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Connecting a sub to amp pre-amp outs?

I know this is a painfully ignorant question for most of you guys, but bear with me. I have never had a sub before so... There is no sub out on my integrated amp, but I do have a pair of pre-amp out jacks. Can I connect these directly to the low level inputs (L and R) on my powered sub? The sub manual says I can do that, but my Arcam amp's manual doesn't say anything about that--in fact, the manual more or less says that the only time I would need the pre-amp outs is to add a power amp for bi-amping. Right now I am using the second set of speaker binding posts on the amp to run regular speaker cable to the high level inputs on the sub. What will I gain/lose if I can go from the pre-amp outs on the amp to the low level inputs on the sub?
salby6
stehno
1,453 posts
 
Yes, you should be able to connect your sub to these pre-outs. Your manual says you can use these for bi-amping. If you think about it, since your sub most likely has a built-in amplifier, you are in essence, bi-amping to your sub's amplifier.

Normally this would be the preferred way to connect a subwoofer.

-IMO
wizard454
51 posts
 
Yes, it is done.
Go get yourself one or two quality "Y" adapter cables.
Place the "Y" adapter's from pre-out left & right (only use both if your sub has left & right inputs).
Run one set of IC's from the Y's to your sub and the other set of IC's (L&R) back into your pre-in (L&R).
This allows you to run your main speakers full range and hopefully your sub is equiped with pass filters to tailor crossover points.
This is probibly the eazest way to do it, there are much more involved setups you can use.
Hope this helps & good luck.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
What subwoofer and for what use (HT or music)? Many subs (like REL for example) work much better for playing 2 channel music, if they are connected to the high pass speaker cable connection. The pre-out is usually better for HT surround.
eddaytona
216 posts
 
The problem (I think --if I understand your set up correctly) is that if you output from the preamp outs on your amp to the sub you will not have control over the volume in proportion to the level you are playing the amp at.
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