Vitus RI-100 And REL G2 Sub Wiring Experience?



Any comments or advice from current Vitus RI-100 Integrated Amp owners who are using it with REL G2 subs or any REL subs for that matter - even past models like the Stentor and Studio? This would be a two channel only two subwoofer configuration using the high level neutrik connection from the sub to the amp speaker terminals and/or the chassis. Its not clear if the RI-100 is differential or standard or some kind of hybrid - thats why some real experience with successful results would be very helpful.
128x128audiothunder

Showing 1 response by almarg

Both the rear panel of the amp and the manual have strongly worded statements indicating that the amp's speaker outputs are balanced, and will be damaged if the negative output terminal is connected to a ground.

I suspect that the terminal on the rear of the amp labelled "gnd/earth" provides a circuit ground point (as opposed to a chassis ground point), to which the sub's negative input (i.e., its circuit ground) can be safely connected. If you can't readily get confirmation of that from Vitus, you can confirm it by using a multimeter to check for continuity (zero ohms, or a tiny fraction of an ohm) between that point and the ground sleeve of an RCA connector on the amp. (Have nothing else connected to the amp if and when you make that measurement; otherwise the results might be misleading). If so, you are good to go; for each channel just connect the corresponding sub's negative input (the black wire) to that gnd/earth terminal, and its positive inputs (both the red and yellow wires) to the amp's positive output terminal for that channel.

If the multimeter indicates a low resistance (say 10 or 20 ohms or so) rather than 0 ohms, that connection arrangement should also work fine.

If the multimeter indicates a very high resistance, or an infinite resistance, then I would suggest that you obtain an RCA plug, solder the black wire from the sub to its ground sleeve connection point (while leaving the center pin unconnected), and insert that plug into an unused RCA connector on the amp. That will establish a suitable circuit ground connection.

Disclaimer: I have no experience with either Vitus products or REL subs. My comments are based on electrical engineering principles, which I feel certain are highly applicable to this particular situation.

Regards,
-- Al