2. speakers
  3. 1170732368

Sub Woofer hook up with McIntosh MC 501

I'm currently thinking about purchasing a pair of subwoofers and run in stereo. I own a pair of McIntosh MC-501 monoblocks. The Mac's have 8,4,and 2 ohm connections, I run my speakers on the 4ohm taps, can I run a powered sub off the 2ohm taps without doing any harm. I would very much appreciate some help with this issue. Thanks
mmitch7711

Showing 4 responses by cytocycle

cytocycle
1,043 posts
 
Run RCA's to your subs, don't use speaker cables to them.
cytocycle
1,043 posts
 
If only one set of outputs at a time are valid with your preamp you could change your preamp, or get a Y-Cable that plugs into your preamp or get a custom Y cable (my friend had this option done so he could biamp with 2 amplifiers) if you using RCA's Monster makes a single solid 1 into 2 adpaters (audio advisor sells them) I use to use these so I could run my single sub output to two subs.

I would not try running both off your amp.. only bad things could happen..
cytocycle
1,043 posts
 
Mmitch: The speaker inputs on The sub are supposed to be used with a direct run from your amp and then run speaker cables from the sub to your speakers.. not two runs from the amplifier (which affects the load) But the first option will really affect sound quality on your main speakers.
cytocycle
1,043 posts
 
All I'm saying is you shouldn't cause the Mcintosh to drive two output ohm taps. I know other amps would have problems.. The Autoformers on the Mcintosh can play low impedences but I'm not sure they will support playing 2 & 4ohm taps at the same time.. put both wires on the 4ohm tap and ground.

I would call Mcintosh.
More to discover