How to fit a subwoofer in to my current setup.
Hi,
I currently have a NAD 3020i powering Tannoy Mercury M3's. But there is not enough low end in this configuration. So how do I hook up a subwoofer do I take it from the pre amp and hook it up to its own amp? Or is there a more proper way?
To elaborate on basite's post.
fortunately for you, most NAD integrateds allow you to (functionally) separate the preamp from the power amp.
If it's just a couple of jumpers on the back, it's really easy. Check there for these.
What you now need is a pair of "Y" connectors with two male RCA plugs and one female RCA jack.
Remove those jumpers and replace them with those "Y" connectors. You should have the two female jacks hanging out doing nothing.
Now, this very important... When buying a powered subwoofer, make sure it's got two line level inputs, one for the right channel and one for the left channel. It it;s only got one line level input, forget it. You can't use it with your setup without more expensive gear.
Now, simply get a stereo interconnect and connect it from those dangling female jacks to the line level inputs on the subwoofer. You'll now be feeding the full range signal to both your main speakers and your subwoofer. Adjust the subwoofer's crossover and level control so the sub's contribution starts right where your main speaker's start to drop off. It may take a few attempts over a few days to get it right, but it's not hard and doesn't cost anything.
An possible alternative: Some subs also offer line level outputs. These will return the signal' without the lows, to your power amp. For this you don't need those "Y" connectors but you will need two stereo interconnects, one to the sub and one from the sub back to the power amp. You may prefer this but, at least in most subs I've seen, the return frequency is not adjustable and wastes too much of the main speaker's capabilities. Personally, I prefer the first method but this world is full of choices.