How to: add a RELt5i to the tundra 2.2 Tarandus via hi-level connection

[Zee9]

As above I want to add one or two subs to the system via the hi-level. I know it’s possible via the rca outs but the subwoofer in question integrates so much better via the high level.

I’m told these subs like others have very high impedance so it shouldn’t be a load problem question is that since it only has a speaker output per channel is it safe to add maybe a splitter and connect it that way.

Regards

Zee

[Zee9]

Any suggestions?

[lejonklou]

REL subs are usually connected with a three-wire cable that goes from left and right speaker out, plus one of the speaker grounds (left or right).

I’ve connected to Tundra that way and it’s worked just fine.

[Zee9]

Correct about the hi-level connection but since there are only one set of speaker outs per channel how do I proceed. Attach the sub wires in the respective bananas that feed the kabers? Am i making sense?

[lejonklou]

Yes, you need to connect the wires to the subwoofer to the banana connectors. Either at the amplifier end or at the speakers end.

[Zee9]

Is it safe to use something like this (photo attached)

[tokenbrit]

According to the manual, the T/5i is meant to come with a connector, and shows ways to connect the sub... It appears the REL supplied "interconnect" can be used to provide the high-level connection - no stacked bananas necessary.

[Zee9]

So are you suggesting to just push the bare wires in the speaker outputs on the tundra and lock them in with the speaker cables that have banana jacks?

[tokenbrit]

So are you suggesting to just push the bare wires in the speaker outputs on the tundra and lock them in with the speaker cables that have banana jacks?

From a brief read, it seemed like you can connect at the speaker end, not necessarily at the amp... wouldn't that allow bare-wire connection to the speaker terminals, without affecting the speaker cabling?

[lejonklou]

The problem is that then the cable needs to be split. But from experience this is likely the best sounding high level connection. It’s a bit mysterious why this way of connecting a subwoofer works so well in practice, but it seems you get a bass signal that is very close to what you hear from your main speakers.

At the amplifier end, it’s probably best to solder them into the bananas. Second best is perhaps to use a banana that will allow the cables to be attached separately, like an end screw thing.

[Fred11]

Hi!
I connect my Rel t5i to at the speaker end ofJern 14 Ds with a Boazu. It works really well, i think.
F

[Zee9]

This maybe a stupid question but can I use the line outs (daisy chain outlets) in my tundra with a Y-splitter (rca as the rel only takes one channel of rca) to send signal to my subwoofer. I’m having a brain freeze and can’t remember if that will still have volume control On the subwoofer.

[ThomasOK]

I don't believe you can use a Y-cable between the outputs of a Tundra stereo unless you want to turn it into a mono amplifier. I expect Fredrik will correct me if I am wrong.

[lejonklou]

You can’t join the left and right channel outputs with a Y-cable without them shorting each other. So that’s a no-go.

However, if the Y-cable has a resistor in the region of 100k ohms on each of the signal conductors, the left and right won’t short and you’d get a mono signal reaching your subwoofer. And it will follow the volume you send to your Tundra.

If there’s a high level input on the subwoofer, I think it’s preferable. You’d then be taking the right and left channels from the speaker outputs, with a resistor from each of the outputs of somewhere in between 1k to 10k, which would join into a mono channel for your subwoofer.

[Zee9]

So apparently these are not stackable and I’m finding it super hard to find good quality stackable banana plugs to manage a high level connection for the subwoofer with the tundra :(

Is it safe to use something like this (photo attached)

[lejonklou]

Any reason why you can’t connect to the speaker terminals?

[Zee9]

Id have to split the speakon cable as the subwoofer is all the way to left to the left speaker.

Any reason why you can’t connect to the speaker terminals?

[Fred11]

Hei!
I have split my cable between two Jern-speakers. Red-cable is really long, så no trouble there. Plays really integrated and musical with my Boazu.
Fredrik

[Zee9]

I’ve ordered these from parts express and they seem to be stackable. I’ll try them
Out when they arrive on the weekend.

The sub at the moment is connected via a single RCA and a y-splitter to the line outs on the tundra but I don’t feel they integrate as well. I also feel the gain has dropped a bit but I maybe imagining things.

[lejonklou]

Zee, as I wrote above: You can NOT connect an Y-cable to the two line outputs of a Tundra stereo.

What happens is that the signals are shorted against each other. Yes, the level drops. And it sounds worse. And you no longer have a stereo signal.

[Zee9]

How did I miss that comment of yours from earlier. I just made sure I disconnected it. I hope I haven’t damaged the amplifier by doing that. I guess i’ll know tomorrow when I hear some music. Fingers crossed.

Zee, as I wrote above: You can NOT connect an Y-cable to the two line outputs of a Tundra stereo.

What happens is that the signals are shorted against each other. Yes, the level drops. And it sounds worse. And you no longer have a stereo signal.

[lejonklou]

Don’t worry, it won’t cause any damage.

Tundra doesn’t care if the inputs are shorted.
The preamp is where the loading down happens, as the outputs are “playing into each other”. But that shouldn’t cause any damage either.

[Zee9]

Just an update. The stackable plugs from parts Express have been working well. It's just important to remember to loosen the screws when disconnecting the cables from the tundra.

So far working perfectly