what's the difference

[d.white]

What is the advantage of using a y adapter to hook up two subs instead of running two seperate cables for each sub out, and does it make a difference which sub out you use for the y adapter.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by d.white

What is the advantage of using a y adapter to hook up two subs instead of running two seperate cables for each sub out, and does it make a difference which sub out you use for the y adapter.

I am not sure I understand your question.

Many receivers have only one sub output (LFE out) on their back. You have to use a Y adapter (1 male, 2 female) and 2 sub cables. The other alternative is to daisy chain the subwoofers, if they have outputs on their back.

[d.white]

i have two sub outs

[Steve]

Originally Posted by d.white

i have two sub outs

Then you have no need for a Y adapter.

[d.white]

I didnt think i did, thats why i asked, thanks for the reply

[d.white]

is there an advantage using a y adapter on the back of your sub instead of using a single cable

[Steve]

Originally Posted by d.white

is there an advantage using a y adapter on the back of your sub instead of using a single cable

If I understand it correctly, no.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by d.white

is there an advantage using a y adapter on the back of your sub instead of using a single cable

If you are talking about using a Y adapter (2 male, 1 female) and connect the subwoofer cable to both the right and left inputs of the subwoofer, the answer is as follows:

1. On many subwoofers, the Y adapter will give 3dB to 6dB of additional output.
2. On some subwoofers that are on auto mode, it wakes up them up faster.
3. It will prevent dust and other junk from going inside the unused input.

[d.white]

thanks for the info.

[rpatt]

Which is better for single output, Y-adapter or daisy chain?

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by rpatt

Which is better for single output, Y-adapter or daisy chain?

Assuming that there are no faulty circuits and all the wirings are done correctly, it should not make any difference.

The only disadvantage may be if the first subwoofer has to be on to send signals to the second one. It makes the job of calibrating each subwoofer individually a bit difficult.

[Dase]

But... that same additional output you get on some subs can be achieved by just turning up the gain knob.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by -dase-

But... that same additional output you get on some subs can be achieved by just turning up the gain knob.

True, but I didn't say that you should definitely use a Y adapter. I don't understand why people get so upset over the use of a $3 Y adapter. I have heard people say that there is no gain and it is due to placebo.

I simply explained what a Y adapter does. There is a scientific reason behind it that I explained in A Guide to Bass Management. I also measured it with the AA sub and an SPL meter. It gave up to 6dB of additional output.

[Dase]

I wasn't saying it's a bad thing to use one, nor was I upset.

Some people can interpret "additonal output" differently, but the sub still has it's same limits with or without one, that's all I was trying to say.

*edit

I have a y adapter on mine , I use it mainly for the dust issue, and like you said it only costs a few bucks.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by -dase-

I wasn't saying it's a bad thing to use one, nor was I upset.

Some people can interpret "additonal output" differently, but the sub still has it's same limits with or without one, that's all I was trying to say.

*edit

I have a y adapter on mine , I use it mainly for the dust issue, and like you said it only costs a few bucks.

Sorry, I didn't mean to imply that you are saying it is a bad thing, but on so many other threads, people have raised questions about an added expense ($3 ). A few people have gone as far as denying the effect of a Y adapter or have even implied that it is all due to placebo.

When people ask this question, I have to give them the fact that it increases the voltage and the output from the subwoofer. However, it is also important for them to understand that they still need to calibrate their speakers and subwoofer so that they all have the same level. You don't want the subwoofer to completely overpower the other speakers.

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

Sorry, I didn't mean to imply that you are saying it is a bad thing, but on so many other threads, people have raised questions about an added expense ($3 ). A few people have gone as far as denying the effect of a Y adapter or have even implied that it is all due to placebo.

When people ask this question, I have to give them the fact that it increases the voltage and the output from the subwoofer. However, it is also important for them to understand that they still need to calibrate their speakers and subwoofer so that they all have the same level. You don't want the subwoofer to completely overpower the other speakers.

I use a Y-adaptor, and it was a personal choice. Plus I gained an additional +2 db's by using my SPL meter as well.

[Steve]

I wasn't aware of the possible gain on output with a Y adapter. I might have to try one out.