help with powered sub wiring


I have a modest setup with two NHT SB3's and an SW10 self powered subwoofer connecting to a Classe Audio CAP-151. I have two questions:

1. Should the wiring from the amp to the sub be speaker cables or interconnects for best results?
2. Is it better to run cables from the amp to the sub and then cables from the sub to the speakers, or is it more effective to run the speaker cables directly from the amp in addition to cables from the amp to the sub?
TIA
DG
dgreenb1

Showing 1 response by billm

Greetings:

Even with a modest set up, you possibly can get the best sound if you run your cables this way:

Run speaker cables from the Classe to the powered sub. I firmly believe, proven through experience, that you should run a powered sub using the main driving amplifier's outputs. This preserves the basic sonic characteristics of the main amplifiers bass output, I.E., pitch, speed, etc..
(I got this from Robert Harley's book[s])
Unless you use effects, or room correction, external crossovers, etc., this seems to provide a smoother and more accurate transition with the sub woofer and main speakers.
I use a set of Martin Logan servo subs with a large set of Magnepan planars, and its no contest: The high level smokes the low level connections, providing a quicker, cleaner, smoother transition with the planar speakers.

I would then run a second set of speaker cables from the Classe to the main speakers. Its probably best to use speaker cables from the same manufacturer, if possible.
Mix and match will work too, I.E., silver for the monitors, thick copper for the sub........

This way you take the cheap crossover from the powered sub woofer out of the equation. Those cheap crossovers almost always degrade the sound.
BUT, this means you are running the mains full range, which is something you may not want to do.
A plus with your speakers is that they are from the same manufacturer, which usually means a nice transition from sub to mains.

I would try the set up both ways, but sonically, best sound will probably be had by running high level to the sub, and a second set of quality cables from the Classe to the main speakers.

Its always best to take the cheapo crossover out of the picture, sonically.

But again, its up to your ears, and cable costs may be a factor.

Happy Listening!