At least for REL subwoofers, the high level input is designed with a significantly high impedance so it will not place any current load on the amplifier. You do need to be careful when connecting the high level cable to different amplifier types, though this is because of the different grounding practices of the different amp designs. As long as you follow the correct high level connection method for your amplifier type (class a/b, class d, balanced/differential amplifiers, etc.) there is no risk of damaging the amplifier by connecting a subwoofer high level. REL's service department can provide specific high level connection instructions if you do not know what class your amplifier is.
What's the difference between a Rel t/9 & T/9i?
I want to use a sub with LS50s that are driven by an Ayre A7e integrated. The A7e has no output for driving a sub, so I need to use speaker-level. I'm trying a KEF Kube 10b, but the speaker-level connection is difficult. The Ref uses a Neutrek Speakon connection that seems much easier. I might be able to buy a used Rel t/9 for not much more than the 10b. The least expensive t/9i I've seen is twice the cost of the 10b.
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Showing 2 responses by jacobatrel
Hi db, both the T/9 and the T/9i can be connected to the Ayre A7e using the High Level input, though since the A7e is a balanced amplifier you will want to be careful to not connect the black wire of the REL’s high level cable to one of the negative speaker output terminals. Instead, the black wire can be left “floating”, or disconnected and with tape covering the copper end of the wire. If you experience hum, then the black wire can be connected to a chassis screw. Another option is to run an RCA cable from an unused output on the A7e to the .1/LFE input on the REL, then turn the .1/LFE Level control to minimum, which will provide a ground connection between the two. There is an article on the REL website which provides diagrams and a video for connecting high level to differential amplifiers like the A7e (https://rel.net/how-to-connect-a-rel-to-a-balanced-amp/). As Al and users in the other thread mentioned, the other issue is that the A7e breaks connection with it’s output terminals when it is powered off. This is fine for your loudspeakers, but it causes the REL to hum if it is powered on and connected high level but the A7e is powered off. The best solution is to either leave both the REL and the A7e powered on at all times, or to power off the REL prior to powering off the A7e. To answer your original question, both the T/9 and the T/9i are fairly similar, and their published specs are almost identical. The T/9i does have an improved filter and driver design, which gives it a more linear output when compared to the T/9, though both options will work great and pair very well with your LS50s. |