Russound ADP-1.2 Speaker-level to Line-level Adapter

I have an NAD M2 direct digital Amplifier without sub out. can i use this for my amp or maybe somthing els to get linelevel output for teh subwoofer?

You can absolutely use this to get a line level out for a sub, just note that it will not be crossed-over, so your sub will need it's own crossover.

[ Calvin Aug 04, 2022 ] Staff

[ Babak Aug 03, 2022 ]

I'm using the Russound ADP-1.2 to convert the speaker level output (8 ohm taps) of my stereo tube amp to line level for a powered subwoofer. There is a (fairly quiet) 60Hz hum I can't eliminate. Can I use the drain wire in the shielded speaker wire I'm using (tube amp to Russound) to eliminate the hum? Is so, how? Thanks!

That's right, Babak! This Russound ADP-1.2 Speaker-level to Line-level adapter is always tucked away in my bag of tricks. You can connect this unit to your speaker outs on the M2, and send line level to the subwoofer, also controlling sub volume with your M2's volume knob.

[ T Aug 04, 2022 ] Staff

[ Christopher Jun 26, 2022 ]

Can I use this to connect to my speaker output to a Bluetooth transmitter with RCA inputs, and then connect a bluetooth speaker, if so will it allow me to adjust volume from my reciever?

Greetings Christopher, and thank you for your question. This would be better answered by a technician. If you bought the ADP 1.2 from Crutchfield, there will be a direct tech support phone number on your invoice to call. If you purchased this elsewhere, you can always call Russound tech support at 866-888-7466.

[ Thomas J. Jun 26, 2022 ] Staff

[ Jake Jan 07, 2022 ]

Can I connect speaker wires from this product and speaker wires from passive speakers in series or in parallel to a single speaker output on my stereo receiver?

yes. you should be able to use your receiver for volume control. you may have to play with what level the bt speaker is vs the rcvr for best effect. remember the distortion factor at higher volumes on the bt speaker.

[ IRVIN Jan 11, 2022 ]

Hello crutchfield referred me to this question because I bought the product however I am not a gear specialist.. I used it to run speaker output into a subwoofer with RCA inputs.. So if you need to convert speaker output to line level RCA that's pretty much what it does.. sounds like it might work.. But again I am no expert ..hope this helps

[ JOHN Jan 07, 2022 ]

It should. Remember the rms of the amp output to this device should not be above what this device is rated at.

[ New User Jan 07, 2022 ]

Why not go rca to rca? If you only have speaker wires coming out and you want to switch to rca, then yes this will work

[ BRYAN Jan 07, 2022 ]

[ William Dec 16, 2021 ]

I want to use this to go from receiver to subwoofer. Is there a limit to how many watts the sub can have?

Hi there. I connected stereo speakers with low bass and this product to speakers output of my receiver in parallel. Such setup works perfect with active subwoofer. Good luck.

[ Anatoly Dec 16, 2021 ]

This device removes the amplification from a left and right channel and then sends it out to a left and right channel. I do not think it's meant for connecting multiple speakers.

[ Joseph Dec 16, 2021 ]

Yes this is designed to be connected to an amplifiers terminals where a speaker is usually connected to give you an analog output while allowing speakers to still be connected.

[ Anonymous Dec 16, 2021 ]

[ Kent Dec 15, 2021 ]

Good day, can use this with a AV receiver and cross over?

I'm not sure, but I use it with a subwoofer that has an 800 watts RMS (2500+ watts peak) builtin amp and it works wonderfully. Also, if you google "Russound ADP-1.2 Speaker-level to Line-level Adapter", you'll find the specs for the Russound line-level adapter.

[ Greg Dec 16, 2021 ]

This module handles only signal or line level. So the output could go to a powered subwoofer or an amp driving a subwoofer. So there is NO limit to how many watts that your sub can handle through this device. I used one of these on an install to do exactly that, power a subwoofer from an older receiver that did not have a sub out.

[ Glenn Dec 15, 2021 ]

[ Dwaine Jul 10, 2021 ]

6 answers

Yes this lowers the speaker level to a line level so it will connect to the inputs on my amp

[ HAGAY BEN Jul 11, 2021 ]

It converts speaker outputs to low level line inputs for a power amp

[ Thomas Mansfield Jul 11, 2021 ]

Seems like this would be a great solution. My older receiver didn't have an output for a dedicated sub output jack and this worked great to lower the power level for the sub to be happy.

