One sub two systems?

[SiUK]

Would it, do you think, be okay to somehow use the same sub for two systems?

Details:

Basically, I want to use my active Boston Acoustics sub (which is connected to my home cinema) with my hifi but I don't have room for another subwoofer. My hi-fi all-in-one has sub out and I've already hooked it up to the BA subwoofer and I like the bottom end it adds to my Concept 20s. So I am wondering whether I could use some sort of splitter at the sub end with another lead to the hifi. I wouldn't of course be using both simultaneously, and of course I'd have to manually alter crossover and level on the sub each time, but I could live with that. Can anyone offer any advice on whether this is a good / bad idea and perhaps direct me to a 'splitter' if this is an okay workaround.

Thankyou

 

[jonathanRD]

You don't mention which model of sub you have? But, does it have a 'high level' or 'line level' connection? Maybe first check your sub's instruction manual.

I have a BK XXLS400 connected to both my home cinema amp (LFE connection) and to my hifi Rega amp using the 'high level' connection (3 wires are connected to the speaker out posts on the amp). No need for any splitters in this scenario.

 

[SiUK]

Hello.

The sub is part of the BA Soundwave SX SE home cinema system

Single line in. That's why I mentioned the splitter. Two cables into one...

 

[davedotco]

Are for spliting the cable, not combining.

The impedance mismatch would be horrible given that either sub output would 'see' the 'other' amplifiers sub output in parallel to the subwoofer itself.

Nasty, won't work and could cause damage.

If you are determined to go down this route, try this....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/360367938620?limghlpsr=true&hlpv=2&ops=true&viphx=1&hlpht=true&lpid=108&chn=ps&poi=&device=c&rlsatarget=&adtype=pla&crdt=0&ff3=1&ff11=ICEP3.0.0-L&ff12=67&ff13=80&ff14=108&ff19=0

 

[SiUK]

Well yeah, strictly speaking you are of course absolutely correct (re terminology). But in everyday dopey speak (that's what I seem to be speaking nowadays) it seemed to be the right term. That is, I had in mind stuff like coax Y splitters - advertised as such - but I suppose they are really combiners too, but then it actually depends on which way/direction you are using them in. But anyway, I take note *mail1*, and I'll make more of an effort to use the more appropiate 'combiner' next time. *good*

On the subject of the impedence, and the other amp 'seeing' the others' sub out, would that still be the case if one amp was always off? If yes maybe not such a good idea then. I was thinking more on the lines of something like an RCA Y combiner/splitter but then I'm not about to go freaking my amps out for the sake of a bit of bass. Better to just swap them over manually each time...and remember to reset crossovers for whatever is being used I suppose.

 

[jonathanRD]

Are for spliting the cable, not combining.

The impedance mismatch would be horrible given that either sub output would 'see' the 'other' amplifiers sub output in parallel to the subwoofer itself.

Nasty, won't work and could cause damage.

If you are determined to go down this route, try this....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/360367938620?limghlpsr=true&hlpv=2&ops=true&viphx=1&hlpht=true&lpid=108&chn=ps&poi=&device=c&rlsatarget=&adtype=pla&crdt=0&ff3=1&ff11=ICEP3.0.0-L&ff12=67&ff13=80&ff14=108&ff19=0

Thanks Dave for clearing this up, once we knew what model the sub was and a photo of the inputs, I kinda of realised that a splitter was 'going the wrong way' but had to go out before I could research further into switches. Can't beat experience *smile*

 

[davedotco]

Splitting an audio signal is easy, it simply spits in proportion to the input impedance of each load.

Combining two inputs is much more complex, you need a simple circuit to isolate the inputs and drive the single load.

Such a device is relatively common, it is called a mixer. A 2 in, 1 out should cost no more than £20-30.