subwoofer interconnect

[KRC]

Do any of you use special subwoofer interconnect cables or just regular interconnect for your B&W sub.

[miner]

Doug, owner of this site makes a great subwoofer cable (www.catcables.com)

[KRC]

I know alot of companies that advertise this special cable, but do they actually work? Do they tighten the bass and make it faster less tubby? I listen to alot of acoustic jazz and to get the string bass just right without buying a bigger/more powerful sub. My other cabling is from a company that starts with an "A" and there subwoofer cables even come with a "Y" adapter affair to make a L/R connection at the subwoofer amp input.

[RobP]

KRC, I know that a good quality interconnect cable can improve bass performance. But moreso is proper placement and room treatment, How are you on those two fronts?

[KRC]

Unfortunately my system is in my wifes living room versus my soundroom. That will change with our next house but for now...... So, my sub is tucked under a glass coffee table, in between my stereo rack and a chesterfield. I noted that there is a left/right at the amp input of the sub and my original question is if I had one of the dedicated sub cables with a left/right interconnect cable would it change the sound?

[Jesse111]

I've never been able to tell a difference in cables in blind tests. Subwoofers would be even less critical. Get a good quality made cable and you'll be fine.

Catcables by the owner of this site or perhaps http://dhlabs-cables.com/docs/products/BL1.html would also be perfectly fine.

[Jesse111]

So, my sub is tucked under a glass coffee table, in between my stereo rack and a chesterfield. I noted that there is a left/right at the amp input of the sub and my original question is if I had one of the dedicated sub cables with a left/right interconnect cable would it change the sound?

It would be more or less impossible to improve on your sub in its present loction with cables or anything else for that matter. Until you are able to put the sub in an unubstructed corner you will not hear the potential of it. Can you re-ask your question about the "one of the dedicated sub cables with a left/right interconnect cable" ? I'm not sure if it's clear what you are asking.

Do you have just one cable to the sub now? If you are asking if an individual left and individual right cable from the audio left and right output of your preamp will change the sound vs. one cable to the LFE connection or one cable connected to the mono (in most cases the left channel) input on the sub then yes it will change. In some cases it will double the db level output (louder) as in the case with Velodyne DD subs. In the case of sunfire there is more musical control. If you connect to the LFE of your processor to your sub then the control to the sub will be handled at the processor. But LFE is best suited for HT not music.

[KRC]

Thanks for all the advice......I guess my original question is turning into a two part question. Firstly, I was wondering about the specific sub woofer interconnects that have a different cable geometry/wire sizes to accomodate the bass frequencies and I guess secondly with the B & W subs the amp input has a L/R. Generally with a AV receiver/processor the output going from the LFE channel is a single interconnect which inputs into the sub amp input. My question is I have seen subwoofer cables that start with a single interconnect and end at the sub amp with a "Y" configuration that ends with a L/R. So, is there any benefit of having the sub amp input with L/R versus the single interconnect from the LFE output.......confusing.

[Jesse111]

Don't worry KRC. Yes, it can be confusing until you get the hang of things. In time you will. But for now you have made your question clear. You have two primary ways to connect a subwoofer from the processor.

One way is to use the LFE output. This output sends only Low Frequency Effects to the subwoofer. This is for HT and not designed for audiophile music but it can be used with music nonetheless. However, I would not recommend it. But keep in mind I am a purely two channel music "audiophile" kinda guy. With this setup you will most likely make your crossover settings in the processor. You're crossover on the sub should be set at it's highest setting.
The LFE output will offer only a single output. But when you Y split it and feed it to the left and right input on the sub, in many cases (such as with Velodyne DD subs) the sub amp is driven harder thus producing louder bass. Try it both ways and simply use the one you like best (either with the Y into both left and right or just one into whichever input your manual says to put it, usually the left). But keep in mind, louder isn't always better. Sometimes you can get better control and more variable accuracy by using just one input.


The second way is to use your full frequency digital outs. These would be the same outputs that you use to connect your amp. With these outputs the sub will receive the full frequency spectrum and you will want to deactivate the processor crossover controls and adjust the crossover on the sub itself. Perhaps between 50 - 80 Hz depending on your speakers. In this way you will have true left and right signals going to you sub. This would be the prefered way for music. However, some feel (like I do) that two subs, one right one left is the ultimate sub configuration.

Finally let me say that there are variations to these two connections. For instance the Integra Research RDC 7.1 offers more flexibilty such as using the LFE with the option of full frequency to the mains. Your processor may also have further options.

Subs are challenge to set up correctly. Especially for music. Location is by for the most critical thing. The next priorty would be adjusting the crossover, volume and phase. Cables would be the last consideration and have the least (if any) impact on the sound.

[chinets]

Don't worry!!
Just use good quality cables or what B&W supply to the dealer for Subs!!
That is all you need ,and I have 2 ASW 855 subs ,and that is what I did. It works brilliant for me ,and that is... My opinion ONLY!
Good Luck and Cheers