Subwoofer cable/connection advice - 12/14/14 05:24 PM
The low-level RCA input and output connectors on my EP500 amplifier have come loose and the input connector is no longer working (unless I apply constant pressure to it to make a connection). So I'm trying to determine the best way to address this issue so that I can continue to use my sub. I have three options and was wondering what the forum members thought would be the best option, keeping cost in mind.
1. Purchase a new EP500 amplifier from Axiom and continue to use the RCA input from my receiver with the new amplifier. I have ~$130 in referral credits at Axiom - can I use this credit for a subwoofer amp or does it need to be used on a new product? I originally purchased the EP500 V2 but I had to swap out the amplifier under warranty for a bad volume gain so I'm not sure if I have a V2 or V3 amplifier. How much would a new EP500 amplifier cost? Would a V4 amplifier be compatible with my V2 enclosure/driver?
2. Purchase a 10-15 foot RCA-to-XLR cable and connect the RCA subwoofer out from my receiver to the XLR input on the sub amp. I suspect this might work but I'm not certain if there would be any line level impedance/voltage differences that would cause an issue. And I'm not certain if I need to convert the unbalanced RCA output to a balanced XLR input and this cable is simply an unbalanced RCA-to-XLR connection. This option should be the cheapest as I'm just buying a cable (maybe $10-40).
3. Purchase something like the ART CleanBox Pro RCA-to-XLR unbalanced-to-balanced converter. I already have a long 15 ft XLR cable that I used with my previous receiver that had XLR sub outputs. This seems like it would work and would likely cost between $70-100 depending on where I can find it in Canada. My only concern is whether or not adding an active converter would mess with the frequency response between 18-80 Hz. I do use Audyssey Room Correction (MultiEQ XT32) in my receiver which could compensate for some of the frequency attenuation (if it occurs).
Anyways - just wondering what some of the forum members think of these options. I'm planning on calling Axiom customer service tomorrow to get some advice as well.
Thanks in advance!
Bryan
1. Purchase a new EP500 amplifier from Axiom and continue to use the RCA input from my receiver with the new amplifier. I have ~$130 in referral credits at Axiom - can I use this credit for a subwoofer amp or does it need to be used on a new product? I originally purchased the EP500 V2 but I had to swap out the amplifier under warranty for a bad volume gain so I'm not sure if I have a V2 or V3 amplifier. How much would a new EP500 amplifier cost? Would a V4 amplifier be compatible with my V2 enclosure/driver?
2. Purchase a 10-15 foot RCA-to-XLR cable and connect the RCA subwoofer out from my receiver to the XLR input on the sub amp. I suspect this might work but I'm not certain if there would be any line level impedance/voltage differences that would cause an issue. And I'm not certain if I need to convert the unbalanced RCA output to a balanced XLR input and this cable is simply an unbalanced RCA-to-XLR connection. This option should be the cheapest as I'm just buying a cable (maybe $10-40).
3. Purchase something like the ART CleanBox Pro RCA-to-XLR unbalanced-to-balanced converter. I already have a long 15 ft XLR cable that I used with my previous receiver that had XLR sub outputs. This seems like it would work and would likely cost between $70-100 depending on where I can find it in Canada. My only concern is whether or not adding an active converter would mess with the frequency response between 18-80 Hz. I do use Audyssey Room Correction (MultiEQ XT32) in my receiver which could compensate for some of the frequency attenuation (if it occurs).
Anyways - just wondering what some of the forum members think of these options. I'm planning on calling Axiom customer service tomorrow to get some advice as well.
Thanks in advance!
Bryan