Y-cable / Y-splitter
A Y-cable (also called Y-splitter) has one input and two outputs (or vice versa). Common use: split a single output to feed two amps, or combine stereo RCA to a mono subwoofer input. Simple but has trade-offs on impedance matching.
A Y-cable or Y-splitter is exactly what it sounds like – an audio cable that’s Y-shaped, with one end going to two ends (or vice versa).
Common configurations
- 1x RCA male to 2x RCA female – split one source to two destinations
- 2x RCA male to 1x RCA female – combine stereo L+R to mono (often used for feeding a subwoofer LFE input)
- 3.5mm TRS to 2x RCA – phone audio to hi-fi amp RCA input
Impedance caveat
Splitting one output to two amps can halve the effective load impedance the source sees, causing distortion or reduced output. For proper multi-amp use, buy a preamp with multiple parallel outputs (buffered).
Common hi-fi use
Feed subwoofer from full-range aux out of AIYIMA A80 via Y-cable that combines L+R to a single mono sub input.
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