High-level wiring question

[sfar]

I've been happily using a VTF-2 with a Rotel two-channel receiver, connecting to the line-level inputs on the sub with an interconnect from the Pre-out jacks on the receiver.

I'm getting a different amplifier, however, that has no pre-out jacks of any kind so I'm assuming I will now need to connect to the sub using the high-level inputs. The new integrated amp has only one set of speaker outputs and I'm wondering about my options.

Is it possible to use my existing speaker cables in their current configuration, connecting to the speaker terminals on the amp with spade connectors and running directly to the speakers, then adding a separate set of speaker cables directly from the same speaker terminals, using banana plugs inserted into the five-way binding posts, and connecting to the high-level inputs on the sub?

The reason I'd prefer to do it that way is that the current speaker cables are high-end, shotgun biwire cables that are sized for and work perfectly with my existing speakers. If I need to run cables first from the speaker terminals to the subwoofer and then from the sub to the speakers I'll need all new cabling since I wouldn't want to chop up my existing cables.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Sasha_G]

I've been happily using a VTF-2 with a Rotel two-channel receiver, connecting to the line-level inputs on the sub with an interconnect from the Pre-out jacks on the receiver.

I'm getting a different amplifier, however, that has no pre-out jacks of any kind so I'm assuming I will now need to connect to the sub using the high-level inputs. The new integrated amp has only one set of speaker outputs and I'm wondering about my options.


While the amplifier doesn't have pre-out jacks, your preamp would have to have some pre-out jacks. You should be able to use a Y connector to split the signal and run the interconnect to the subwoofer as you did before.

[sfar]

The new amplifier I'm getting is an integrated amplifier and it has no preamp outputs at all. The only line-level outputs it has are the tape recording outputs and they're not usable because they're not controlled by the volume control.

So, back to my original question, is it possible to run a conventional speaker cable setup, going from the single set of speaker output terminals on the back of the integrated amp to the speakers and ALSO run cables from those same speaker terminals to the speaker-level inputs of the VTF-2?

Or is it necessary to run the speaker cables first from the integrated amplifier to the VTF-2 and then from it to the speakers?

I'd much prefer to do the first setup if possible since I already have some very high quality speaker cables with spade terminals that won't work on the spring terminals of the VTF-2.

Thanks

[wid]

I don't see why you couldn't do as you prefer.You should take into account on how low your'e mains are rated.If they are not full range speakers you would be better off wiring them as Hsu says in the Vtf-2 manual.I myself wouldn't get to caught up in thinking I had to use fancy speaker wire just because I had it.There's nothing wrong with using just plain old speaker wire.

[sfar]

Part of the reason I asked the question is that it's not clear to me from the manual what is the preferred method of connecting the subwoofer.

The manual says, "If you do not have a line level output, run a parallel set of wires from your main amplifier to the speaker inputs on the subwoofer."
That's it for instructions, one sentence, no diagram and no further explanation of what is meant by "parallel set."

If I followed conventional electrical wiring nomenclature I could take the instructions to mean that I should run one wire from each speaker terminal on the amplifier to the corresponding terminal on the subwoofer and run a second wire from the same positive terminal on the amplifier to the appropriate positive terminal on the main speaker. That way, the two devices, subwoofer and speaker are wired in parallel.

To run a wire from the amplifier first to the subwoofer and then from the sub to the main speaker would seem to be wiring the two devices in series, not in parallel.

So, I was just looking for clarity about exactly what the instructions were trying to say. Seems as if I need to make a phone call to sort it out.
Thanks again for your help

[wid]

This is what my manual says.
If no low level output is available,you need to run speaker wires from your main amplifer or reciever to the subwoofer amplifer.Run the left and right channel to the subwoofer amplifer and secure the speaker wires to the appropriate spring clips located on the back of the subwoofer amplifier under Speaker Level In.Be sure to double check that the polarity (-/+)on the reciever or amplifier matchs the polarity on the binding post (spring clips) of the subwoofer amplifier.Also, make sure that the -(negative) outputs on your main amp are true ground,otherwise you would short the output of your main amp.If needed,run speaker wires from the subwoofers amplifier's high level output to your main speakers.
By re-reading the instructions it looks like you can run the wires as you would like.The crossover would still be able to be used too.So it looks like your good to go.

Good Luck. :D

[sfar]

I've ordered enough Canare 4s8 cable so that I can try it both ways and see which sounds the best. I'll report back. Thanks again.

[dlparisi]

I've ordered enough Canare 4s8 cable so that I can try it both ways and see which sounds the best. I'll report back. Thanks again.
How did this work out for you?

I'm in the same boat, I like the cable I have now and would like to place the subwoofer across the room from the main speakers. That would mean either replacing the cables altogether and running two lengths of cable (one to the sub and one back), or ideally keeping the shorter cables I have now and just running one length (longer) of wire to the sub, tying them both together at the amp.

My amp only has one set of speaker outputs so I am a little worried that driving the mains and the sub might put too much of a strain on the amp. I realize the sub has it's own amplifier but how much "load" (resistance?) does it place on the main amplifier just to get the signal?

Any ideas?

Thanks, David