Where to insert XLR "Y" Adaptor


Hi All,

I've got an Allnic L-4000 preamp, which I enjoy quite a bit, and I need to supply two devices with balanced XLR cables: my amplifiers (Classe Omega) and my subwoofer JL 113). The question is - where to put the splitters? I could put them right at the preamp output and then run two seperate lines of cable to the amps and the sub. Or, I could run a single line from the preamp to the sub (which sits between the amps), and right upstream from the sub split it into two, with one leg of the Y adaptor going directly into the sub, and the other going to a short run of balanced cable into the amp (or a similar concept, one leg of the Y adaptor going directly into the amp, and then a jumper from the other leg into the sub.

Thoughts on what is best?
peter_s

Showing 3 responses by peter_s

BTW - Jax2 (and others with similar thought processes), please leave bodily orifices out of the list of options ;-)
Splitting it near the amp/sub results in the shortest total cable, but it requires one more connection (male to female Neutrik plugs) than two parallel runs originating at a preamp split. The latter approach allows the signal delivery to the amps/subs to follow two seperate wire courses, thus less resistance, but the signal must first get through the splitter, right at the preamp out.

Another option would be to have the Y adaptors made so that one leg is somewhat long (e.g. 10 feet), and can reach from the amp to the sub, whereever the sub is ultimately placed. With this approach, the total length of wire is smaller and the number of Neutrik connections the same as by splitting at the preamp.

This seems a bit anal to worry about, but I'm still quite interested in what would be best.

Thanks, Pete
Thanks Al. I'm having Redco make up a 6" pigtail pair. They also thought the addition of one more connector to the sub would not make a difference, so I decided this would be most flexible.

I'll be doing a bunch of soldering, putting Neutrik connectors on Mogami cable to make the other runs. Any advice on that, besides getting the pin arrangement right (1=ground, 2=positive, 3=inverted). The cable has 4 conductors (2 pairs of like color) and a braid. Each like color pair gets twisted together and goes to one pin. The braid gets gathered up, twisted into one, and to the third pin. Does it help to tin the braid prior to soldering to the pin? Ditto for the other twisted pairs?

Also, do you think there is any significant difference in sound quality between "standard" Neutrik plugs and more expensive models, such as "black", "gold", etc?

Thanks for any advice that can be offerred. Peter