Currently I have my Powered Edifier Bookshelf speakers connected to the line out of the E10 via 3.5mm to RCA.  What would be the best way to add a powered subwoofer to this setup? The speakers don't have a sub out to connect a sub to it directly.  I was thinking a headphone splitter from the E10 line out would do the trick? So one line out 3.5mm -> RCA to speakers and the other line out 3.5mm -> RCA to subwoofer.  Both are powered units.  I don't want to buy additional equipment like a receiver so would this be the best way without compromising audio quality?

There are several sub-woofers and can be connected between the source (E10) and the studio monitors (Edifer)
Here is a Monoprice Sub-woofer for $220.
http://www.monoprice.com/product?c_id=115&cp_id=11504&cs_id=1150401&p_id=605999&seq=1&format=2
 
What model Edifers do you have?

I have the Edifier r1280t speakers.  That sub is a bit out of my budget. I was thinking something like the Polk PSW10 subwoofer which is half the price.  This sub only has speaker wire outputs and the speakers have RCA inputs.  I would need to get an odd connection adapter for speaker wire to RCA then?  Or would the headphone splitter be the best route?

ztreb185 said:

  I have the Edifier r1280t speakers.  That sub is a bit out of my budget. I was thinking something like the Polk PSW10 subwoofer which is half the price.  This sub only has speaker wire outputs and the speakers have RCA inputs.  I would need to get an odd connection adapter for speaker wire to RCA then?  Or would the headphone splitter be the best route?

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I know this thread is old, but I wanted to ask if you did manage to connect the 1280T's to the sub you mentioned? I'm looking to do the EXACT same thing and wanted to know if you got it to work.

ztreb185 said:

  This sub only has speaker wire outputs and the speakers have RCA inputs.  I would need to get an odd connection adapter for speaker wire to RCA then? 

Click to expand...

 

While not ideal, would connecting it to the headphone out work for some volume control?

protegemaniac said:

 

What is certain though is that you will not have a single volume control. The E10 AFAIK only has a line output, not a preamp output, and thus is doesn't control the line output volume. Everytime you adjust the volume of the active mains, you have to reach down and adjust the sub's.

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I have the E10K (basically same thing as E10) and I just tried switching my cheap 2.1, 3.5 jack from the line out to the headphone out and that can control the volume.
 
So I'm thinking in the E10's case, anything connected to the headphone out will be able to adjust the volume solely from the E10.

jefafa77 said:

While not ideal, would connecting it to the headphone out work for some volume control?

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In basic terms, kind of. Except a true preamp circuit doesn't go through an amplifier output stage.
 
 

jefafa77 said:

  I have the E10K (basically same thing as E10) and I just tried switching my cheap 2.1, 3.5 jack from the line out to the headphone out and that can control the volume.
 
So I'm thinking in the E10's case, anything connected to the headphone out will be able to adjust the volume solely from the E10.

Click to expand...

 
If you can't detect any noise and distortion at your preferred listening levels (not that a true preamp would eliminate those if you listen at very loud levels) and would rather not spend at all, then just use this set-up.