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Second sub connection

A basic question but then again basic is the limit of my audio knowledge. I currently have a Schiit Freya preamp with two rca outputs. One output is running a pair of tube amps the other was for an older Quad subwoofer with rca L and R inputs. I just purchased a second sub (svs pb2000) with the same inputs. I had a brief conversation with SVS and was told to run a pair of cables to each sub with splitters.
i have an old pair Radio Shack Y splitters male to female and could put one in each channel of the second output and run a pair of cables so each sub is getting a right and left feed.First...is that correct or should I run one sub only left and one only right?
Second...could I use different splitters on the sub end (dual male to one female) and run one cable each from the the preamp L and R to the subs.
The second application would save me some money on cables. I already have a pair of 12 foot cables that were to my first sub, the second sub would need a 22 foot run. So I thought if I took one of the 12 foot cables and patched it to a 10 foot cable I could run that to new second location if I were to split at the sub end. Not knowing the difference because of my current cables one is coded red for right and the other black for left (normal) so is that going to present an issue separating them. Don’t want to compromise on the connection to save money but I would like to understand better how this works.
Thanks for any responses that might shed some light 💡.
Dan

danham

Showing 1 response by blindjim

blindjim
3,092 posts
 

admittedly, i was confused there a bit too. splitters or ‘Y’ cables introduce another segment of signal loss usually less than 3db, but loss of 1 or 2 for sure.

then too therre is the introduction of differing cable materials and in this case connectors and or splitters are different ICs essentially.

eliminating signal loss is always a very good idea. albeit, one will figure the gain of a pre or line stage, and or an amp will forgoe this loss in connectivity, I’d avoid it if possible.

I might be picking nits here and one or two db of signal loss at one sub might be undetectable . dunno.

it will help keep the signal path more secure though and likely prevent the coupler from getting unplugged inadvertantly.

as this is for the lowest octave chances are there won’t be any overtly audible discrepncies.

+1 on using the ‘left’ input on each sub regardless the output on the pre, ‘L or R’.

i would say get the sub info from as far down the signal chain as is possible, i.e. the pre in your case simply for timing sake. ten ft ain’t a lot of conductor so the 22ft run ought not show up sonically as a deleterious issue.

good luck.
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