Y-splitter for subs subject is getting tiresome

[HAMP]

This whole Y-splitter/Y-Adapter subject is getting tiresome. Why do I say this?
Well I have read that using a Y-splitter will yield about 3db higher(or is it 6db).

Some say just turn the gain a little higher and that will do the same thing. I believe a good setting for the gain is halfway to about ¾ turned up (I have mine set below halfway).

As I said I have set my volume below halfway on the sub and the receiver gain is about
-8db with the bass setting being flat 0. Yes I do have the receiver @ 80Hz with the sub @ 120Hz.

With those settings I love the smoothness of the bass and how hard it hits at the right time.

When I added the Y-Splitter, I noticed something more then just higher gain from the sub. The bass is stronger and it actually last longer. I know it’s more then just gain, because I have turned it down and that’s why it is below halfway now. Like I said the bass is stronger and last longer from being stronger.

Like I started this thread with it’s getting tiresome. There is a reason for the subs to have a left and a right on them and this reason could not be because the receiver has a left and right and should match, that is not the case.

I believe older subs only had one input, but now subs have two inputs. Receivers had and still only one pre-out for the sub, this does not match. All that is just odd!

The question is: Why is it like that? One output, two inputs.

There is a difference with using both. I also wonder why sub manufactures print the manuals as if it doesn’t make a difference if you use one or two inputs.

[tilapiah6]

Now you have me wanting to get an extension. I have this one.

[ozzman]

Originally Posted by HAMP

This whole Y-splitter/Y-Adapter subject is getting tiresome. Why do I say this?
Well I have read that using a Y-splitter will yield about 3db higher(or is it 6db).

Some say just turn the gain a little higher and that will do the same thing. I believe a good setting for the gain is halfway to about ¾ turned up (I have mine set below halfway).

As I said I have set my volume below halfway on the sub and the receiver gain is about
-8db with the bass setting being flat 0. Yes I do have the receiver @ 80Hz with the sub @ 120Hz.

With those settings I love the smoothness of the bass and how hard it hits at the right time.

When I added the Y-Splitter, I noticed something more then just higher gain from the sub. The bass is stronger and it actually last longer. I know it’s more then just gain, because I have turned it down and that’s why it is below halfway now. Like I said the bass is stronger and last longer from being stronger.

Like I started this thread with it’s getting tiresome. There is a reason for the subs to have a left and a right on them and this reason could not be because the receiver has a left and right and should match, that is not the case.

I believe older subs only had one input, but now subs have two inputs. Receivers had and still only one pre-out for the sub, this does not match. All that is just odd!

The question is: Why is it like that? One output, two inputs.

There is a difference with using both. I also wonder why sub manufactures print the manuals as if it doesn’t make a difference if you use one or two inputs.

This Sounds like a job For BigDaddy, He'll give it to you Straight.
He's my Subwoofer guy

[CasualKiller]

When you use a splitter you are supplying 2x the voltage to the sub inputs.

If you do not have a Y splitter you can achieve the same effect by simply turning up the sub output in your receivers speaker volume menu, ie +1, +2, +3 etc etc.

This also increases the voltage going to the sub along a single line, it's the same thing.

[red_5ive]

One reason for using both inputs is to prevent the sub from cutting out. I do a lot of late night movie watching at lower volume levels, and the increased signal prevents my sub from cutting out which gets kind of annoying when the scene calls for it and there's a 1 second delay before the sub turns on.

[ozzman]

Originally Posted by red_5ive

One reason for using both inputs is to prevent the sub from cutting out. I do a lot of late night movie watching at lower volume levels, and the increased signal prevents my sub from cutting out which gets kind of annoying when the scene calls for it and there's a 1 second delay before the sub turns on.

AHHHH...Intresting . You Know,I never thought of that. Thanks

[nezff]

I have been using this Y adapter for about a week now. This thing works, I think that the Y does more than by just turning up the volume. the y makes the bass stronger with more output.

