SVS SoundPath Speaker Level

The SVS SoundPath Speaker Level is an innovative audio adapter designed to solve connection issues between a subwoofer and an older amplifier or stereo receiver without a dedicated output. This ingenious accessory converts speaker outputs into RCA line outputs, opening up new possibilities for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts.

An Elegant Solution for Vintage Audio Systems

The SoundPath Speaker Level is primarily aimed at owners of vintage integrated amplifiers and stereo receivers who want to add a subwoofer to their setup without compromising audio quality. This compact adapter (37 mm x 99 mm x 103 mm) discreetly integrates into your system, acting as a bridge between your existing equipment and modern audio technologies.

The adapter is equipped with gold-plated 5-way binding posts on the input side, accommodating a variety of connections (bare wires, banana plugs, spade lugs), and gold-plated stereo RCA jacks on the output side. This versatility ensures maximum compatibility with most audio equipment, whether old or new.

Audio Performance

The build quality of the SoundPath Speaker Level meets the demands of the most discerning audiophiles. SVS has used high-quality components, including tight-tolerance resistors and wide-trace printed circuit boards, to ensure optimal current and power handling.

The adapter offers a remarkably flat frequency response from 10 Hz to 80 kHz (±0.01 dB), covering the entire audible spectrum and beyond. With a total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N) of less than 0.03% at 10V, the SoundPath Speaker Level preserves the integrity of the audio signal, ensuring faithful and transparent sound reproduction.

Its power handling capacity of 500W RMS (1000W peak) allows the adapter to be used with a wide range of amplifiers, from modest models to the most powerful ones.

Simple Installation and Passive Operation

One of the major advantages of the SoundPath Speaker Level is its ease of use. It is a fully passive device, requiring no external power supply. Installation takes just a few minutes: simply connect it between the speaker outputs of your amplifier and the line inputs of your subwoofer.

The adapter applies a -30 dBV attenuation to the signal, bringing it to a line level suitable for the subwoofer input, without drawing power from the amplifier. This feature ensures a safe connection and preserves the performance of your audio system.

Advantages and Limitations

The main advantages of the SoundPath Speaker Level lie in its ability to expand the connectivity options of vintage audio systems, its superior build quality, and its exceptional audio performance. It offers an elegant and effective solution for audiophiles looking to modernize their setup without replacing cherished equipment.

However, it is important to note that this adapter does not replace the need to properly adjust the low-pass filter and other subwoofer settings. Users will still need to manually fine-tune these settings to achieve optimal integration of the subwoofer into their system.

Additionally, for owners of modern audio equipment that already includes dedicated subwoofer outputs, the usefulness of this adapter may be limited. It is primarily designed to address a gap in older or specific systems.

Technical Specifications

Connectivity

• High-level speaker inputs: 5-way gold-plated stereo binding posts
• Line-level outputs: gold-plated stereo RCA jacks

Electrical Specifications

• Speaker-level input impedance: 4.85 kΩ
• Line-level output impedance: 150 Ω
• Voltage attenuation: -30 dBV

Audio Performance

• Power handling: 500 W RMS / 1000 W peak
• Frequency response: 10 Hz – 80 kHz (+/- 0.01 dB)
• THD+N at 10 V: < 0.03% (10 Hz – 80 kHz)

Physical Specifications

• Dimensions: 37 mm (H) × 99 mm (W) × 103 mm (D)
• Weight: 0.28 kg