[ Carl Jul 10, 2021 ]

Hi, this device didn't work well for me. I lost two amplifiers trying to make it work creating a feed for a sub-woofer. Sorry, hope you have better luck. Bill

[ Bill Jul 10, 2021 ]

[ FRED M Jul 10, 2021 ]

When you say crossover I'm not exactly sure what you mean. I am using mine with an AV receiver with a few inches of speaker cable connected the AV receivers front right and left speaker outputs going into the Russound and then RCA cables out of the Russound into a power amp which then powers my front channels. The AVR controls volume of all channels as normal and any bass management filters I apply to the front channels (for example 80 Hz) that all works as normal, too. Hope this helps.

[ Sean Jul 10, 2021 ]

What is the quality loss in the conversion for the 'Russound ADP-1.2'? I already bought the Morel-MPS-HL and I want to compare.

[ Robert Feb 02, 2021 ]

What is the quality loss in the conversion for the 'Russound ADP-1.2'? I already bought the Morel-MPS-HL and I want to compare.

There should be no quality loss; it's just a simple attenuation.

[ Greg Feb 03, 2021 ]

I am using this for a subwoofer connection. In that application, it works extremely well with no notable quality loss. I cannot comment on how it sounds when used for a full-spectrum signal.

[ DANIEL Feb 02, 2021 ]

I used bare wire but pins would certainly work.

[ Thomas Mansfield Feb 02, 2021 ]

I don't detect much quality loss at all to be honest, if any. The thing works great. I think I mentioned a slight bit of noise in my review but I think after my review I traced the noise back to another issue and not the Russound. This unit does a great job and the sound quality is very good, I'm not sure I can even say I notice hardly any loss of quality.

[ Sean Feb 02, 2021 ]

[ Robert Feb 02, 2021 ]

Will cables with pin type plugs fit into the speaker level input side of this adapter? If so, should it be 2mm or 4mm pins? Or does it have to be bare wire?

I didn't experience any degradation in sound quality.

[ Thomas Mansfield Feb 02, 2021 ]

[ Spence Feb 02, 2021 ]

i have Marantz PM5005 integrated amplifier, it has no pre out, can i use this product so that i can add a Power amplifier? if Yes, How? can you at least show picture or video on how to install? Thank you

I used 2 mm pins. You can use bare wire, just don't cut away too much wire insulation as it is a snug fit and you don't want any bare wires touching one another. I highly recommend this item. Well worth the price!

[ Micah Feb 03, 2021 ]

2mm pins may work....Tined bare wire works best.

[ Danny Feb 03, 2021 ]

I have not used the part yet and cannot give you an answer

[ Dennis Feb 02, 2021 ]

Not sure of pin size but let me say that pin size is the same pin size used for normal audio component input plugs.

[ Keith Feb 02, 2021 ]

[ Danny Nov 08, 2020 ]

How much wattage input from the speaker terminals is the max you can use?

Although I understood that this device would do exactly what you want, when I tried I couldn't get it to work and so returned it. The connections I tried were: (1) Connected Russound inputs to speaker output terminals on amp. (The device draws so little current that it it isn't supposed to affect power to speaker coming from same terminals.) ( 2) Connected Russound signal ouput terminals to signal (preamp) inputs on 2nd amplifier. I hope you have better luck than I did.

[ Richard Nov 08, 2020 ]

If you have an available speaker-level line-out, then yes. Connect this widget to your speaker outputs, then connect the amp to the output of this to your amp inputs.

[ jim64 Nov 08, 2020 ]

[ Geoff 777 Sep 14, 2020 ]

I have an Epson projector that plays sound through a small, built-in speaker. As a result, the projector has no audio output ports. Will this device allow me to convert the audio being received by the projector and export it into a speaker system?

Have yet to use the device

[ Dennis Sep 14, 2020 ]

I use this item to connect a vintage Optonica integrated amp to a Hafler DH200 power amp. Works superbly, effectively isolating the preamp section of the IA. Sound is clear, with more volume than I can use. I use this setup for my secondary system but it produces great sound, comparable to many higher-end systems. You won't be disappointed. I highly recommend this product.

