I’m curious, too. I just ordered one of these Analysis Plus Sub Oval cables. I’ll report back after a week of burn-in. My preamp has two sets of line level outs, also. One pair of IC’s goes to the amp. The other pair goes to the sub. The x-over point is manually set via the sub’s controls. If your preamp is a HT processor, you can set x-over via the menu for the LFE output.
Subwoofer cable question for those in the know...
My preamp has an extra set of line level outputs to drive a powered sub.
Would there be any advantage to running separate L/R cables since it is purely a bottom end booster, or can I Y the signal out/signal in and run just one cable between pre and sub?
Also, what is the difference in construction between "subwoofer cables" and ordinary shielded RCA cables?
I haven't seen anything definitive, and I assume they are designed to carry just a low frequency signal better, as opposed to full range signals?
Advice, of course, is greatly appreciated.
9 responses Add your response
| Post removed |
This manual has all the options for any subwoofer hookup! http://www.psbspeakers.com/content/160419102939-PSB_SubSeries_English_Owners_Guide.pdf |
As they only need to relay lower frequencies, sub cables don't need to be as highly configured as regular speaker cables. Even Vandersteen supplies rather ordinary cable with his subs. I use Cable Solutions, as recommended by Almarg. http://www.cs1.net/products/cable_solutions/O2X-Series_12awg_speaker_cables.htm#purchase Without knowing what sub and pre you are using limits what can be recommended. For me, using a powered subs, I use two runs from the amp-one for speakers, and one for the subs if I don't have a crossover. Since both speakers and sub share the same signal, integration should be easier. Bob |
There is a slight difference in running 2 separate cables to the L/R inputs on the subwoofer vs. using a Y adapter at both your preamp and sub. On my system, the 2 separate cables sounded a little better. It's not a big deal and many wouldn't hear any difference at all. I was using a VMPS sub and VMPS ribbon speakers. They have very good definition. |
To answer a few different posts and provide some info... I have a JBL 8400P sub and it has both L/R line level inputs, 50-150hZ variable crossover control, phase switch etc. AES3-MKII preamp (made by Cary) which has 2 sets of L/R line level outputs. It is feeding a pair of modded Dynaco MKIV monoblocks. (Must give grannyring some props here. He rebuilt/upgraded these things, and they are beautifully done, as well as sounding incredible. Really nice guy too, as others have said here.) The JBL manual gives as an option putting a Y inline if your pre-out is only a single RCA jack, so I don't see how it could harm anything to Y the connection on both ends, as stated previously it is mono. I have a large volume room with hardwood floors, which makes my sound a bit on the bright/thin side with some recordings. I am just wanting to tinker with the sub to see if it makes the bass deeper without being too muddy/booming, and I didn't want to dump a fortune into cables (it's about a 10-12ft. run from my rack to the sub) just to find out that it was not much better. Thanks for the feedback so far. |
| Post removed |
Update: After only 24 hours of burn-in, the Analysis Plus Sub Oval cables have bettered my full-range IC’s going to my sub. The AP’s are tighter and more tuneful in the netherworld under 30hz. This is fairly surprising since the full-range IC’s have a fast attack in the upper frequencies. Both sets went deep. The difference isn’t huge - but, it is apparent if the sub is properly dialed in. And I was anticipating a refund upon sending them back. ;-( |
