[cporada]

I'm wondering if anyone out there has tried Scott Endler's Attenuators and would be willing to offer an opinion on the pluses/minuses of these versus a line amp, i.e., what improvements could I expect, are there any downsides, etc.  Also, regarding hook-up, I'm wondering if anyone could make any suggestions with my current setup.  The problem is as follows.  I currently have the output of my CD/SACD player going into my Michael Yee LA-1.  I then have a Y-adaptor hooked into each of the outputs of the LA-1, with one interconnect for each channel going to the appropriate input on my power amp (Michael Yee PA-1) and the other going to each of my pair of stereo subwoofers (to the RCA inputs on the plate amp).  How could I go about using the attenuators in place of the LA-1 yet still keep the subwoofers?  I understand the best way to use the attenuators is to plug them directly into the inputs of the PA-1, and run the CD player’s outputs into the shotguns, but is it possible to use a Y-adaptor at the PA-1 input, place the attenuator just “upstream” of the Y, in essence giving the attenuator 2 outputs, one of which would go directly into the PA-1 and the other of which would go to an interconnect to the subwoofers?  The concern I have over this option is the fact that the subwoofer interconnects are around 10 feet long, which I have read is not a good thing for stepped attenuators.  Would it be better/possible to place the Y at the output of the CD player, and run one set of interconnects directly to the shotguns plugged directly into the PA-1 for the majority of the frequency range and the other set of interconnects to the LA-1 and still use the LA-1 to regulate the volume of the subwoofers?

Thank you in advance for any help/suggestions!
Chris

[Russtafarian]

Can your subs be run off the speaker outputs of your power amp?  All other factors being optimum, the attenuators should work fine in that configuration. 

[NewBuyer]

Just wondering, did you email Scott Endler with these questions? He answers quickly and is extremely friendly, and knowledgeable about virtually all things audio. I'm sure he would help you right away with your questions.

[cporada]

After considering my previous post on using attenuators, I'm embarrassed I didn't think of simply using the speaker-in jacks on the sub (thanks for that suggestion Russtafarian!).  For some reason, I always presumed it was better to run an RCA-line level  signal if using a powered sub.  What are others opinions regarding the best way to hook-up a powered sub?  What is the difference between using the RCA level inputs on the plate amp of a powered sub and the speaker level inputs as far as sound quality, demands on main amp, etc., go?  I know on the Mapleshade website, they extoll the virtues of using the speaker level inputs, saying that this is the only way to achieve seamless integration with the main speakers.  If one uses the speaker level inputs, the volume and crossover dials and phase dials all still function on the plate amp, right (I have a setero pair of DIY subs that use the Parts Express 300-794 plate amps)?  Can anyone here who has "sub experience" comment on what the differences would be between the two inputs on the sub amp (I will still be running my main speakers full range directly from my power amp, not using the speaker out jacks on the sub amp).
Thanks so much
Chris 

[ohenry]

I think the advantage of using the speaker level inputs is that the sonic character of the main amp passes on to the subs.  Therefore, in theory it's easier to make that seamless transition.

The sub plate amp controls still work in that scenario.

Have fun!

[cporada]

Thanks!
One other question; will using the speaker level-in place a drain on the power of my main amp, or does all the power in the sub still somehow come from the sub plate amp despite using the speaker-in jacks?  I remember reading somewhere that this could happen, but I could well be mistaken.
Thanks again
Chris