Video Asylum

Posted by csown (A) on October 10, 2001 at 08:33:27

In Reply to: Subwoofers low vs. high level inputs posted by dgavrile on October 09, 2001 at 01:46:22:

Really depends on the setup, but generally, high-level is far better. I am assuming powered subwoofer, similar impedance to main speakers. A subwoofer's crossover - assuming you buy a quality sub - will beat what is generally put into amps, and will probably be designed with the drivers in mind. Furthermore, good subs give you a lot of control over equalization and volume, so I personally would prefer not mess with the signal until it enters the sub.

BTW, XLR doesn't necessarily mean it will be quieter - the primary reason to use high-level inputs, especially with mid-fi gear, is that high-current cabling is insensitive to external fields. Balanced is better than RCA, but not necessarily better than high-level cabling assuming you have a good high-level signal. If the high-level signal is junk, you've got bigger problems on your hands than trying to get clean bass out of the system :).

If you have the system already, try both ways and see. At the calibre of instruments you're suggesting, you probably won't detect a difference, except perhaps higher SPL's in the LFE case.

Best,

Chris