Hello Guys
I own a Rose RS520 for quiet some time now and have decided to connect an active subwoofer to it.
Since this ist my first stereo amplifier I was wondering what is the best way to connect a subwoofer.
With all my previous AV-Receivers there was only one dedicated subwoofer output where I used a Y-Chinch cable to connect the subwoofer to it.
Since the RS520 does not have a dedicated subwoofer output like that I have to mix things up.
I understand that I have to use the PRE-Out Terminals for this. But since there are 2 Terminals (Left and Right) I am not sure if it is better to use a regular Chinch cable with 2 Inputs and 2 Outputs like for Loudspeakers, so I can connect Left Channel to Left Channel and Right Channel to Right Channel or If I should use a regular Y-Chinch Cabel with only one of the two PRE-Out Terminals.
Is there a technical difference between this two options or will it be the same outcome no matter what solution I choose?
I would really apreciate it if somebody could explain me this topic.
If you are connecting an active sub, you do have two options depending on your sub.
For what you describe… if you’re connecting one sub woofer. (two is better if you can afford it.) Do what you suggest. A Y combiner (2 into 1) adapter connection.
I use a REL subwoofer (T/5x) which is recommended to use their Speakon connector and the bare wires to both positive leads and then connect the black wire to the ground to the ground connector.
The reason you’d want to use a Y combinator is that you can have L/R differences in sub output. In systems that offer a single sub, internally the l/r signals are combined after passing thru a low pass filter. (Some preset it to 80db, while some may offer a variable setting. )
I gather from your post that you only want to connect a single subwoofer. Go ahead and do it just as you described.
Take a stereo RCA cable and connect it to the 520’s pre-out, then connect the other end to your subwoofer (red to red, white to white). Since the pre-out outputs a stereo signal, that signal goes into the subwoofer, where it gets converted into a mono signal anyway.
The only advantage—if you can call it that—is gaining 3–6 dB more input level (signal strength). However, this is irrelevant if you have a powerful subwoofer—meaning one that isn’t too small for your room or your main speakers. In that case, a standard mono RCA cable would have sufficed, since you adjust the volume on the subwoofer itself anyway.
But go ahead and put your plan into action. I have two subwoofers connected to my 520 as well. Since you want to connect one, just hook it up exactly as you intended.
You know the rest: crossover frequency, volume, and playing around with the phase settings on the subwoofer.
Room calibration using REW would be better, as it allows you to measure the time delay relative to the subwoofer.
Imagine you’ve connected your subwoofer and everything sounds good to you! If there is a delay, and there always is, the bass won’t arrive exactly as the recording intended. For instance, SVS subwoofers have an amplifier delay of 6 ms, required by the active amp and its built-in DSP to process the data (signals). Unfortunately, you can’t adjust for things like this on the 520 because it lacks a dedicated subwoofer output.
And one more thing:
I don’t know where you plan to place your subwoofer or what cables you already have running to that spot. Use a good (shielded) RCA cable to avoid nasty surprises like humming or clicking noises.
What I use is actually irrelevant, since you want to connect a subwoofer to your specific setup.
But in case you ever want to run two subwoofers:
I use two ready-made Y-cables (not just adapters). I connect one Y-cable’s single RCA plug to the right (red) pre-out and the other end—with its two RCA plugs—to the right subwoofer’s inputs (R+L). I do the same for the left subwoofer.
Since my subwoofers are positioned some distance away, I use Y-cables that are about 5 meters long. That’s why I opted for quad-shielded Y-cables; I have several power cables nearby—though not running parallel to the subwoofer Y-cables—but I wanted to play it safe and prevent any interference like humming or clicking.
You have the right approach…do it that way.
And don’t forget to activate the pre-out in the 520’s output settings.
Many thanks for your explanations.
As you correctly surmised, I currently only want to connect a single subwoofer.
Please accept my apologies for omitting that detail. đź«
As I understand it, I can use either type of cable without issue as long as I am connecting only one subwoofer. However, to keep the option open for adding a second subwoofer in the future, choosing a Y-cable would be more advantageous.
Could you recommend a suitable cable—or a manufacturer or product line offering appropriate quality?
I would like to spend around 100€ for a cable with 4 Meter in length.
