1. Home
  2. misc-audio
  3. 198579-155559

CONNECTING A SUB WHEN THERE IS NO SUB-OUT CONNECTION

I’m adding a sub to my system and not sure how to connect it when I have no sub out connection on my preamp.  The photos below show the rear panels for my preamp, one of my two mono amps, and the sub.  Of course, each speaker is connected to one amp channel. 

Is connecting the sub as simple as using a spade-to-banana connector between the amp and the sub?

 

patrickalston
ozzy's avatar
ozzy
7,781 posts
 

Here is what I am using. Actually, I am using 2 of them so that each is close to my amps.

SP-2SX | Jensen Transformers

ozzy

patrickalston OP
160 posts
 

I came to realize that I’ve a second set of XLR-outs on my preamp from which I can run cables for each channel into left and right subs.  I’ve ordered a second sub which should arrive soon.  So, I should be bumpin’ by the weekend.

Is there an easy way for me cut low frequencies to my main speaker and shift the bass load off of them?

ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,397 posts
 

Excellent. That is the perfect connection point. 

lotusfan
6 posts
 

I’ve read it in this thread, as well as in others, that connection of a sub via the high level inputs is preferable to take advantage of the characteristics of the amplifier, but “characteristics of the amplifier” being an advantage implies to me that those characteristics are synergistic with those of the sub, placement, rest of the system etc and rather prone to luck of the combination or very specific choices. Is there an electrical advantage related to the combined loading on the preamp of the combined amp and sub amp compared to the preamp only seeing the amp and the amp seeing the low impedance speaker plus the high impedance sub?  

macg19
1,320 posts
 

 

Really nice system. I’ve owned BAT gear in the past - not at your level but I did enjoy it. 
 

I came to realize that I’ve a second set of XLR-outs on my preamp from which I can run cables for each channel into left and right subs. 
 

As @ghdprentice said this is probably best. My entree to subs was REL and speaker level connections and I drank the cool aid. IMO this connection is great if you have no alternative. You do. XLR pre out is what I’m using with my Arendals. 
 

Is there an easy way for me cut low frequencies to my main speaker and shift the bass load off of them?

I don’t believe so. But often guys are trying to offload the amp duty rather than the speakers. You’ve got loads of high quality power driving the mains and I doubt the mono blocks are breaking a sweat so I wouldn’t worry about it. 
if you get a pair of great subs dialed in and pressurize the room properly my guess is you take some of the load of the mains by not needing drive them as hard

More to discover