There are several ways to connect a subwoofer. The best method is to connect a subwoofer via the speaker level inputs according to Rel. I trust Rel implicitly and based on results with my own subs, I agree pretty vehemently. This will work perfectly with any Marantz integrated.

That is, use the B set of speaker connects and run speaker wire to the subwoofer and connect via the speaker level inputs. The draw from the amp is so nominal it will have no impact on output. On many subwoofers, this is the only way the internal crossover on the back of the sub actually works. Certainly on the four I own.

The key is you just need to select a subwoofer that has speaker level inputs which feels like most of them.

Assuming the Pioneers have 2 sets of speaker posts it will work with them. If they have only one set you need to do a check with Pioneer to ensure it is safe to connect 2 sets of speaker wire to the binding post in back. The Amp needs to be "internally common grounded." If it is, it is perfectly safe to attach two sets of speaker wire to send a signal to the sub. I have a sub connected to my Rega Brio R using this exact method.

aren't RELs supposed to be "different"? :-)

most sub vendors seem pretty indifferent about whether one should use speaker or RCA connectors.

i barely have mine turned on, and what i do is connect the extra RCA preamp outputs on the Benchmark DAC2 to the sub (Velodyne Minivee). The main XLR head to the power amp. since one has to fiddle with the volume, and sometimes phase, when setting up the sub, it is hard for me to imagine the connection to the subwoofer is all that important.

the *setup* of the woofer when it comes to position, etc... *that* is the key :-)

Depending on the sub, the crossover may only work with the speaker level inputs. That is definitely the case with my Polk and Mirage subs and if I recall, that is not atypical with other manufacturers. If you do not have a crossover on your integrated, just a subwoofer out then it could have a very tangible impact on your sound.

I acknowledge that is not what I meant above or what your associated objection is. Is Rel that different? They are proud of there speaker level inputs and believe there products sound better via that method. Sunfires provides guidance for using the RCA level inputs first, but explicitly says that you can run into issues with the line level inputs causing a hum and to eliminate that to switch to speaker level.

Additionally, if you are using RCA cables to run from your integrated and it is a long cable run, you could run Into an issue. With XLR cables, I can't imagine there would be any benefit beyond the crossover.

I have to admit, I have never done an A/B test with any of my subs. The crossover makes an enormous difference with my Mirage and my Polk as it limits the overlap production from my speakers and the sub. I have never done any experimentation with either my Sunfire HRS or my Sunfire Tru. The HRS is attached to a Mrantz Pre/Pro via an unbalanced cable with an electronic crossover from the Marantz. The Tru is attached to a Rega Brio R and has only been attached via speaker level inputs. During the holidays, if I have free time I might run a test.

In the end, I agree that the setup is 10,000x more important, but it would be interesting if it could have a small impact.

marc_devil_04@yahoo.com wrote:

Hi I was wondering if it is possible to connect a subwoofer when using a any of the Marantz or Pioneer stereo integrated amplifiers?

Connect the speaker-level inputs of the sub to the terminals of the speakers using #16 or #18 speaker wire (the current is very small so the wire size is unimportant).

This insures that the exact same signal that goes to the speakers also goes to the sub.

Start with your sub crossover control at 60 Hz and adjust up or down for the best blend of main speakers and subwoofer.