Can I use a single subwoofer with monoblocks?

[dcberti]

Hi. I just sold my 2 subwoofers since I don't have the room in my new house for them and my new speakers don't need them. I still have a pair of bookshelf speakers for sale that I want to demo with a sub. My preamp doesn't have a sub out. I have Schiit Vidar 2 monoblocks. The sub was very inexpensive, but it does have high level inputs. Can I run 1 + - from each monoblock to the LR inputs on the sub? Any input would be appreciated.

 

[DVDdoug]

Sure. If it has left & right high-level inputs they can both be used.

 

[HalSF]

Quick question — this sounds like you want to demo the bookshelf speakers for potential buyers but you’re not selling the cheap sub, so why not just demo the speakers without a sub? How will the sub make a difference? Or perhaps I misunderstood…

 

[dcberti]

Quick question — this sounds like you want to demo the bookshelf speakers for potential buyers but you’re not selling the cheap sub, so why not just demo the speakers without a sub? How will the sub make a difference? Or perhaps I misunderstood…

No, you are essentially correct. But I also may not sell them before I move, so if I keep them I'd like to play them with a sub anyway. I just don't want to damage my amps if there is any chance of that. Thank you

 

[dcberti]

Sure. If it has left & right high-level inputs they can both be used.

Thank you...so no worry about "impedance matching" or anything like that? (Something I read...I think). I just don't want to do any damage to my amps...don't care as much about the sub.

 

[raindance]

The concern would be whether the amps can tolerate a common ground on the speaker output. Typically if they aren't run in bridged mode they are likely ok, but you should check the manual.

 

[pjug]

Hi. I just sold my 2 subwoofers since I don't have the room in my new house for them and my new speakers don't need them. I still have a pair of bookshelf speakers for sale that I want to demo with a sub. My preamp doesn't have a sub out. I have Schiit Vidar 2 monoblocks. The sub was very inexpensive, but it does have high level inputs. Can I run 1 + - from each monoblock to the LR inputs on the sub? Any input would be appreciated.

What sub and preamp do you have? Your preamp doesn't necessarily need a sub output, you can just use a full range preamp output or split what is going to the power amp with Y cables. Same bandwidth as what is coming out of the power amp that you need to filter anyway.

 

[physicsplace]

This is a very common method, especially with hi-fi systems where the subwoofer is integrated into a classic stereo configuration.

Mini Militia App Lock​

 

[dcberti]

What sub and preamp do you have? Your preamp doesn't necessarily need a sub output, you can just use a full range preamp output or split what is going to the power amp with Y cables. Same bandwidth as what is coming out of the power amp that you need to filter anyway.

Thank you, I ended up selling the speakers. I have an Eversolo DMP-A8. I wouldn't mind having the option of using subs in the future, even though my speakers are fine without them. The only way I would want to use them, though, is if I had bass management and I could take some of Lower frequencies away from my speakers. I don't think I'd be able to do that with my preamp.