Connecting a sub to an amp (1 Viewer)

[Dave_La]

Is it possible to connect a sub to an amp, if so is it any better??

I currently have Paradigm PDR-12 and an Outlaw 7100 (100wpc x 7) amp is on the way.

 

[Wayne A. Pflughaupt]

Your question’s a little vague, Dave. Are you talking about a powered sub that already has a built-in amp?

All you need to do is connect your new amp directly to the sub’s driver. Sounds easy, a little trickier in practice. You would have to remove the driver or perhaps the amp section to access the interior. You would have to install a termination panel somewhere on the sub that would allow you to access the sub driver directly and bypass any internal electronics - either a vacant spot on the amp plate, or cut a hole on the sub’s cabinet and install a custom-made plate. Either way, it has to be airtight when you’re finished. The termination panel/plate would probably use a banana plug, to which you would connect a new speaker wire between the banana plug and the driver.

So that’s how you would connect an amp to the powered sub. Will it be better? It’s doubtful. For one, the sub and amp are designed as a system. The amp or other internal electronics may have built-in equalization to enhance the sub’s performance.

Furthermore, you have to believe that the powered sub and its amp are each designed for the maximum performance of the other. It would make no sense, for instance, for a company to drop in a 500-watt-capable driver and then power it with a 200-watt amplifier. It makes even less sense that they would do it the other way around – have an amp so powerful that it would smoke the driver.

Bottom line – if you want to use an outboard amp, you need a passive sub.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[Dave_La]

Yeah, I heard people talking about connecting two subs to the amp, but didn't realize it has to be passive subs. Well Wayne, thanks for clearing it up for me.