How to connect C2500, MC501 and Two Subs

No, the RCA is an INput to the power amp. You can split the signal at the end of the XLR or RCA to the power amp. One to the power amp, and one to the input in the subs. You’re better off just using a pair of the 6 outputs on the C2500 preamp.

What cost are you talking about? 2 20-30.00 XLR pro cable?

I have No idea what you think you need for subs. A good XLR PRO cable is good for a LONG run too. If you want a pretty one that’s different..

Subs really aren’t to picky when it comes to signal source dollar cost. You would be HARD pressed to find anyone that know cabling, spending too much there..

Good cable with shielding, good terminal ends, good construction, and good armor..

LOL How much you spend on that Mac Gear? 40-60.00 for cables?

I'm a Mac guy.. 50 years next month.

Regards

Lol.. I here you! First and foremost i just wanted to understand how to hook the subs using my amp or preamp, so thank you for that... I’m thinking of getting the SVS SB-1000 Pro for just over $1000 including tax because they use unbalanced RCA’s, but maybe there’s better choices, i don’t know.. It’d sure be nice to get reference quality for less.. As far as cables, well, i thought keeping all things the same (Golden Ref) was the best option, but it may not matter. 

SVS SB-1000 Pro comes with speaker level input.

OP I have a great looking XLR cable source if you wait for 1-3 weeks

Ask the guy to make up the length. I had 2 cables of very like construction made, for a picky a$$ friend. 8 meters long (26 feet).

I use these on everything.. 29.-200. or so. DEAD quiet without active shielding, noise reduction is through the construction and the weave.

They keep the signal as it should be from the source. If that happens to be dynamic that is what comes out the other end... No hype... A true meat and potato cable.. I've found nothing better. Sound different YES, better NO.. Very good approach to cabling..

Under 200.00 per pair

https://www.ebay.com/itm/202814766958?var=502976258674

I also had some 5 meter locking RCAs lose weave OCC/silver clad.
69.99 a pair.. 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/202805105300

These are very good cables and VERY pretty if you're into that too..
I use this in .5 and 1 meter with my Samra C20 and C11, Stunning...
C20 with Mc60s, 225, 240, 275 all pre 1965. Those cables.. Make a wonderful addition in the old copper grid Mac ICs and Speaker IC.

The XLR weave is a great speaker IC to..  OCC/silver clad PTFE weave.. OCC PTFE too

Regards

I have a McIntosh C2500 and a pair of JL Audio F113V2 subs and the "A" output on the preamp connects it to an MC452 power amp and the "B" output connects to the JL Audio subs.

In my case I use the XLR outputs in both cases, you could do the same using the single-ended (RCA) outputs.

SVS SB-1000 Pro comes with speaker level input.

If the subs are close to the amps, why not use the high level input on the subs? Just run any wire from speaker terminals to sub.

Can or should this be done? There’s only the 4 and 2 ohm taps.

Use the same taps you're using to drive your speakers. There are no 8 ohm taps? My understanding is that the high level inputs to your sub don't draw any power, it's just used for the signal.

I've got a MC452 driving two REL s510s. REL recommends using the high level inputs, so I used the REL supplied high level input cables (with neutrik speakon connectors on the sub ends). I used the 8ohm tap (same as my speakers).

The supplied cables are VERY long, and a bit cheesy, so I ordered a single Canare 4S11 with 4 spades at either end (at twice the length I needed) from Blue Jeans. When it arrived, I cut it in half and attached two neutrik speakon connectors I got from parts express to the freshly cut ends. Somewhere around $130 total and 30 minutes of work (only 3 of the 4 wires are used).

With the RELs you need to be a little careful connecting to your quad balanced amps as the negative terminals are "above ground". The ground wires to the sub need to go to your amp's chassis, not the negative taps. Not sure if the SVS SB-1000 needs the same caution or if it can use the speakon connectors.

You could also just use RCAs or XLRs from your preamp. 

Getting great feedback, but with all the recommendations, which setup will get the best out of the subs and ultimately the system in general? Connecting subs using the same 8 ohm taps as my current speaker connection seems to be the easiest setup if it gets the best out of the subwoofers. Granted I haven't 100% decided which subs, but leaning towards the SVS PB/SB-2000's..

"They" say the best integration of subs with your main speakers are obtained by using high level inputs. The signal to your sub is the same as to your speakers, having gone through the same signal path.

Maybe somebody else can support or refute this. I do know that manufacturers would not incur the added cost of high level inputs on the higher end subs without a justification.

I would guess XLRs would be the next best path, RCA last. 

In this hobby there will always be those that vehemently advocate or refute damn near anything without evidence, so make your own judgements and don't look back.

I use the high level inputs on my RELs, and am very satisfied with the results. Would I be just as satisfied with using XLRs? probably.
 

If your subs are the active type, read powered by it own internal amp, which the SVS PB/SB-2000’s seem to be, I would run your subs directly from additional outs of the preamp...

Why taint that tubed goodness in the signal chain with an additional SS amp? The SVS subs have a class D internal amp...

ddude003,

do you mean even though I'm using the mains balance out to both amps, it doesn't cancel out the mains RCA outputs #1 and #2? This would mean I could use both outputs for the SB2000's? 

Great feeds! Since I use the C2500 main balance out to the MC501's, I'll try the main's output #1 & 2 using XLR to RCA splitters.

- Output #1 and 2 right channel going to right sub

- Output #1& 2 left channel going to left sub. I'm days out from cable delivery but can someone tell me if this is the right way?