[Big Daddy]

Y ADAPTERS ONLY COST A FEW DOLLARS AND HAVE NO SIGNIFICANT RISK. WHY ARE WE WASTING SO MUCH ENERGY ON A NON-ISSUE? IF YOU DON'T WANT TO USE A Y ADAPTER, PLEASE DON'T. NOBODY IS FORCING ANYBODY.

http://www.aperionaudio.com/product/...52,39,155.aspx
"Why, oh why do you need a subwoofer Y cable? Most AV receivers come with a single sub output while most powered subwoofers come equipped with left & right inputs. By using a subwoofer Y cable for both the left and right subwoofer input, you can increase the bass output of your subwoofer by about 3dB."

http://www.bettercables.com/subwoofe...ter-cable.aspx
"Attach this cable to an existing subwoofer cable to split the signal into two inputs.
Instantly improves your home theater or home audio experience.
Many subwoofers have increased clarity and bass response when both inputs are fed with a mono signal."

http://www.hdtvsupply.com/ycawi1jato2p.html
"Typically, powered subwoofers will come equipped with either a single RCA connector, or double RCA connectors. However, both connections typically only require a mono (single) connection. Therefore, if you have both right and left inputs, a single cable connected to the "left" input will probably work just fine. However, you can get anywhere from a 3dB to 10 dB gain from your subwoofer by plugging into both stereo inputs. To plug into both inputs with a single cable, simply purchase our Y adapter Cable along with your subwoofer cable."


This is the science behind it:

There are two formulas used to find the db ratio between sound levels.

The first is used ONLY FOR POWER (watts): 10 . log (P2/P1). This formula is used when comparing Sound Intensity, measured in watts.

The second is used ONLY FOR VOLTAGES (and SPL levels): 20 . log (V2/V1). This formula is for voltage relationships and Sound Pressure Levels.

Using a Y adapter will add two correlated signals. When you sum two equal correlated audio signals (i.e., mono sources from sub output on the receiver/preamp), you will get twice the signal level (A1 + A2 = 2A1, since A1=A2).

Therefore , since V2 = 2 V1 and the log (2) = 0.30103, it follows

20 . log (2V1/V1) = 20 . log (2) = 6dB gain in voltage.

For power, it will be

10. log (2P1/P1) = 10 . log (2) = 3dB increase in power.


There are a few advantages (some real and some claimed) to using a Y adapter:

• If you leave one of the RCA inputs open, dirt may get in there.
• Using a Y adapter may add a few dbs to the subwoofers's output.
• Some claim that the subwoofer works better at lower levels with the Y-cable.
• The auto-off mode of some older subwoofers (e.g, Velodyne CH-12) may not come on at lower levels without the use of a Y-cable.
• Some older subwoofers may actually need a Y cable because the left channel L may not default to mono signal.
• Another benefit of using a Y-cable at the sub input jacks may be for reducing the amount of Radio Frequency (RF) and Electomagnetic (EM) interference, because you are not leaving the other input open and active. Subwoofers can be affected by annoying buzzes and hums.

Conclusion: Since there is no risk involved, I would recommend using a Y adapter (2 male, 1 female) at the subwoofer's RCA input jacks. Make sure you use a good quality Y adapter.

You can buy high quality Y adapters from CableSimple.com.

High Quality RCA Y Adapter (2 Male, 1 Female), $4.48:
http://www.cablesimple.com/index.php...oducts_id=5001

Generic RCA Y Adapter (2 Male, 1 Female), $2.11
http://www.cablesimple.com/index.php...oducts_id=4529

High Quality RCA Y Adapter (1 Male, 2 Female), $4.48:
http://www.cablesimple.com/index.php...oducts_id=5000

[CasualKiller]

Simply pointing out it's not necessary, people read these threads and think they have to run to the store and spend that "measly few dollars" asap.

As for the sub cutting out at low volume levels, try setting your speakers to "small" if you're running a sub in your HT setup there's no reason at all to have them set any higher. This will deal with the sub cutting out/delay issue.

[nezff]

Get the Dayton audio y adapter from parts express.
you have to try the y before you can state any negative comments about it.

[tilapiah6]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

You can buy high quality Y adapters from CableSimple.com.

