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Using both inputs on subs.

#1
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3/9/08 at 9:22am
  • Joined: December 1969
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Hi All,

I am now using two subs in my home theater system; the infamous and all powerful SVS PB12/Plus 2 and my older sub, the very accurate and beautfiful Velodyne HGS-15.

The system sounds great with the two subs. It really fills in the home theater room in my finished basement. Being a "bass-aholic" like myself, movies are fantastic to watch.

My question is: I have the subwoofer signal split comming from the receiver with a Y connector, then the two cables from the Y connector going to both subs [one sub is in the front of the room [the Velodyne] and one in the rear of the room [SVS]. How important is it to have double inputs going into the sub as opposed to a single plug? Some say that you get a better signal if you use a Y connector for two plugs at the sub imputs as opposed to one.

Does anyone have any information on this as I want the best sound that I can get out of my system [as we all do!] and getting two Y connectors would be pretty cheap to buy for the sub inputs. I don't even know if they make single female/two male Y connectors

Thanks for the information as always!

Mitch
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#2
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3/9/08 at 8:13pm
  • Joined: August 2000
  • Location: Southaven, MS
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Re: Using both inputs on subs.

Both inputs on a sub's plate amp are summed internally. Adding a "Y", you are cutting the signal in half (3db drop), feeding both inputs and then combining the signal. No change other than adding additional connections in your signal chain.

Quote:
Originally Posted by mitch
I want the best sound that I can get out of my system [as we all do!]
Your time and money would be best spent calibrating. Level matching with an SPL meter at the minimum. Real time analyzer and a parametric EQ for ultimate tweaking.

-Robert
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#3
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3/10/08 at 8:30am
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Re: Using both inputs on subs.

Thanks Robert. That's very good advice and information!

Mitch
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#4
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3/10/08 at 9:03am
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Re: Using both inputs on subs.

Basically, the same info you got at AVS.

-Robert
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#5
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3/16/08 at 12:16pm
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Re: Using both inputs on subs.

As was already said, the two inputs are just summed internally, since they are just going to one subwoofer. The only real change you get from the Y splitter is as Robert said, you cut the signal strength in half. That's not particularly important provided the voltage isn't getting too anemic, which I doubt it would be. The gain on the two subs should be able to easily compensate for the reduced signal level anyway. So in short, you should be fine.

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#6
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3/17/08 at 7:28pm
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Re: Using both inputs on subs.

Will the reduced signal be cleaner, or just less db? I have the JL Gotham and the engineers at JL said it would be better to use a Y connector and use both inputs.
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#7
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3/17/08 at 7:34pm
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Re: Using both inputs on subs.

Quote:
Originally Posted by mitch
Hi All,

I am now using two subs in my home theater system; the infamous and all powerful SVS PB12/Plus 2 and my older sub, the very accurate and beautfiful Velodyne HGS-15...

You ARE a bassoholic! I have the PB 12 Plus/2 and can't imagine ever wanting more bass.

"I wanna party with you cowboy!"

John

"The names Francis Sawyer, but everybody calls me "Psycho."
Any of YOU guys call ME Francis, and I'll kill ya!"

My Home Theater
My BlogMy Travels

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#8
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3/18/08 at 6:38am
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Re: Using both inputs on subs.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mjorgensen
Will the reduced signal be cleaner, or just less db? I have the JL Gotham and the engineers at JL said it would be better to use a Y connector and use both inputs.
The signal should be the same except 3db lower when split. Did you speak directly to the engineers at JL or did that come via 2nd hand information? You can post this question using "JL" in the subject line at AVS Forum and there is a good chance that Manville Smith will answer it.

-Robert
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#9
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3/18/08 at 7:30am
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Re: Using both inputs on subs.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Robert_J
The signal should be the same except 3db lower when split. Did you speak directly to the engineers at JL or did that come via 2nd hand information? You can post this question using "JL" in the subject line at AVS Forum and there is a good chance that Manville Smith will answer it.

-Robert

This information came from my dealer and when they recieved my Gotham this is what was relayed to them from JL. I will PM Mr. Smith for the skinny.

Thanks,
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