[ Micah Sep 14, 2020 ]

[ Mark Aug 24, 2020 ]

I have noticed that after hooking this up, I have to turn the feed amp up almost all the way to get good volume out of the amp this is feeding. I am feeding this off the B side of my receiver. Any thoughts as to why this is?

Yes, you'll need to splice into the wires going to the built in speaker. This will be the input to the adapter. The adapter output will go to the audio amp. You will need to play around with the volume on the Epson to get the out level where you like it. I did this with a new flat screen tv with no analog audio outputs.

[ Christopher Krull Aug 26, 2020 ]

Just use the audio output from your source( example- dvd/bluray) and hook it up to a sound system. Another option is to connect your audio source to directly to a powered speaker.

[ pablo Aug 24, 2020 ]

I suspect audio is being sent to the projector via HDMI, correct? If so and based on your note that the projector does not have an audio out port, this would not work.

[ Jason Aug 24, 2020 ]

[ Justin Jul 22, 2020 ]

Can a AVR speaker out ( amped with a speaker ) be split to continue to run the speaker, and using this, create a secondary line level output that could be hooked to a line level meter ?

2 ideas... #1, a cable or wire is crimp and is barely making connection. #2, the gain on the second amp is lower than the receiver. If the gain on the power amp is below 27db this is very possible.

[ Adrian Aug 03, 2020 ]

[ Bill Nov 13, 2019 ]

what is the frequency response of this device?

I bought an old 1995 Technics rack system, which had no auxiliary RCA signal out. I use this to send a signal out into a modern Pioneer amp so I could run that system in conjunction with the old Technic system just for kicks. The Technic came with a CD player and a dual cassette deck and a graphic equalizer. It worked fine reducing the higher wattage speaker lines into a low impedance RCA out. The Pioneer runs two tower speakers and a powered subwoofer. It's holding up well. I assume because it reduces the higher wattage speaker lines to a lower level out impedance that it wouldn't give a true reading for a line level meter. Not an expert though.

[ Jon Nov 13, 2019 ]

[ casey Aug 07, 2019 ]

Hi, does it work with crown XLS 1502 Class D Amp?

I bought these also because the builder of my home ran speaker wire instead of rca cable but have not tried to use it in 2 years another waste of money

[ Dennis Jul 16, 2020 ]

I don't know the exact frequency response of the device(it's also not on the manufacturer's website) but I was using it for about a year to convert a speaker level input to line level for two Dolby atmos channels. My receiver had line outputs for all channels but only had speaker level outputs for the atmos channels and I was running seperate amps for all channels. It worked with no issues and I was previously powering the two atmos channels with the receiver. I did notice that after running the Yamaha ypao(yamaha's version of a parametric equalizer) after I installed the russound convertor that the corrected frequency response curve did not change at all. So even though the manufacturer doesn't list the frequency response I believe it is flat from 20 hertz to 20,000 hertz, or close enough to flat that most ears could never tell the difference. Also it can handle 250 watts rms per channel. I hope this helps in your quest for great sound!

[ Kyle Aug 08, 2019 ]

[ Sergio Enrique Jul 08, 2019 ]

Can I use this to convert second speaker out on a Fender guitar amp to line level to go into recording interface?

It does works. It's a great product.

[ David Jul 19, 2019 ]

Russound adapter is rated for 250 watts per channel. Your AMP exceeds this rating by 12.5 watts per channel. So, unfortunately no.

[ PATRICK S. Jul 19, 2019 ]

[ Mike May 23, 2019 ]

For my tube integrated amp, should I be connecting this to the same 8ohm speaker output tap as my speakers? Any risk of damaging the amp here?

This Crutchfield Line-Level Adapter is well built and likely to work to give you an independent second speaker output. The Crutchfield product is a basic L-Pad attenuator circuit. I personally feel a T-Pad attenuator circuit is superior to an L-Pad circuit, particularly when your input impedance is different from your output impedance. I wish Crutchfield made an adapter using T-Pad circuitry. The Carver AVR product from the late 1980's employed the T-pad circuit, using three balanced resisters instead of two. Unfortunately, this product has not been available for over 10-15 years. I recently built my own T-Pad attenuator circuit, patterned after the Carver. It works beautifully with undetectable distortion. You can find these basic circuits on-line. I recommend you try out the Cruchfield (low cost) product. Should you not get it to work satisfactory, you can explore the T-Pad option. D. Parcel

