SUBWOOFER question!!!

[CrazyEightyNine]

Very simply, my subwoofer features 2 RCA composite inputs on the back. What is the difference between plugging in 1 subwoofer cable from my receiver into one of the RCA jacks and splitting that same cable so that it can go into both RCA jacks? Or perhaps am I wrong about the whole setup?

-THANKS!

[pere]

If your receiver have a sub output, you only need to connect one RCA to your sub.
The two RCA connectors are present because you could be able to connect a whole stereo signal to it, and then, the sub extract the bass frequencies of both channels.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by CrazyEightyNine

Very simply, my subwoofer features 2 RCA composite inputs on the back. What is the difference between plugging in 1 subwoofer cable from my receiver into one of the RCA jacks and splitting that same cable so that it can go into both RCA jacks? Or perhaps am I wrong about the whole setup?
-THANKS!

Some claim that using a Y adapter may improve the sound.

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."

[SDBlu]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

Some claim that using a Y adapter may improve the sound.

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."

so...has this theory been tested and proven? Or do i stick with my single sub cable?

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by MarcosG

so...has this theory been tested and proven? Or do i stick with my single sub cable?

I don't think it is worth a test. A Y cable costs a couple of dollars. Do it that way. I am sure you will sleep better.

[Big Daddy]

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 there.
• Some claim that using a Y adapter may add a couple of 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.

[ozzman]

Big Daddy throws out some valid points.
Personally i believe it makes a difference. I'm useing the y connectors on both my subs.

It was told to me by a Paradigm representative ( He was visiting the audio shop i was in when purchasing my second sub).

The way i look at it is he wants his product to sound and work the best for his clients and if he says go Y,then i go Y.

Like BigDaddy said It a couple bucks,What do you have to lose.I promise it won't make it worse

[pere]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

Some claim that using a Y adapter may improve the sound.

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."

Yes, of course. But increasing the level is not increasing the quality. The power of your sub will be the same.

[jbute2k2]

so if i bought this for my sub http://www.aperionaudio.com/product/...155.aspx....it would be the only thing needed to get it hooked up and going with my speakers?

[pere]

The Y cable don't improve nothing.
The 3 db increasing output that claims the advertising is true, but you can do the same with your level potentiometer.

[ozzman]

Pere,
i totally disagree with you,Iam guessing you don't have a "Y" connector right?

Saying the "Y" connector doesn't improve nothing is a very bold statement.
You make your statement and in the same token some subwoofer manuals recommend the "Y"connector? Why do you think they do?

Check out these threads there new and it might help with your questions and decisions on what you want

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=66751

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=68877

Goodluck to you CrazyEightynights,check out the threads Brother

[pere]

Originally Posted by ozzman

Pere,
i totally disagree with you,Iam guessing you don't have a "Y" connector right?

Saying the "Y" connector doesn't improve nothing is a very bold statement.
You make your statement and in the same token some subwoofer manuals recommend the "Y"connector? Why do you think they do?

Check out these threads there new and it might help with your questions and decisions on what you want

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=66751

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=68877

Goodluck to you CrazyEightynights,check out the threads Brother

You are in your perfect right to disagree me, but my opinions are not based on opinions of others. My opinions are based on my own experience and, according that, I must tell you again that the Y cable don't improve anything (the output level is not an improvement), believe you or not.
The signals R and L are internally mixed and don't care you connect one or another, is the same. Is for that reason that if you connect both you get more level, but not more quality.
Of course I don't have a Y cable connected to my sub. That would be a contradiction for my part.
Thanks for your reply.

Pere

[ozzman]

I recommend the "Y" cable For 3 reasons

1. I personally have the proof of the "Y" cables in my living room.If you never used a "Y" cable then you can't recommend it because you don't know if it improves your sub.Iam telling you it has for me.
It's like trying to describe what steak taste like but never eating it(That's the position your in.)

You never Used "Y" cable so you don't have a full perspective on the cable,you just personally know what your sub sounds like without it(and that's O.K)

2. My Paradigm Manual Recommends The 'Y" cable and tells me i could be able to gain up to 6dB

3. When i bought my second sub a Paradigm Representative recommended the 'Y" cable to me.



Your friend OZZMAN

[pere]

Ozzman,
First:
If I needed more input signal to my sub I would use the Y cable, but is not the case. If was, even, I not needed to buy it, because I could make it. I worked for many years (too many, I must say) in a electronic workshop.

Second:
Your Paradigm Manual tells the truth. The Y cable raises the level of the input. I know that (3db, 6db no matter). I always admitted that. Read again my previous posts. On the other hand, your Paradigm manual, I'm sure of this, don't tell you that the Y cable gives you more deep bass or more balanced sound or more power etc, because that is not true. And that is just the point. If you read my previous posts, I always talked about quality, not input (or consistently output).
The Y cable gives you more volume, not more power.

Third:
About the steak thing: You don't need to put your hands on fire to know that you'll get burned. Is the same reason that I never used the Y cable.

Conclusion:
According to the things I have said, the only motive to use the Y cable is that the sub output of the receiver don't give enough signal level and, consistently, the 3db or 6db extra are needed.

Take care.

Pere

[JimShaw]

I just talked to my sub manufacturer SVSound and was told that some subs do need the "Y" split to send both signals to the driver.

The SVS subs do not need the "Y" because the sub splits the signal before the driver.

SVS did say that spliting the cable might increase the Gain but at a very small amount. If you did not have the "Y", all you would do to compensate would be to turn the Gain up a little.

If the Gain was already turned all the way open, using a "Y" would not increase the sound.

I hope I made since.

[ozzman]

See this is the part i Don't understand, Here's a Direct Quote out of my Manual

NOTE:In some cases,When the subwoofer is used with high-sensitivity speakers,More Volume gain maybe required.If your subwoofer Have Two (L/R) Low-level input jacks,You can OBTAIN 6db more gain by using a 'Y" cable and plugging into both input jacks

Ok know lets say my volume on the sub is at 30% on the sub.
I plug in the " Y"cable and i get Lets Say 6db gain.

Now i slowly turn the volume up to max. You say that i will not get that Extra 6db still.

Now iam not saying your wrong But can you prove your theory.
I can see where your coming from.I just have a problem with what the manual says.

You would think then they would not recommend the "Y" cable because like you said all you have too do is turn up the volume on the sub.

Are you saying Paradigm is trying to scam people into buying "y" cables?
I have to tell you where i buy my subs they don't sell Paradigm Cables.So paradigm would have nothing to Gain by this?
I Don't think paradigm sells cable,Well Ive never seen them?

Whats your thoughts

Peace

[DavePS3]

On every sub I've tried and sold... and there are quite a few, I ALWAYS use a Y-jack. You'll notice a jump in volume/performance by at least 50%.

[ozzman]

Happy Halloween To All,I hope you guys got some Scary Movie's on Blu to watch tonight

[the_r]

Hey guys, i have a question of my own now.

My Mirage FRXs10 sub has an RCA "sub input" and an RCA "Xover input".

Can I use the y-adaptor in this case?

The "xover input" is for hooking up the sub to an external crossover though, so I've been scared to try it.

[pere]

Originally Posted by the_r

Hey guys, i have a question of my own now.

My Mirage FRXs10 sub has an RCA "sub input" and an RCA "Xover input".

Can I use the y-adaptor in this case?

The "xover input" is for hooking up the sub to an external crossover though, so I've been scared to try it.

Depends on your receiver specifications. Low a little down your volume and try first the X-over input. If you hear sounds in your sub above 100hz try then the sub input.
But never connect both!
Forget the Y-cable for god sake!

Pere