Best way to wire up a sub


Hi,

I have a new pre-amp with only XLR connectors and want to use my older Velodyne sub which has RCA input's only.
My question is can I just use an XLR>2 RCA's cable (using a Y Connector)?

My older pre-amp just had an RCA so I used a Y connector and then into the sub with no issues so I assume the XLR connector would work the same way etc.

Thanks
towman
Almarg,

Thank you very much for your detailed reply. You have answered my question in spades.
Towman, as you sort through some of Al's excellent points, it may turn out that you need an impedance buffer that provides the multi-functionality that my buffer has.

Rather than write a long response at this point, I'll let Al work with you on resolving your question. Just keep in mind that hooking up a sub to your preamp may present some of the issues that I had re (i) impedance (load) presented to the pre, (ii) summing channels, and (iii) matching the pre's XLR output to the sub's SE input.

Best,

Bruce
I actually connected it up and it lasted about 3hrs. Now the sub has decided to die. It has served me well over the years...thank you Velodyne.
Anyway going to buy a DD+ 12 or 15 this week to rock my new media room that will be built very shortly.

Thanks for the replies.
I have an older Velodyne sub with RCA inputs only. I find it much too boomy for 2 channel but fine for HT. I have it going through a A/V processor using the sub out RCA. I have JL subs coming out of my preamp connected with XLR cables. The JL's are a significant improvement over my older Velodyne but at a cost.