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Two subwoofers for two channel music listening

Hi all , 
How do you hook up two active subwoofers? I have two SVS 1000 series subwoofers with both high level (speaker) and line level (RCA) ins.

Method one - Lets say the subs have high/speaker level inputs. So do you hook up the left sub from the left amplifier out and similarly right speaker out from the amp to right sub high level in? This set up is just like the stereo pair of speakers.

Method two - The alternate is from a preamp hook up the RCA line in of one subwoofer then daisy chain i.e. RCA out from the first sub to the RCA in of the second subwoofer. Not using a Y splitter from the preamp. Trying to use both red and white RCA from preamp to red and white RCA in of the first sub.

Which method do you prefer? Any benefit or disadvantage of one over the other? Thanks for your comments and inputs.
confuse_upgraditis

Showing 1 response by melvinjames

melvinjames
416 posts
 
The only proper way to hook up subwoofers is with a dedicated two way subwoofer crossover preferably digital. The preamp outputs go to the crossover which will have dedicated main amp and sub amp outputs all line level. This rolls off the main speakers improving integration and lowering distortion in the main speakers.
I've had the best results using an external crossover as well. Back in my home theater days I purchased an Outlaw ICBM-1 for bass management in the analog domain, including integration of 2 subs. I kept only the ICBM-1 when I went back to 2-channel. It's been in/out of my systems for years and I still find it to be quite transparent and incredibly handy. OP .. these can still be found used on ebay in the $200-$250 range. Here's a review from back in the day if you'd like to know more about it.

http://www.soundstagenetwork.com/revequip/outlawaudio_icbm.htm

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