[sm4r2d2]

How can I determine the number of times I can split a signal coming out of a processor or preamp using a Y splitter. Currently I am splitting the out signal in each front channel and running one signal to an amp and the other to a powered subwoofer. Can I split for a third line to amp?
 Please keep your replys basic with a minimum of initials and overly technical jargon.
 Thanks so much for your help. ---RDC---

[tkp]

Beside the signal going through a bunch of RCA connections which could slightly degrade the fidelity of the sound, as long as the total load impose on the processor/preamp output does not exceed the minimum loading specify by the manufacturer of the processor/preamp then you should be fine.  For example,

Let assume the minimum resistive load the output of the processor/preamp could drive is specify at 10Kohms.  If the input impedance of each of the three devices being driven by the processor/preamp is rated at 30Kohms (for simplicity) then the combined load is at 10Kohms.  The preamp should be able to drive this load.

A more general formular is as follow:

1/Re = 1/R1 + 1/R2 +1/R3 + ....+ 1/Rn

Let say the input impedance the devices you want to drive your preamp with is 22K, 22K, and 47K then the equivalent restance is

1/Re = 1/22K + 1/22K + 1/47K

Re = 8.9K.  

This is lower than the minimum 10K value the preamp can drive without degrading its output signal.  The system will still produce sound but will not be as good as driving equivalent load 10K or higher.

[sm4r2d2]

Well, is this some of the info. that I need?:
 

 Processor - Input Sensitivity/Impedance   Line Level, 200mV/47 kohms
 
 Power Amp -  Input Sens. / Impedance   1.0v / 33 kohms

 Subwoofer -  Haven't Found Yet  

  Are these the right figures, and are they for each output / channel ?
  I don't know if I'm on the right track.
Again, thanks for your help ---RDC---

[tkp]

> Processor - Input Sensitivity/Impedance   Line Level, 200mV/47 kohms

This is the spec for the input impedance of the processor.  The spec you need is the output spec where they will specify output voltage level into certain load.
 
 > Power Amp -  Input Sens. / Impedance   1.0v / 33 kohms

Yep.  The input impedance of the power amp is 33 Kohms.

 > Subwoofer -  Haven't Found Yet  
Continue looking .

 
or you can list the pieces so I can find infor about them on the net.

[sm4r2d2]

Thanks, the equipment is:
 processor - Rotel RSP-1066
 Amp - Rotel RB-1090
 Sub - Infinity CSW-10

 I'm thinking of stacking a second sub. for each channel.

[tkp]

I searched the net but could not find the needed information on the Rotel RSP-1066.  Even the user manual does not list any thing.  You might have to email Rotel asking for the minimum load for the RSP-1066 or the output impedance.

Same story for the Infinity CSW-10, this unit only has line level input and there is no spec for the input impedance on the net.  

Sorry I tried but no result.

[sm4r2d2]

Thanks so much for all the effort. I am going to have to do more research before I end up frying something. At least I Know the right questions now. ---RDC---