REL Subwoofers, Class D Amps and Neutrik Cables.


I have a Rel 505 and just purchased a a Peachtree grand integrated amplifier which is a class d amp. Unfortunately the Negative speaker terminals on D amps in which the neutrik cable connects to are not a ground which could cause damage to the amplifier. I contacted Sumiko (Rel) and they confirmed this. It sound the like best solution would be to use a neutrik cable that has "Caps" on the black wire or something. I've seen them selling on Audiogon A few years ago but not lately as Rel's new subs do not have the issue. Does anyone have any knowledge of this or has anyone seen seen this type of cable anywhere lately?
puffbojie

Showing 2 responses by puffbojie

I did get one of those cables made with the RCA ground from my stereo dealer, however I'm not sure if they modified the plug in such a way that the center of the plug is not affected per Almarg.

I spoke to Sumiko and they would not commit on a RCA ground as a safe way to go. I also spoke to a gentleman who used to manufacture cables specifically for this purpose and he is now convinced that any high level connection will eventually harm a digital amp and only reccomends using the low level connection.

In regards to the "Caps Thing' I was referring to how the hot leads are modified with 10 UF film caps. Which I know nothing about. l will reference an old post I found on www.computerAudiophile.com from 09/08/2011 : (not from me)
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I know a little about the problems with some Class D amps (as well as class A/B balanced output amps) and using high level inputs to subs, as recommended by Rel.
It is important to understand that all class D designs are somewhat different in this regard, so what applies to one amp will not neccessarily apply to another. My experience is with IcePower based amps, specifically ones using the ASP series Ice modules. These modules have 40 VDC on their speaker output terminals in relation to amplifier ground, and the amps are balanced output, so the black terminal is not ground, the ground is usually found at the chassis. The solution for a Rel sub with this amp is to put a filter on the speaker outputs to block the DC: so the two hot leads get a 10 uF film cap in series and are hooked up to the appropriate speaker terminals. Then the ground lead is hooked up to the chassis, making sure it makes good contact (one may need to scrape of paint or anodising to expose bare metal.
I believe the newer Ice modules are different in this regard.
All balanced output amps (not just class d) need special consideration to hook up to Rel style sub input. For example, my Pass x150.5 is balanced output, and has a separate ground terminal on the back panel: the ground wire from the Rel goes to the ground terminal, and not to any speaker posts, and the two hot leads go to the appropriate speaker posts.
If you are at all unsure how your amp operates, be sure to contact tech support of the manufacturer of your amplifier, and explain to them what you are doing, and ask them to provide an appropriate solution.
BTW: I am a big believer in hooking up subs this way (even subs which do not have a high level input stock (like JL) can be adapted to use the amplifier connection with the appropriate additional circuitry to match impedance/levels) as this connection method tends to make it easier to get a seamless transition between the main speakers and sub(s).