Hi, new to forum, any help or pointers appreciated!

My new head-unit has 2 pair RCAs for front and rear connections, but only a single RCA for the sub-out. My existing wires to sub-amp are 2 wires (left/right) and my amp info says it needs both channels to work. The amp is a 2 channel (logical I guess), bridged to a single sub.

I am assuming that the head unit is combining both channels to the single RCA out? I have very little detailed information on this head-unit. Would it hurt anything if I tried the single sub-out to a y adapter then use existing cable set-up to amp?

 

yes you can. your subs will sitll be mono tho. you could use your rear channel if you wanted stereo.

 

I have only single sub, so what would be the benefit of a stereo hook-up?

Sorry this might be a newb thing (that I don't understand), or another question, what happens when both channels are combined? if your listening to double-bass or some other low signal, which is varying from right to left, do you lose some of the definition when combined to mono?

 

Just plug your single output into the white input of your amp, it will work with just one input in bridged mode.

 

thanks, I will give it a try!

here is info from the manual:
The BA amplifiers are capable of being bridged in a mono configuration. This feature allows you the flexibility of using the amplifier to drive a ** subwoofer or a center channel. In this configuration the amplifier sums the right and left channel to deliver one channel (mono) output.
Please note: in order for the amplifier to sum right and left signal information, both right and left RCA connections must be made.

I notice it doesn't say it won't work on only one channel, just that you won't get a right/left sum. So back to the install!

 

As other people have stated, you absolutely may use a Y-adapter with no problems. An increasing number of new headunits, particularly video units are shipping with a single sub pre.