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Another Subwoofer Cable Topic

Sorry folks, I cannot find a reasonable answer to this quandary and not many people are willing to answer it properly.

Powered subwoofers seem to enjoy having a left and right RCA input, despite the driver being 100% mono. Practically all manuals say the same thing, choose one of the RCA inputs (usually Right) and everything will be fine.  I have not found this to be true.

Somewhere, in the annals of the internet(s) I had found an audio discussion where someone explained it. On a basic level, the mono driver requires 2 incoming volts to properly drive. One single RCA output delivers 1 volt of signal. Using that one input will cause the driver to activate and make bass, this is true.  But using both RCA inputs doubles the voltage and the driver functions much better.

In my floor standing system I have two subwoofers that both use NHT monoblock amps. They both have left/right input RCAs. When I connected a SINGLE connection to the block, I had to crank the volume to the maximum to get any reasonable bass out of the subwoofers.  At that time I bought a splitter so that the single LFE out on the receiver (I have left and right LFE outputs, hence two subs) could split into two to cover both left/right inputs and suddenly there was more bass than could possibly be endured and I had to crank the volume way down. So, that seems to prove the theory that using one single RCA input is not correct.

So, on to my quandary.

In my office reference system I have a powered sub that currently connects via two RCA.  The sound quality is pleasant and enjoyable. I wouldn't mind tightening the bass down a bit more. To that end I want to switch to actual Subwoofer cables, that have been specifically tuned to amplify bass. The question is, should I buy two subwoofer cables or buy one cable and two splitters?  Yes, buying two cables is more expensive.  However, ANYTIME you split a signal, there *WILL* be signal quality loss.  That's just the way it is. The more point to point the connection is, the better the signal flow. So...has anyone actually tested whether two sub cables works better or the same as a single sub cable split?

 

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Showing 2 responses by oldhvymec

oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 

There is a left and right bass signal. Period. If you don't use the LFE you won't get the full signal by using only one RCA. That is the same thing a LOT of people can't seem to understand. The signal is NOT MONO the results is MONO in nature because it's omni present below 60-80hz. The Complete signal from the source usually has even more than just a left, and right track they can have a signal that is surmised (3rd channel not TRACK) also. Guys that play BASS will chime in and tell you they don't record MONO bass tracks for playback. 

DBA misinformation is the problem.. Just because is sounds better doesn't mean it's playing the whole bass track especially if only the left or right signal was used.

Yes if the signal being sent to the plate amps is through junk RCAs that can cause a signal loss too and you will have to crank it to get any bass out of it or increase the signal. Either way more is better.

Better BASS resulted from a better signal to the sub plate amps.

Another thing LFE bass is modified. It has a step baffle to increase the signal, that is what you experienced. not all LFE signals are the same and some can be modified vs onboard options..

oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 

OP I understand what you said, and I explained WHY. You just proved it. If you look at most of the plate amp wiring the signals are combined in the plate to a mono signal. The difference (as you found out) is the signal strength is doubled if you plug into both L/R. 

There is a difference though. The signal is NOT a complete bass track. PERIOD.
You did not understand ME!. You are playing 1/2 the bass signal IF you only use the LEFT or the RIGHT RCA wire coming out of the head set.  With an LFE signal from a head set (most stereo preamps don't, HT preamps do), BOTH left and right make a LFE signal with a step baffle. It is NOT what is recorded.. DO YOU UNDERSTAND. It is hocus pocus sound effects...

It will play louder for sure, it's just not playing all the music or the way it was mixed.

I use Bass columns and subs. The columns play from 300hz and down to 80hz. If I play the left and right columns they image a THIRD phantom speaker, just like a stereo. WHY? The signal is STEREO not MONO. LFE doesn't work there does it?

You want to make sure you get only 1/2 the information there but deliver it to BOTH left and right inputs. Split the signal you'll be like 1/2 of the DBA crowd. It will smooth out the bass that's there though. :-)

There are a lot of sub makers. 20% are good at it.. 80% have great paint. :-)

NOW decouple your subs and the rest of the speakers. Wait till you hear that difference. :-) Go to Servos subs. Bigger :-) go with Columns. :-) :-) :-)

Have fun.

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