The cable supplied with the REL sub has three wires with the Neutrik Speakon connector for the high level input from the amp speaker binding posts to the sub. In a system with a single stereo amp, two wires connect to the + posts on the L and R channels and the third to the - post on the R channel only. With that amp connection, the Speakon goes to the unbalanced, high level input on the sub.
The balanced, high level sub input is for mono amps and two subs. The high level inputs on the sub are preferred for music. You can also connect the line level input from an HT processor at the same time for movies and use the input switch on the sub depending on the source. |
If what you care about is music, then use the supplied Neutrik cable connected to the speaker terminals on the amp. The sub will then be getting the exact same signal as the main speakers, which will greatly assist in the integration of the sub. |
Thanks guys, thats what I needed to know. One more question though; it's a bad idea to daisy chain speakers, or run multiple speakers off one amp (I know if you calculate impedance and make sure your not putting too much of a load on the amp it works). Isn't connecting the sub off my amp the same concept? Is the fact the sub has an amp compensation for this? I would then have to assume the sub handles a high watt signal in some fashion before passing it on to it's own internal amp?
What would the advantage be, if any, to connecting the sub via the amp outs on my preamp? My Line 1 does have multiple sets of outs for biamping.
I had thought about how I would connect the sub to a pre/pro when I get back to HT...that's good to know.
Ok, that was more than 1 question, but thanks again for your help and Happy Holidays.
m- |
The high level connection has a very high impedance. Your amp won't even know that it's there. For music, this is the best way to go. The sub takes on the characteristics of the amp driving the speakers, therefor you are able to have a more seamless integration. |
Thanks hrcapers-
Have you guys heard or have any opinions on REL's q201e sub vs the Storm sub? There is a lot of positive info about the Storm but not too much on the 201.
m- |
The Q201E has a small footprint (only 12 inch square). The "Q" subs are more for the Home Theater crowd, but do have the same connections and are quite musical as well. I have demo'd a Q201E at home; great sub considering how small it is. I use an old Q100E in my separate home theater system.
The other advantage for music with the "ST" Mark III subs is the selectable crossover in exact 2dB increments. The Q subs only have the typical knobs with no indication of the exact crossover frequency. |
I have a Storm III hooked up both high level, as discussed above, and low level for movies. I was told (by a guy a Tweeters which is why I'm asking) that the sub would automatically switch back and forth between these two inputs depending on the source. Also, what happens when I play SACD or DVD-Audio? I have the setting on the back set to high level. I was told I didn't need to change this. I am constantly tweaking this for nearly every movie or piece of music so that is why I am asking. It can sound fantastic, but it's pretty high maintainence right now. |
Hey Ultraviolet,
I have two Strata IIIs and I've never noticed a switch from high pass and low pass. I've been running them for almost a year without having to touch them, except, of course, for the occasional adjusting of the crossover after changing a piece or cable(s) in my system. So sit back, enjoy and don't bother getting up to adjust the sub. I'm 100% sure the sub automatically switches back and forth depending on the signal it receives.......John |
I'm not sure because it's not in front of me, but I think there's a knob with numbers 1-4. In the manual it says they are high pass 0 phase, high pass 180 phase, low pass 0 phase and low pass 180 phase. At least this is what I think it is. I have mine set to high pass 0 phase. If I'm not totally making this up, why would the sub have this switch if it auto detected? I guess maybe I should call REL... |
Correct me if I'm wrong Jrwr7, but those independant knobs allow you to set the phase control for the different inputs independently, so when it auto switches inputs, the phase is customized for that input; you may want the phase setting different for movies than music. |
Hey Y'all,
I've read the manual and on page five it explains the functions of the mode selector. I have my subs set to 4, meaning the phase is set to 180' and I have the LFE signal by-passing the ABC filter in the subs because I have my processor handling the crossover, thus giving the subs only the signal they need to reproduce through the RCA cable connection. The line level signal would need to go through the ABC to blend the frequencies properly with the speakers. The subs are receiving a full spectrum signal straight from the amp, through the Nutrik cable, so the ABC would filter out everything above the frequencies the sub is set to reproduce. I had to read the manual about four times before I felt I had it correct. I hope this clears things up.......John |
The mode switch may not actually be the input selector. It sounds like you still need to change the mode switch position when going from the hi level input source for music to the lo level input from the HT source. The advantage is you don't need to swap connections going from one source to the other. Since I only use the Stadium III for music, it has not been a feature I use. |
Hey Y'all,
Eagle, I'm 100% sure you do not need to change the mode selector for H/T to music if you are using both the Nutrik cable and an RCA connection simultaneously. The only thing youre doing by changing the mode is adding/subtracting the ABC filter and possibly changing the phase setting. As I mentioned above, what the ABC does is affect the subs crossover frequency internally. That is how the sub takes the full range signal directly from the amp, via the Nutrik cable, and blends it with the sound from the main speakers in 2 CH play back. If you use the ABC for H/T it defeats the bass management in your H/T processor/receiver. The only reason you may need to switch the mode is if you do not have bass management in your processor/receiver, but most units now include this function, especially for H/T.
I've also found that once you find which phase setting sounds good for your room, it will work for either H/T or music. |
