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Hi,
New here, bit of a noob when it comes to technical stuff so excuse the stupid questions!
I want to hook up a subwoofer to my home set up (NAD 3020 amp and Linn index speakers (not sure which ones))
How would I go about connecting this - the amp only has stereo out (spring clip connectors) - would the stereo out need to be split and then sent to the woofer high input? What connectors and cables would I need for this?
Could anyone recommend a fairly budget subwoofer that might work well with this system? I'm pretty happy with how it sounds for ordinary listening but I'm a big dub reggae and dance music fan and it just doesn't have the bass!
Thanks
Follow Ups:
nt
If so, then the only way you can hook up a subwoofer to the system is to obtain an outside crossover and another amplifier(if the sub does not have its own amplifier).
You would first remove the U shaped connectors from the back of the NAD 3020 that connect the RCA jacks labelled Pre Out and Lab In.
You would then run RCA cables from the Pre Out on the back of the NAD 3020 to the external crossover. Next, run RCA cables to your sub amp from the crossover output. From the sub amp, run speaker wires to your sub. If your sub is self powered, then you would just run the crossover output RCA cables directly to your sub.
You would then run another set of RCA cables from the other output of the crossover to the Lab Input on your NAD 3020. That's it.
If you are trying to use the NAD 3020 as your sub amp, then disregard everything written above.
Thanks very much for the replies everyone
Yeah the main speakers are already hooked up to the NAD, but I had read somewhere that you could also connect a powered subwoofer to the same speaker outputs with the right connectors, is this true? If so, would it be possible to split the signal this way and use the low pass on the subwoofer itself (providing it has one)?
Otherwise, your outside crossover suggestion sounds like a fairly hassle free way of doing it
As for which subwoofer to get, I want something (if possible - as I said I know very little about these things) that will bring a lot more power to the system mainly for parties etc. I'm aware it's got to balance with the main speakers which aren't really designed for this purpose and isn't going to be earth shattering, but it's more for this for filling out the sound for ordinary listening or movies etc., though these would of course be added bonuses. Would a larger driver like a 12 inch be more suited do you think?
experience with older HSU Research subs and older Velodyne subs.The NAD 3020 is only rated for 20 Watts continuous power at 8 ohms. Adding a passive subwoofer(no internal amp) to the outputs will drop below that 8 ohm limit. The 3020 has the capability to have momentary output power peaks down to 72 watts at 2 ohms, but I believe a sub with dance music will be demanding continuous high power output and not just peak power output.
If your sub is powered and has high level(speaker wire) inputs, then you could do as you stated with both main speaker and sub speaker wire hooked up to the NAD speaker terminals. The only problem with the NAD 3020 is the speaker terminals themselves. I am not sure if there is room for two sets of wires in the small holes of the 3020 terminals. You would have to put both wires into a crimp type connector,then insert that connector into the 3020 speaker terminal.
Another possible option with the NAD 3020 and a powered sub with low level inputs(RCA type) would be to first remove the U shaped connectors at the back that connect Pre Out to Lab In or Normal In. Then place a RCA male to female Y cord into both channel Pre Outs. Connect a short RCA cord to one side of each Y cord and connect it to the the appropriate channel Lab In or Normal In on the NAD. Then run RCA cords from the other side of the Y cords to the sub. Most powered subs have only one low level input, so you will need another female to male Y cord to handle the two RCA cords coming from the NAD 3020.
Lastly, if you don't want your Linn speakers(not sure which ones you have) to operate full range, then you will have to use the external crossover method I originally described. Most subs only have crossovers that pass low frequencies to the sub amp and do nothing to pass only the higher frequencies to the main speakers. An external crossover divides the low frequencies from the higher frequencies and sends them to the appropriate speakers( main or satellite speakers and the sub speaker). The external crossover should allow you to adjust the crossover frequency as well.
If anyone sees mistakes here, please chime in.
Edits: 11/07/16
nt
I assume you mean the vintage 3020, not the new Class D 3020. I thought the old one had preamp outputs and power amp inputs. If so, you just need Y cables and then you can use a line level connection.
You might want to see if REL has a sub in your budget, they are actually designed and prefer a high level (speaker output) connection.
You'll definitely need one that will accept a connection from speaker terminal.
I've never used one but have heard Rhymic subs are good performers at a reasonable price. Martin Logan are real good but not sure of pricing. SVS (SV Sounds) are excellent.
Then you always have the mass market brands like Infinity and the like. For what you want I'd suggest getting at least a 10" woofer or larger.
The sub may provide connecting cables or you will just need some additional speaker wire if I'm understanding your amp correctly.
That's what I was going to suggest. There are many subwoofers on the marketplace that accept speaker level inputs from the amp. I'm sure a quick look at CL will net a few super cheap used examples. If it was me though, I would look at new. Mid-fi subs can often be found new at great prices.
Edits: 11/02/16
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