Basic Subwoofer Connection Question - Page 2

Then, based on your above, for your choice in Polk, it don't matter and the point is moot.

Also a boost in the source signal will result in the sub being louder. But splitting the source signal in half, then hooking up each half, doesn't result in the source signal being twice as powerful which would result in the sub being louder.

Assuming the Klipsch sub isn't a dual voice coil (having 2 sets of + and - terminals, one for each channel), then the amp can only send 1 signal (+ and -) to the speaker. If you have signal coming in via both L and R inputs, if it bridges these internally and sends to the single + and - terminals on the speaker, then I might see how this could possibly make the speaker slightly louder.

I'll have to try it out on my RW-12D to see if I notice any difference. When I first read someone post that you could make it louder by just adding a Y splitter to a single LFE cable I thought it was BS and wasn't possible. But reading more about it, now I'm not so sure.

The maximum output of a speaker is determined by how far the cone can move. If your amp input sums the L/R to double the voltage that's going into the power amp it still can't put out any more voltage than the driver excursion can make use of. If it did all you'd get for your effort is high distortion and eventually a blown driver.

Exactly: Which is why driver size makes no difference.

Oh. Wait. Driver size does make a difference. So it turns out that the maximum output is determined by size and how far it can move.
... and is frequency dependent.

Ok. So the maximum output is determined by driver size, how far it can move, and the frequency being output.
... and the effect of the baffle

OK. size, movement, frequency, baffle.. That's definitely it.
... and how well it couples to the air (see ported, transmission lines, and tubes)

That's so many other factors: I'm gonna have to say that Bill was talking out his butt. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong here Bill.

Can I?

Of course he was talking about how loud a given sub can play... i.e. if you sum the inputs you still can't get it to get past xmax to play louder overall.

A reasonable enough counter-point :P