UCD amp and REL sub...

[Regnad]

I could not connect to the high-level input of a REL sub when using a PS Audio ICE-based amp due to the lack of a common ground.

Now that I am using a stereo UCD400 amp, can I connect the two amp "grounds" together and then connect that to the REL black common ground wire?

Thanks a lot for any help...

[cowanrg]

Originally posted by Regnad
I could not connect to the high-level input of a REL sub when using a PS Audio ICE-based amp due to the lack of a common ground.

Now that I am using a stereo UCD400 amp, can I connect the two amp "grounds" together and then connect that to the REL black common ground wire?

Thanks a lot for any help...

you should be able to. why cant you use use the black speaker terminal for this? thats typically how rel's are connected...

[Regnad]

I understand that the HCA-2, ICE and Tripath type amps have DC levels at their output and you cannot tie the "negative" speaker output to ground. This means that you cannot use the standard hi-level cable that REL provides.

[dorkus]

Originally posted by Regnad
I understand that the HCA-2, ICE and Tripath type amps have DC levels at their output and you cannot tie the "negative" speaker output to ground. This means that you cannot use the standard hi-level cable that REL provides.

hm, that would explain why when i hooked up a speaker-to-line-level adapter to an HCA-2 once, it went up in smoke...

[koolkid731]

Originally posted by dorkus


hm, that would explain why when i hooked up a speaker-to-line-level adapter to an HCA-2 once, it went up in smoke...

Tweakers never cease to amaze me. Electricity having virtually no delay - relative to human reflex - I always verify compatibility with a DVM in volts and ohms before I make a connection loop.

I work on a bench everyday and every time I make a shortcut such as not securing the scope probe tip and GND while trying to turn say a knob, damage often occurs that costs sometimes hours to fix. Word to the wise...

[dorkus]

Originally posted by koolkid731
Tweakers never cease to amaze me.

true, but i'd hardly call a standard subwoofer hookup a "tweak." having the negative speaker terminal held at high voltage is not common. i'm not sure if it was stated in the manual or not, but if it was clearly i missed it.

i highly doubt most average consumers even have a DMM.

[Regnad]

Just received this email from Sumiko who distribute REL...

"With the sudden exponential increase of and varying topology or class D amps,we have until further notice stopped recommending anything but low level (RCA) connection. We are in the process of figuring out a universal (or at least semi universal) remedy to the issue. I will keep you email on file and contact you with this once we have it. We apologize for the inconvienience this may have caused you."

So, should I give it a go? I have already checked that there is no potential between the speaker negs and system ground.