[ Donald Jun 11, 2019 ]

Possibly, but the problem I see is the wire entry points are to get their signal from the speaker out terminals of a power amp and the RCA jacks on the device are on to convert to the signal back to line level to go back into a power amp. I'm guessing the jacks on the guitar are meant to go into an amplifier as line level and are already at the line level. I'm using the device to take the speaker wire from the power amp and convert it back to line level to go into a subwoofer that has line level RCA inputs. My main power amp does not have subwoofer outputs. Sounds like you could just put the RCA from the guitar directly into the auxiliary RCA input of your stereo preamp and record directly from the guitar.

[ Thomas O. Jun 07, 2019 ]

I had a home theater in a box receiver/speaker system with a passive subwoofer driven by speaker level outputs from the receiver. I wanted to substitute a powered subwoofer so I bought this device to convert the speaker level output to line level. The device did the job. Since it is a bare circuit board, I mounted it in a plastic box for protection. One footnote, after installing the device, the speaker worked fine but there was some ground loop isolation hum. I purchased a ground loop isolation transformer and that immediately solved the problem. I do not know if this was related to installing the line-level adapter. I cannot state for sure that this adapter will work for your desired application, but given my experience, I think there is a good likelihood that it will work.

[ William Jun 07, 2019 ]

[ freesole Jan 07, 2019 ]

Can I split my speaker signal and drive both a set of speakers, and this, to create a separate line out?

I have not had any problems with it at all. It works great. Steve Z

[ Steve Jan 14, 2019 ]

I've done this with 3 integrated tube amps with no problems.

[ Daniel Jan 14, 2019 ]

That is the intended use for this device. That's how I have mine hooked up and no issues so far it's been a year.

[ Fred Jan 12, 2019 ]

[ Ramulose Oct 20, 2018 ]

I have a stereo receiver that is expecting 8 ohm speakers. Does this match the 8 ohm resistance on the speaker wires to keep my amp from being damaged?

I use this item to run 2 powered subwoofers as my integrated amp has no line out.

[ Daniel Oct 20, 2018 ]

I don't think so. These simulate a preamp out. I am using these for my powered subwoofer. You really need an integrated amplifier to power another set of speakers.

[ Richard Oct 20, 2018 ]

[ Ramulose Oct 20, 2018 ]

5 answers

I have this device connected to 8ohm biamplified studio speakers and it works just fine! It's connected from a home theater receiver's speaker output and out to a pair of studio speakers.

[ Eitan Oct 25, 2018 ]

My application may be a little different but it works great for me. I have 8 ohm speakers that were very poor so I wanted to take the signal going to the 8 ohm speakers and convert to line level to go into my PA head. It works great. No problems.

[ Amelia Oct 25, 2018 ]

That is how I am using it and it's working fine for about a year or so now.

[ Fred Oct 25, 2018 ]

This presents a relatively high impedance on the speaker-level input side. If it were the only thing connected to the amp output it would be like running the amp with no speakers attached. Most amps can handle that. Device works well to run one amp off the speaker-level output of another amp, like when daisy-chaining amps in a whole-house audio setup.

[ Robert Oct 25, 2018 ]

Yes and you can run it with 4 ohm speakers as well. Your running an external amplifier to your reciever

[ Tracy Oct 25, 2018 ]

i have wireless headphones that use headphone output as input to wireless transmitter. My amp mutes speakers when using headphone output. I have audio out but it is really line out so I am looking for something to take line out in and output headphone output. Any suggestioins?

[ Darwin Feb 15, 2018 ]

Can you use a pair of headphones on the line out rca with a 3.5 mm adapter?

Sorry, just re read question. You already have guitar hooked up to amplifier that has speaker level output. In that case the device will convert back to line level RCA that can be plugged into a preamp. That is essentially what I'm doing with my subwoofer that has its own amplifier. Sort of a back an forth between speaker level output and line level back to speaker output through the subwoofer's amplifier section.

[ Thomas O. Jun 07, 2019 ]

If I understand correctly you are looking to change a line output to a headphone output. This is not the product you are looking for. This device changes speaker outputs into line outputs. The Cruchfield advisors should be able to assist you with finding the correct product you are looking for.

