My new Paradigm PW-2100 has two (right & left) LFE inputs. I am currently only running the one mono sub cable into one of these two inputs. Is there anything to be gained by running a second cable or by splitting the line with a Y-connector and using both jacks?

My guess is that the answer is "no." I already have to turn it down to less than 50% volume to get it to match the remainder of the system.

i bought a splitter last year because someone told me that it will improve bass response. but im not sure if he was telling the truth :o

Yes. From what I know, a 3db gain in output if you use a y-splitter and feed both the L&R inputs.

My new Paradigm PW-2100 has two (right & left) LFE inputs. I am currently only running the one mono sub cable into one of these two inputs. Is there anything to be gained by running a second cable or by splitting the line with a Y-connector and using both jacks?

My guess is that the answer is "no." I already have to turn it down to less than 50% volume to get it to match the remainder of the system.
Your guess is correct. Your sub will sum the two inputs and send a 3 dB higher level signal to the sub amp. You could do *exactly* the same thing by turning up the output level of your reciever by 3 dB. If you already have adequate input signal, you won't do yourself any good by adding a Y-splitter.

Craig

Your guess is correct. Your sub will sum the two inputs and send a 3 dB higher level signal to the sub amp. You could do *exactly* the same thing by turning up the output level of your reciever by 3 dB. If you already have adequate input signal, you won't do yourself any good by adding a Y-splitter.

Craig

Thanks Craig. That's what I expected. I only need about 50% power on m PW-2100 to match the rest of the system, otherwise music sounds awful.

:cool:

Your sub will sum the two inputs and send a 3 dB higher level signal to the sub amp.

No, it won't. This is a common myth....you're simply reducing the series resistance in the summing node, by shorting the two inputs together with the "y" adaptor.

I notice a GAIN in output with my splitter.

Does it help....not really

Basically it just allows me to run my subwoofer at 72db with a reduced gain.....otherwise to get 72db I'd have to turn up the gain a little more....

Regardless of whether or not it gives a 3db signal increase or just reduces resistance it's main benefit is for finicky "auto-on" features in the sub amp. At lower volumes these auto-on features can be hit or miss, but using a Y-adaptor increases the likely hood that the auto-on feature will work at low volumes. This has been my experience anyway. I've never measured to see if there is an increase in db using a single or a Y. My last sub was a PITA to get Auto on to work until i installed a Y-adaptor in it, so i just used the same cable and Y on my new one. I'm sure increasing the sub output level in the receiver would help cure the auto-on feature as well using a connection without the Y-adaptor.

I would check the manual on the Paradigm sub for the behavior. I owned two subs (Energy S-10 and a Mirage BPS-400) that behave quite differently when both the L & R input jacks are used. If I recall, on the Energy, only the left is used if you are using an external X-over ie from an AVR and the subs internal xover will be bypassed. If using both the L & R inputs the subs internal Xover is engaged. I can't recall the scenario on the Mirage as it has L,R and Xover inputs. But I do recall different behaviors documented in the manual if only the L or L & R were used.

Follow Up:
I decided to call Paradigm and they confirmed what you guys have already said.

I might gain a few dB by using both inputs, but it's not necessary since I only require 50% volume.

They advised me to use the Right input if only using one.

thanks guys.