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Recommendations on Hooking Up Dual Subwoofers and Speakers

Hello,

My new integrated amp that's coming (Technics SU-R1000) only has one unbalanced "pre-out" and one unbalanced "rec-out" and I want to run dual subs. Ideally stereo sub set up, but open to mono subs if necessary.

Could I just run RCA cables from the left channels of both outs to the left sub, and right channels of both outs to the right sub? Or should I just go with a splitter off the back of each of the pre-outs (2:1) and do it that way?

My sub's (KEF Kubes 12b) do have speaker level connections which I currently am using (but just have one sub hooked up now). I'm gonna also integrate my system into a 5.2 set up so speaker level connections would complicate that process with my sub's coming from my AVR... Right, front left and right channels sharing speaker input in a 5.2 setup (problem right)?

Is there any way to run speaker level sub connections AND integrate everything into a 5.2 set up if possible, as opposed to just RCA?

Just wondering what other people have done and recommend?

On a side note, 4 terminal speakers, is bi-wiring worth it, or only bi-amping the speakers? My new amp and speakers come in the next two weeks together (JBL L-100 Classic 75th anniversary).

Thanks
128x128ja_kub_sz
7 responses Add your response
ja_kub_sz's avatar
ja_kub_sz OP
273 posts
 
Yeah, I need to do a comparison, but running dual subwoofers off a single integrated amp with only A/B speaker posts each subwoofer requires 4 (R+/R-/L+/L-) speaker inputs.

So do I just double connect on each left and right channel high-level run from my speakers for each sub?

Right subwoofer (R+/R-/R+/R-)
Left subwoofer (L+/L-/L+/L-)
knotscott
921 posts
 
I prefer the response and tonality of my sub running from the amp’s main speaker outputs to the high level sub inputs vs line level in from the pre-outs.

Bi-wiring seems to cause a fair amount of controversy, but I’d encourage you to give it a try and see what you think. The downside is the cost of an extra set of wires.
ja_kub_sz's avatar
ja_kub_sz OP
273 posts
 
Thanks

I'm locked into my current amp which is 150w/8ohms and 300w/4ohms (was tested at 340w in measurements). But I do have two dual monoblocks rated at 500w/800w.

I wasn't planning to use the monblocks right out of the gates, but I'll definitely try them eventually.

I have noticed that with the speaker level connections I can run the volume of the subwoofer a lot lower then with the line level connections.
elliottbnewcombjr
5,363 posts
 
a Y splitter, and in-expensive cables are good enough for subs.

line level is best, that takes the need to amplify bass away from both the main amp and then the main speakers don't try to make low bass.

it's the best way to use a lower powered amp, which has many advantages: cost of course, but also less heat, smaller size, placement options, and importantly opens the door to try tube amps.

speaker wires to/from sub give the main speakers a break, however the main amp is still amplifying all frequencies including low bass.
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cleeds
5,947 posts
 
Yes, I think the splitter is the best option for you here.
ja_kub_sz's avatar
ja_kub_sz OP
273 posts
 
Yeah I think I did read that in the manual, good point. So then just pre outs? With a splitter?
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cleeds
5,947 posts
 
ja_kub_sz

... (Technics SU-R1000) only has one unbalanced "pre-out" and one unbalanced "rec-out" and I want to run dual subs. Ideally stereo sub set up, but open to mono subs if necessary. Could I just run RCA cables from the left channels of both outs to the left sub, and right channels of both outs to the right sub?
That won't work because the tape outputs have a fixed level - they aren't controlled by the volume control.
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