High Quality RCA Y Adapter (2 Male, 1 Female), $4.48:
http://www.cablesimple.com/index.php...oducts_id=5001

Generic RCA Y Adapter (2 Male, 1 Female), $2.11
http://www.cablesimple.com/index.php...oducts_id=4529

High Quality RCA Y Adapter (1 Male, 2 Female), $4.48:
http://www.cablesimple.com/index.php...oducts_id=5000

Big Daddy, you are one of the most helpful people on this site. Thanks a million.

[red_5ive]

Originally Posted by CasualKiller

Simply pointing out it's not necessary, people read these threads and think they have to run to the store and spend that "measly few dollars" asap.

As for the sub cutting out at low volume levels, try setting your speakers to "small" if you're running a sub in your HT setup there's no reason at all to have them set any higher. This will deal with the sub cutting out/delay issue.

Not everyone is that ignorant. I've been tinkering with audio gear long enough, and I'm very well aware of my system settings. I happen to have a sub that isn't very sensitive and cuts out at low volume levels.

[ixlegitballinxl]

i have a question.. i prefer the Y cable so 2 cables run to my sub.. now for my bass shakers.. i also have to split the sub output to connect to my 2nd amp.. is this ok to do? ( a Y attached to another Y ?

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by ixlegitballinxl

i have a question.. i prefer the Y cable so 2 cables run to my sub.. now for my bass shakers.. i also have to split the sub output to connect to my 2nd amp.. is this ok to do? ( a Y attached to another Y ?

You should be ok. Make sure you calibrate your sound. You don't want your audio to be over-powered by low frequency sound.

[nezff]

put the Y adapter at your sub not coming out of your receiver. one cable from you receiver, then into a Y then into your sub

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by tilapiah6

Big Daddy, you are one of the most helpful people on this site. Thanks a million.

Thanks for the compliment. This is my job. If I don't know or understand something, I don't make any comments and read about the topic to fully understand it.

[ozzman]

Originally Posted by CasualKiller

Simply pointing out it's not necessary, people read these threads and think they have to run to the store and spend that "measly few dollars" asap.

As for the sub cutting out at low volume levels, try setting your speakers to "small" if you're running a sub in your HT setup there's no reason at all to have them set any higher. This will deal with the sub cutting out/delay issue.

Set them to Small, HMMMMM....What a great idea Never thought of that LOL

Alot of people know what there doing with there system around here Friend ,just because your not in to the Y cable.
trust the people that have them MAYBE we know what were doing

As Far as i know you don't work for Paradigm,Do you?
Because if you did you would recommened the Y Cable to me.
But i guess you know more about Paradigm Subs then Paradigm does

[HAMP]

Originally Posted by CasualKiller

Simply pointing out it's not necessary, people read these threads and think they have to run to the store and spend that "measly few dollars" asap.

As for the sub cutting out at low volume levels, try setting your speakers to "small" if you're running a sub in your HT setup there's no reason at all to have them set any higher. This will deal with the sub cutting out/delay issue.

Why is there two inputs? Since it's that simple why not just have one!

That was one of my questions. Also there is more then just volume gain.

[Opips2]

Originally Posted by HAMP

Why is there two inputs? Since it's that simple why not just have one!

That was one of my questions. Also there is more then just volume gain.

that's old technology. if Integrated Amplifier has RCA stereo to there two inputs subwoofer. just simple!

because more extra inputs subwoofer.

[CasualKiller]

Originally Posted by HAMP

Why is there two inputs? Since it's that simple why not just have one!

That was one of my questions. Also there is more then just volume gain.

Like the guy above posted, integrated amps etc have stereo outputs, and if you look at the back of your Onkyo 805 (shock) there is only 1 output.

Subwoofers have more uses than just in home theater uses, they are also used in 2 channel setups.

As for the guy who works at Paradigm recommending the Y splitter for improved performance, I can introduce you to this guy at Futureshop who swears Monster Cables will increase the overall performance of your system.....

Not everyone is that ignorant. I've been tinkering with audio gear long enough, and I'm very well aware of my system settings. I happen to have a sub that isn't very sensitive and cuts out at low volume levels.

Then this is a problem with your sub and I would be getting a hold of the manufacturer to replace the resistors.