Newby hookup question

[Frank K]

Hello, First time posting at this forum. Just purchased from Ascend, several pairs of speakers and the HSU VTF-2 subwoofer. Trying to get ready, have not received it yet.

I am little confused and have a very basic question regarding hookup to a standard stereo receiver (Denon DRA685). I believe I should use the pre-out jacks (L, R) to the VTF-2 low-level inputs for best results. I also believe I need a "Y" cable of some sort to reconnect the (pre-out) to the (main-in) on the Denon. Is that correct? Is there a recommended part number from Radio shack or Parts express ?
http://www.partsexpress.com


Thanks

Frank K

[cschang]

It depends on the receiver you are going to use. Nowadays, most AV receivers have a RCA subout connection, and is the only line that needs to be connected to the sub...left or right low input, does not really matter.

[Frank K]

It’s not a A/V receiver, although it has some A/V features. Unfortunately, a sub out is not one of them.
Thanks
Frank K

[Sasha_G]

Frank,

It can be a little bit confusing, but the main-in and pre-out are needed ONLY with STEREO receivers or integrated amps when:

1)You only have only ONE pre-out, not two or more
OR
2) You want to apply high-pass filtering to the mains

This complexity stems from the fact that many stereo receivers and Integrated amps have a metal bar or jumper between the pre-out and main-in, and you must remove that bar when using the single pre-out. When removed, the signal has to be sent back to the main-in so you can hear sound.

I'll go over scenario 2 first (You want to apply high-pass filtering to the main):

So how do you hook the main-in back up while still sending bass to the subwoofer? Y connectors are needed to split the signal.

The connectors needed are two (2) mono RCA male to dual RCA female connectors. These are the only type of connectors that can do this that I know of.

For the Right signal, plug the Y-connector into the pre-out, and run the signal into the high pass box and then back into the right channel on the main-in.

For the Left signal, plug the Y-connector into the pre-out, and run the signal into the high pass box and then back into the left channel on the main-in.

The remaining dangling cables should be sent to the subwoofer. You may need a female to female adapter to attatch another RCA adapter.

[Sasha_G]

Here is the other scenario. This is when the subwoofer is "Augmenting" the bass of the main speakers.

[Frank K]

Thanks Sasha,
So just one more time so I am sure. I will not be using a High Pass filter. I plan to use the Crossover on the Sub.
For my situation, the preferred method is to parallel out of the pre-out (l and r), send one set back to the Main -in, and the other set to the sub woofer. This is preferred over using speaker level inputs, correct?
Thanks
Frank k

[Sasha_G]

Speaker level inputs will also work fine, but you will get the "sonic signature" of the amp that powers your main speakers in the mix. That means you are getting all the bad distortion and stuff from your main amplifier, which is better avoided.

Yes, good old line level will work fine, and the setup you chose will work fine also. We like to call that the "bass augmentation" method.