Help integrating a sub with powered speakers

[Megaken]

Hi.

My source only has RCA L/R outs. Those go into powered speakers that only have RCA ins. How do I add this subwoofer into the chain?

Thx

 

[kyuu]

Assuming your powered speakers do not have a subwoofer out, you need a source or intermediate DAC that has one (and preferably proper bass management, ala the Wiim Ultra). Otherwise, you need a different subwoofer that has line ins and outs.

 

[DanielT]

You can try plugging in a couple of RCA splitters between the source and the sub and active speakers:

 

[Berwhale]

I built balanced splitter cables to connect my iLoud MTMs and Presonus Sub8 to my Topping DX5 II (RCA would work the same)...

Let's share diagrams (and photos) of our total physical audio system and the whole signal path, with a few words and/or links

I just opened a new thread about the purification of my System: https://audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/gaya2p-the-purification-completed.63700/ Thank you for the link to your amazing new thread! I (we) can understand the title of your new thread as having "Purification" with...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Previously, the connection went through the Sub8's cross-over, I switched to splitter cables to avoid this and simplify the cabling at my height adjustable standing desk.

 

[early rejecter]

It’s always helpful to identify the other equipment in the system. Does / can your source control the volume? If so, RCA splitter cables as suggested will work. But if the speakers have the only volume control you’ll need an intermediary device.

 

[staticV3]

How do I add this subwoofer into the chain?

Connect two splitters to your source device, then the two ends coming from the Left output into the Left input of your sub and speakers, ditto for Right.

 

[DanielT]

Does / can your source control the volume? If so, RCA splitter cables as suggested will work. But if the speakers have the only volume control you’ll need an intermediary device.

You must have a source with volume control to make this with RCA splitter sub-speakers to work. To make it comfortable I should say. Completely hopeless if you had to change the volume on the sub and speakers every time you want to change the volume. Which you don't have to do with a source that has volume control. Then you control the volume with that source.
A DAC with volume control is now what many people use today, for example:


Then you just set the volume manually on the speakers and subwoofer to the level you think is appropriate once. After that is done, you change the volume on both the sub and speakers simultaneously via the volume control on your source.

But if the speakers have the only volume control. But your subwoofer in the picture in #1 has a volume control. Plus as I said you have to add a source with volume control.

 

[DVDdoug]

Y-Splitters will work but to do it properly you need a line-level crossover that filters the bass out of the signal and filters the highs out of the signal to the subwoofer.

Your woofer has a low-pass filter for itself but nothing for the main speakers.

The most common solution is an AVR where the crossover is called "bass management". But although all AVRs have an output for an active/powered sub and connections for passive speakers, not all have line-level outputs for active speakers. Most home stereo and home theater speakers are passive.

Or, a lot of subwoofers have line-level pass-through with a full crossover that filters the bass out of the signal to the main speakers.

Or you can buy an active crossover or a lot of people hear program a miniDSP as a crossover.

 

[Berwhale]

Y-Splitters will work but to do it properly you need a line-level crossover that filters the bass out of the signal and filters the highs out of the signal to the subwoofer.

Your woofer has a low-pass filter for itself but nothing for the main speakers.

The most common solution is an AVR where the crossover is called "bass management". But although all AVRs have an output for an active/powered sub and connections for passive speakers, not all have line-level outputs for active speakers. Most home stereo and home theater speakers are passive.

Or, a lot of subwoofers have line-level pass-through with a full crossover that filters the bass out of the signal to the main speakers.

Or you can buy an active crossover or a lot of people hear program a miniDSP as a crossover.

Or monitors with built-in DSP and a high pass filter like my iLoud MTMs

But, I agree that for most people with existing setups, it would be best to add something like a miniDSP to do the 'splitting'.

 

[DanielT]

Y-Splitters will work but to do it properly you need a line-level crossover that filters the bass out of the signal and filters the highs out of the signal to the subwoofer.

Your woofer has a low-pass filter for itself but nothing for the main speakers.

A high pass filter. For example this one at 70 Hz that TS plugs into the line in connectors on his active speakers:

Harrison Labs FMOD Inline Crossover Pair 70 Hz High Pass RCA

Harrison Labs FMOD Inline Crossover Pair 70 Hz High Pass RCAWhat is an FMOD™? The FMOD™ is an active crossover simulator. It is better than a much more expensive electronic crossover that requires power to operate. FMODs™ are packaged in pairs and can be combined with other FMODs™ to obtain...

www.parts-express.com

Plugging in Harrison Labs FMOD Inline Crossover Pair 70 Hz High Pass RCA is clearly better than not doing it. But it's not top notch bass management. It's a step on the way though.
That plus PEQ (manual or automatic) to tame what the room itself messes up with the bass FR.
In fact, when I think about it, why not a WiiM Pro Plus which is a streamer (with PEQ capabilities) plus it's a good DAC. Remote control to change the volume, among other things, is included:
(I know you know this I'm mentioning it for TS)

WiiM Pro Plus Streamer Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the WiiM Pro Plus streamer, DAC and preamplifier with Bluetooth support. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $219. While the case is plastic, it still "looks the part" as the Brits would say relative to other more famous brands of...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[DanielT]

Or you can buy an active crossover or a lot of people hear program a miniDSP as a crossover.

But, I agree that for most people with existing setups, it would be best to add something like a miniDSP to do the 'splitting'.

I'll add to that. I also agree with what has already been agreed upon.