@johnsweda2999 Didn't he specifically state that the subwoofer only had RCA inputs?
That's exactly why I rather go to older folks. Great video!
Simple, proper and useful for many, advice.
My burning question answered! Thank you!
The BNC T, my favorite dangerous adaptor!
This is almost my favorite room that you do your videos in!!!
You can also get RCA cables with 'double adapter' plug on them, the plugs have a socket on their backs allowing another cable to be connected.
Probably a 1970s era subwoofer. Most audiophiles in my neighborhood love these kinds of subs because it allows them to design and built their own active crossover for even better sound using EF86 preamp tubes.
A $10,- Y connector will do the job. Now that is honest advice!!
Yes. . these are the things that took me a while to learn
but paul ,,using Y connector sometimes can cause a hum..i try it many times but i cant hear a clear audio
If your sub has a single lfe line level input you are also going to need a stereo to mono adapter. Not just another Y splitter because that will mess up your stereo image to the power amp. It needs to be one that isolates the mono signal from the stereo output to the poweramp.
The solution is to only use subs with speaker level inputs. Will sound better too
Where do you find a quality y splitter?
Paul i have xlr and rca in out that work simultaneously, can i use xlr for amp and rca out to subwoofer rca
i only have a tape out on my intergrated and a sub with rca in only, is tape ouy going to be ok?
i know that it is hard to hear where the base sound is coming from but if it is recorded in just one channel? And that happens to be the channel the sub is not connected to?
Hi mr Mcgowan, like to ask...I have 2 monos amp and 1 pre amp....what is the correct way to hook them up....I just ordered a Y splitter....Thank you!.
much better in this case to use Y coupling.
but remember that you can get less stereo. the bass speaker receives stereo signal and converts it to mono. some may have low resistance between GND. and signal, and some take 2 resistors
(kilo ohms) and shorting R. L. the amplifier sees no short circuit but you get less stereo sound. stereo separation gets worse.
You nave to make sure the Sub Woofer does not short the left and right channels together. (That would be a bad Sub Woofer). With such design, I would use resisters but also be very annoyed with my Sub Woofer.
I am running an active system and the controller, that provides the preamp's crossovers for the speakers, has only enough connections for the main speakers. I wanted to use two subwoofers in my system, so after the preamplifier, I did use a Y-connector. The amplifiers I am using also have the capability to choose crossover ranges; therefore, I had the crossover point and the level control for the subwoofers, which blends perfectly . . . and they sound great!
I have a question, ive got a Samsung HTS-J4500 and it hat small speakers with 3 ohms and 80W , ive seen speakers that are rated at 6ohms but much bigger diameter (bookshelf)and i was asking if i can just use them as replacement for my tiny 3 ohms ones???
Paul, Can I connect one of my (receiver 1) RCA Subwoofer Pre outputs to another (receiver 2) in any RCA audio imput to use this second receiver as an amplifier, connecting it to two passive subwoofers in the left/right speaker connections?
Additionally some subs have an output including a high-pass filter, for example one of my subs cuts 80Hz and below on the RCA outputs without an option to bypass the filter
Paul's gonna get "bashed" on this one - - not because of the connecting suggestion he's recommending, but because he instructing the subscriber to buy a "cheapo" "Y" connector - - and yes, I've got stupid money tied up in cables and in all honesty I'd be real hesitant to employ a 10 dollar Y connector in the chain - - not sayin' I could hear it mind you so don't come at me with something from Amir - - nonetheless, I love Paul and agree with his advice, but personally, if I were employing his suggestion I'd probably hunt down a more high end Y set up, I know they're out there.
That's what it did. Monster Y cable out to the sub from the stereo amp. I at least tried to use some what good cable.
So if you prefer the parallel connection over Daisy Chain which only connects 2 subs what if you want 3 to 4 subs?
Suppose you have a high and low output. which one should I use for the SW and which one for the tube Amp.
Hi Paul.
Just checking I got you right...
DAC >> Preamp : RCA
Preamp >> Power amp + Sub : 2X RCA Y splitter?
😂was wondering if it was 2x splitters too.
So, can I just go from the pre outs on my integrated to the sub with RCAs? I'v had folks tell me I can do it but it will change the sound of the system.. Please help!
Yes, that should not be a problem.
Audioquest has some very good y cables in their product line.
Hi. Can i use on my PS Audio direct stream dac, the xlr outputs to the power amp and at the same time connect the rca outputs to a subwoofer?
Maybe. You first need to determine if your components are balanced. I'm 99% sure your dac is. Balanced and single ended components are not compatible. When you have a balanced piece with a choice of outputs, typically you can only use 1 type at a time. Check to see if there's something you have to do to switch between the 2. With high end home audio, the most popular way to switch between bal and se is either a switch somewhere on the component, or they give you these little jumpers that you stick in the xlr connectors first, then you can use the rca outputs. The main point is there's some type of action you need to take.
If the components are not balanced, and they just have xlr connectors, then you can use both at the same time. This information will definitely be in your owners manual. If you accidentally connect a balanced component to a SE one, you'll definitely hear your mistake, but you can also damage your gear, so you need to be careful.