[ Carl Mar 13, 2018 ]

[ Kyle1985 Oct 10, 2017 ]

Can you parallel the output to send signal to two separate inputs or amplifiers?

RCA outputs are not designed to drive headphones which are speakers. They are line level output signals intended for devices that receive line level input signals or vice versa.

[ Amelia Oct 25, 2018 ]

That's a rather unusual use case but sure; with a male RCA to female minijack (3.5mm) adapter you can connect a pair of headphones. Ideally, the receiver/amplifier would have it's own headphone output so you wouldn't have to use a line adapter.

[ Ryan Oct 18, 2017 ] Staff

[ Gav-O Aug 08, 2017 ]

If I increase the volume on the source amplifier will the volume increase for the speakers hooked up to the dedicated Amplifier? To be more explicit if I have an AV Reciver and hook up the B channel speakers to this device then run RCA cables from this device to a dedicated stereo amplifier and then hook up speakers to the dedicated amplifier, when I turn up the volume on the AV receiver will the volume of sound coming out the speakers hooked up to the dedicated amp increase?

If you want stereo, it would be best to go into a mixer and then send the signal out via Aux sends to as many inputs as there are Aux's.

[ Amelia Oct 25, 2018 ]

There are two rca outputs

[ JASON Aug 08, 2017 ]

[ Nathan Mar 31, 2017 ]

What is the voltage coming out of the adapter. Will I have to crank the gain up real high on the external amplifier. Would I be better off buying receiver with pre outs?

If the B channel speakers are controlled by the source AV receiver volume control, which you can check directly by plugging in some speakers,then this will work. I'm almost certain that it will work, but it is worth testing.

[ Christopher J Apr 02, 2017 ]

Yep that is how it works. I am going out from my receiver's surround L and R to an Evolved Sonic Transmitter/Receiver and when I kick up the volume on the receiver the volume on the surrounds increases as it should.

[ Chuck818 Apr 01, 2017 ]

yes

[ Craig Apr 01, 2017 ]

[ CHRISTOPHER Jan 11, 2017 ]

Can I use this to connect a center channel speaker line out to a powered speaker with 2 rca inputs?

This unit works just fine outputting a standard line level signal. The gain on the external amp would depend on the source. Since the adapter is putting out the standard line level signal, for the consumer electronics industry, that is 0.316Volts (-10dBv) In the professional audio world that would be 1.23Volts or +4dbu.

[ Alan Copeland Jan 12, 2017 ]

I sound fine. in my experience I had a lot interference noise. I connected my receiver to a vintage amplifier to play my turntable. So I think it depends what you need it for. I ended up buying a AV receiver with preout and phono input.

[ Carlos Jan 12, 2017 ]

[ P Dec 30, 2016 ]

Can I use this to connect my integrated amp ( Marantz PM6006 ) to act as a pre-amp to a power amp ( Marantz MM7025 )? If so, how do I go about it using this product?

Yes you can, and once you set an appropriate level on the powered speaker, the volume controls on the receiver will also affect the centre channel.

[ Richard Dec 31, 2016 ]

The Russound ADP-1.2 is intended to convert an amplifier's speaker level outputs to industry standard "line/pre-amp level". If the output you describe as "center channel speaker line out" is indeed an industry standard "line level output", then no, the ADP-1.2 will not work for that purpose. If, on the other hand, you are actually describing an amplified center channel speaker level output, the ADP-1.2 will get your job done.

[ STEVE Dec 30, 2016 ]

This takes regular speaker outputs and makes it a pre amp out put so you can run it to an active speaker.

[ JASON Dec 30, 2016 ]

[ Faisal Dec 17, 2016 ]

5 answers

If I understand your question, yes. I don't have preamp out terminals on my integrated amp, so I run speaker wire from my front channel speaker connectors to this. Then use RCA cables to run from this to my power amp. Works great!

[ AARON Dec 17, 2016 ]

NO, it will take speaker level output and turn it into line level for mixing or cd/tape deck input.

[ ANTHONY M. Dec 17, 2016 ]

You will connect two chanels that would typically go to speakers directly. The other side of this board is a reduced RCA signal that you will connect to your external amp. Be careful as this board has a max wattage that can be applied to it from the integrated amp. This amp will also control the volume to the second.

