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Connecting a sub to amp pre-amp outs?

I know this is a painfully ignorant question for most of you guys, but bear with me. I have never had a sub before so... There is no sub out on my integrated amp, but I do have a pair of pre-amp out jacks. Can I connect these directly to the low level inputs (L and R) on my powered sub? The sub manual says I can do that, but my Arcam amp's manual doesn't say anything about that--in fact, the manual more or less says that the only time I would need the pre-amp outs is to add a power amp for bi-amping. Right now I am using the second set of speaker binding posts on the amp to run regular speaker cable to the high level inputs on the sub. What will I gain/lose if I can go from the pre-amp outs on the amp to the low level inputs on the sub?
salby6

Showing 1 response by rwwear

rwwear
2,883 posts
 
If the sub has pre ins and outs you can go from the Adcom to the sub from the pre-outs of the Adcom then from the sub to your main amp. This means that you will be using the crossover in the sub and it may or may not be bad for the sound of your main speakers. I prefer to use "Y" cables if the preamp doesn't have two sets of pre-outs and send one signal to the sub and the other to my main amp. This way the sub can be set to roll off the bass at a low frequency such as 63hz and the main speakers can still run full range without the detrimental effects of the subs crossover.
Some prefer to use the sub crossover to take the bass out of the main speakers because it frees up the midrange and takes some of the strain off of your main amp. You can try it both ways and see which one you like.
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