Subwoofer high-level input - any advantage?

[HerbertWest]

Hi folks, I was wondering if there is any objective advantage in using 'high level inputs' to connect a subwoofer to a stereo system. Some subs (like REL, or my ancient REL-built Rega Vulcan) have the ability to be wired to the same power amp's output terminals as the main speakers.
The main disadvantage I see is the obvious inability to apply sub-specific corrections via an external DSP.

FWIW, when I tested this setup with an entry-level Marantz SR6006, I did not notice any difference compared to the sub out of the AVR - but I am not a trained listener, plus that AVR's performance was far from SOTA stereo amps, so I consider that a useless subjective datapoint. Thank you for any insight you might have!

 

[Doodski]

The high level input is a legacy connection left over from when a sub RCA output was not present on most gear. For your situation the low level RCA connection is the preferred method.

 

[Dennis_FL]

REL is anal about using high level. They claim it is the best way.

 

[Koeitje]

Use low-level, especially on a receiver. Otherwise you won't have any LFE effects for movies. Unless you send LFE to your fronts also....and they don't like that.

 

[sigbergaudio]

Hi folks, I was wondering if there is any objective advantage in using 'high level inputs' to connect a subwoofer to a stereo system.

No, there is not.

 

[DonH56]

There are some disadvantages, like higher noise and distortion, the inability to roll off the signal to the mains (losing out on one of the bigger benefits of owning subs), having the frequency response modulated by the amp and interaction with main speakers, etc.

IMO - Don

 

[HerbertWest]

Thank you for the replies to this very old thread
Totally agree with Don: after reading the first reply from Doodski, and reading other docs online, I realized that there was no reason for me to keep experimenting with high level input.

Since then, I mothballed the Vulcan and switched to 2x Rhytmik F12, with bass management handled by Audiolense via RME TotalMix.