[ Dustin Dec 17, 2016 ]

I couldnt get it to work on any of my Marantz amps, tried to use bluetooth, returned item

[ DAVID Dec 17, 2016 ]

Bought this adapter for totally different reason. I have older model only integrated amp with no subwoofer input/output connection. I wanted to hook up Martin Logan sub which had typical sub connection Or ex jacks. The int amp had nether option. So I attempted to use speaker wire from int amp to one end of adapter and ex jacks from sub to other end of adapter,, did not work. My sub sits quiet. Will b buying better and newer Int amp (luxman) and pass currrent amp to my son. If anybody can offer advice on how to use sub currently,, I am all ears

[ James Dec 17, 2016 ]

The amplifier I am using only has one LR speaker wire output. I am wanting to use my subwoofer that only has line levels in. Is it still possible to use this to send signal to my subwoofer and still power my speakers from the single output?

[ Austin Oct 24, 2016 ]

My receiver only has a line-level subwoofer output and my home has in-wall subwoofers (2) with only speaker wires available. Is this device appropriate to go from line-level from the amp to the speaker wires of the subs?

If I understand correctly, you wish to run your speakers and this adapter from a single pair of stereo-speaker outputs, that is, you don't have a speaker A/speaker B/both switch and A/B speaker outlets. I recommend consulting with the manufacturer of your amplifier. This device should not draw a lot of current, so it might work, but it would be a shame to destroy your amplifier.

[ Christopher J Oct 28, 2016 ]

Yes, this will be in parallel with the speakers and send a signal to the sub amp. This has a left and right in and provides a left and right out with RCA. If you only have one in, use a RCA Y to go to the amp or jump the line inputs on the board together (+ to + and - to -).

[ Dustin Oct 24, 2016 ]

[ Dan Feb 24, 2016 ]

5 answers

Wrong Direction - product is an adapter for "speaker-level to line-level"

[ Brad Mar 07, 2016 ]

No I don't think so. This device is for reducing speaker output signal down to line level as to not fry your subwoofers power supply. If you're already at line level output from the receiver then this is unnecessary

[ Alexander Feb 25, 2016 ]

CAN'T help, the produft didn't work for me, returned

[ DAVID Feb 25, 2016 ]

In short, no. This device is used when trying to acquire a line level (pre-amp) signal from a device that only has a high level (speaker;post-amp) output. Your receiver has a line level (pre-amp) output which needs to feed an amplifier which will in turn power (drive) your in-wall subwoofers. Most home audio receivers are designed to be accompanied by a powered sub-woofer. That is why your receiver has a line level output. Depending on what kind of low end response (bass) you want a powered sub-woofer will most likely be the most ecinomical option.

[ Michael Feb 25, 2016 ]

sorry i don't know as i used it to convert speaker wire on my amp to line level inputs on my sub

[ mike Feb 25, 2016 ]

Why is this $40? It only consists of 4 resistors and a few terminals.

[ treyus30 Feb 03, 2016 ]

6 answers

Tried it and did not work in my situation,,, never used it

[ James Feb 05, 2016 ]

I didn't have any of the parts on hand, so I started to order them on line. By the time I got done with the 1/2 W 5% resistors, good-quality connectors, and a box to mount them in plus shipping, it would have cost less than $39.99, but it cost enough that I decided it wasn't worth the time to put it all together myself. If you have the components on hand, by all means make it, but you'll save time and get a very well-build item if you order it here.

[ Christopher J Feb 04, 2016 ]

It is well worth the price. Solved a very hard to find product. Most other similar products I found were only used in auto speakers that would not stand up to whole house speaker systems. They melted down.

[ ROBERT Feb 04, 2016 ]

It was worth it to me because it solved the problem I had of hooking wireless headphones into my home theatre setup. My wife is happy because she can have headphones while the rest of us have surround sound. In my experience a happy wife is well worth $40. Your mileage may differ. Sure it's probably a high-margin product. So buy the parts and build one yourself.

[ Peter Feb 03, 2016 ]

*works great

[ AARON Feb 03, 2016 ]

It does seem a bit steep, but I bought one and it would great, so I'm happy.

[ AARON Feb 03, 2016 ]

Could this be used with an amplified signal from an OEM car audio system?

[ Eric D. Dec 31, 2014 ]