Sub amp signal - rca or speaker level?

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gooberdude

Sub amp signal - rca or speaker level?
« on: 22 Sep 2011, 02:47 am »
Is the common practice to get the sub amp signal from speaker cables connected to your main amps sp posts?  This is how i've always run subs for the best sq, but an acquisition of new gear & a new room present a situation to feed the rhythmiks via interconnects from the preamp.

I'm getting set to build a pair of bass towers using (4) GR 12-16FR ob woofers, each side powered by a rhythmik a370 servo amp.

any feedback is appreciated.

matt

Jonathon Janusz

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Re: Sub amp signal - rca or speaker level?
« Reply #1 on: 22 Sep 2011, 03:10 am »
I send a full range signal for each channel via rca to each of my dual 12-08 sealed box servos running H600 amps for each one.  With my integrated amp, it lets me use the high-pass filter built into the amp for the mains speaker outputs, concentrating my available power to the main speakers on the high frequencies while still allowing a full range signal to the subs so the subs can be adjusted via the controls on the plate amps.

I've had this rig set up like this, and another where I jumpered the mains output from the subwoofers' (again duals) amplifier terminals and then up to the speaker binding posts.  I guess the main difference I've seen is that using the rca cables (with high pass filter) gives me a bit more dynamic range (more power on tap), using the speaker level cabling added a little more of my amp's sound/character to the low end.

Danny has said before that the a370 amps can drive a pair of OB drivers without breaking a sweat, so I wouldn't worry as much about running out of power/output either way.

I did find that having quality rca cabling did make a difference in the sound when connecting that way.  Lesser cabling thinned out my bass a bit.

gooberdude

Re: Sub amp signal - rca or speaker level?
« Reply #2 on: 22 Sep 2011, 11:56 pm »
Good info, much appreciated.

I've had an a370 amp running a pair of 15" ob woofers for a few years now, its a powerful amp for sure.  Mine has never run out of steam or had really hot heat sinks.  I chose it initially because, to me, the sound quality is much better than a typical plate amp.