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7
system connection
There are two ways the subwoofer can be connected to the other components in the system. If the
electronics in the system consists of a separate preamp and power amp or integrated electronics that have
preamp/power amp jumpers, use the low level (preamp level) inputs and outputs of the subwoofer (See
below).
Low-level connection: In this configuration the subwoofer is connected to the system between the
preamp and power amp sections of the electronics.
Connect the preamp outputs to the low level inputs on the subwoofer with shielded RCA cables. This
supplies the subwoofer with a full range signal. Use the same type of cable to connect the high pass
outputs of the subwoofer to the power amp inputs of the system electronics. This returns the portion of
the signal above the very low frequency range to the main amplifier and satellite speakers.
High-level connection: In this configuration the subwoofer is connected to the system between the
amplifier outputs and the satellite speakers. The signal that drives the subwoofer amplifier is derived from
this signal. Use the same speaker wire that goes to the satellite speakers for this connection. If your
amplifier has remote or B speaker outputs you can use those instead.
Connect the speaker outputs of the amplifier to the inputs of the high level connection of the subwoofer
with conventional two-conductor speaker wire.
Be sure to keep the left/right channel connections correct. Also be sure the phasing of the connections
(the positive/negative orientation of the connections) is consistent throughout the system.
The left and right channel outputs from the amplifier should be connected to the appropriate high-level
inputs on the subwoofer. Of greater importance is the phasing or positive/negative orientation of the
connections. It is very important that the positive (+) terminals of the amplifier are connected to the
positive terminals of the high level inputs of both channels of the subwoofer. Similarly, the negative (-)
terminals of the amplifier must be connected to the negative terminals of the high level inputs of both
channels of the subwoofer.
All speaker wire is marked in some way to make it easy to trace the two conductors. There may be a rib
or a stripe on the insulation of one conductor or the insulation may be clear with copper and silver colored
conductors. Decide which conductor will be used for the positive connections and which for the negative
connections. Then be sure all the amplifier-to-subwoofer connections are consistent.