Great! Thanks.
So is it better to have that Y connector at the sub or the amp?
@Douglas Blake I’ve used both pigtail and hard adapters. If it’s plugged into the back of a piece of equipment, I prefer the pigtail, because RCA connectors aren’t very strong, and with a hard adapter, the weight of the cable has more leverage to bend the connector down.
Always at the Amp, otherwise you are effectively daisy chaining it.
@@hugobloemers4425 That's what the other guy said.
@@hugobloemers4425 so if I put the spliter on the mono input at the sub and run rca's to the pre amp, that is "daisy chaining"?
2.1 preamp... way to go.
Paralleling allows you to use the active crossover in the sub. Paul may not like this, but it makes sense. Viz. Darko.
Michael didn’t say whether the RCA input of the subwoofer is stereo or mono. I hope that the sub has stereo inputs, along with its own circuitry to mix them to mono. Sometimes I’ve seen people use Y cables the “other” way, to forcibly mix stereo down to mono, and I cringe when I see that.
Hi Kevin, yes the sub has the stereo inputs, and same for the pre-amp out.
buy more than you need, especially small and cheap things like these
if one is broken, you'll have a spare 🙂
I’ve tried doing this, and it would result in feedback from the devices when they are turned off - so turning on/off the sub would cause a pop or noise into the speaker amp, and vice versa… not a very nice experience, even if it’s fine.
Potential problem # 1: A sub with only one input jack (mono).
Such subs should be used with A/V receivers or processors that sum the channels in the digital domain.
Alternatively, one may connect only one channel of the preamp output to the sub
and hope that most source material to be played through the system has mono bass (some may have stereo bass).
Potential problem # 2: Low summing resistance in a sub that has stereo inputs.
This calls for either a buffer stage or making a high-resistance summing adapter, neither of which is really desirable.
Potential remedy for either of these problems: One sub for each channel, which brings an altogether different set of hitches to the party. I recommend avoiding subwoofers entirely if at all possible.
If everything was this simple 😂 !
It is, but that is a secret to Audiophiles ;)
Both solutions would work and l dont know which is best. You would need to try both. However neither solution is optimal. The fact is that he'has been sold the wrong sub. Sell or return itl and get one with HP inputs
Why not just make a preamp that has a specific sub out xed over around 180hz or so? The higher end you go, the less you see of that sort of thing.
Ridiculous
Show a connector and then say but don’t use one of this
If you cut way down on your gangsta rap consumption you won't need a subwoofer, problem solved. 😁
Again with this foolish notion that cables matter. Yes, frayed, anemic cables aren't good. My $1000 to your $1 you cannot judge the difference between an ample cable, a good cable and an esoteric cable.
Not
A
Chance
Ya know what - - I get sick of this stuff too, and once in awhile I want to call you guys out - - foolish notion?? - - when ya got reference money invested in a reference front end and ya don't think a reference cable makes a diff then it's obvious you've never had a reference system in your listening space, and when you do, then try and tell me your 10 buck cable matches a reference cable, even I wish it was so, but it isn't - so ya, I've got NO problem with a 10 dollar Amazon Cable - I actually use a set for casual listening from my cable box (Music Choice) to my reference rig and that makes sense given the source - - but if ya don't think that you, meaning you, can't hear the diff in a reference cable running from a reference pre-amp to a reference power amp, not even to mention from a reference power amp to reference speakers, then you have a hearing problem. And yes, I like Amir too - so don't go there. Reference listening is not an AB test and decent cables are not a foolish notion - and anyone reading this should not except the idea that cables don't matter - it's part of your hobby - - don't take anyone's advice, including mine - listen for yourself. Finn, your comment is ridiculous.
Cable lives matter, jokes aside, Paul gave the game away by recommending a Y connector that costs $10,- a pair.
@@hugobloemers4425 ( : too funny Hugo!
@@skip1835 your word salad belies your penchant to overpay for audio jewelry.
Define "reference system" as well. By reference you mean exorbitant amounts of money spent in order to impress others?
This has nothing to do with Amir, it has everything to do with "hobbyists" like you. Who don't listen to their "reference" system because you're too busy adding and removing sources and solutions and speakers and interconnects.
You spend more time listening to salesmen and reading reviews than you do actually listening to a system. Make sure to parallel those reference subs with a $3 Y connector.
Stop listening to corporate shills and start listening to the music.
@@Finn-McCool omg - you guys always take things to some personal level - - I could barely get through your BS reply. Tough when ya get called out isn't it. You have no idea who I am or what influences me - - obviously ya didn't read my reply very well either - - I clearly suggested that others shouldn't take my word and instead employ listening - meaning that they shouldn't take your BS as gospel either. And that's exactly what prompted my reply to you in the first place - Finn, we probably have more in common than you think when it comes to listening and music - your initial comment and then your reply to me were, again, ridiculous and certainly not very nice, you guys always seem so grudgeful - But regardless, happy listening Finn, and I'd bet I'd love your system, certainly love to listen to it and I couldn't care less what cables or components you happen to be using - - Skip.