Is it damaging? Balanced amps & high-level sub input


Simple. Is it disadvantageous or damaging in any way to hook up a subwoofer to a truly balanced, direct coupled amplifier. I believe I read this on a high end Chi-Fi brand’s website about their balanced amp. Can anyone confirm? I’m using a Soul Note A-2 Ver 1. Amplifier, with x2 KEF KC92 subwoofers. Thanks 

jbuddha882

Well this thread just gave me a sick feeling.

For years I have had my Hypex based Marantz Ruby integrated connected to my HSU subs using both the positive and negative speaker terminals for many years.  Same with REL subs.

How in the world did this not damage my amp??

Addendum:  I may have found my answer.  AI initially stated the Ruby had a floating ground.  Re-asking the question based on output topology, it said the Ruby uses a single ended hypex module which is tied to a common ground.

Whew!!!!!!!!!

I am confused. Please explain more.

My amps have 2 sets of speaker outputs. But they are probably connected together internally. I use one set for my main speakers, the other for my subs.

Since my JL subs do not have a direct high Impedance input, I am using a Jensen ISO-Max to convert the speaker output (high impedance) to a balanced output for the sub.

So, am I missing something?

ozzy

The KEF KC92 can accept either speaker-level input or line-level input.  It could not care less whether one speaker input wire is connected to ground elsewhere.

Whether an amplifier is internally fully balanced, or not, has no impact on what comes out at the speaker terminals (except possibly sound quality).

You can feed duplicate speaker cables into your subs, no worries.