There is no "best" way to connect your sub. It really depends on what you want and the type of speakers you are using. If you have a large full range speakers, then you can connect it via the AV LFE out, set your speaker to Large, & turning off the cross-over would be good because this will allow the signal to bypass the crossover. However that would leave your sub to produce everything from the LFE channel. But some prefer to use the crossover to set the crossover at a lower frequency which is just slightly above the lowest frequency that the main speakers can produce. This setting will have the sub produce those low freq that the main speakers cannot produce.
However if you want more bass from your system, you might want to set the crossover at a higher level to produce the bass that your main speaker already can produce.
If you have small speaker like satelites or bookshelf, then you will be required to play around the crossover to make the woofer blend int your speakers.
One thing that caught my attention about the REL subwoofers is the very unique set-up. In fact REL call it the Sub Bass system instead of subwoofers. Unlike most sub, you either connect with the LFE or you could connect via the High Level output(direct from AV speakers output). The REL that I tested 2 days ago requires a very different setup. REL recommended connecting with both the LFE input and the High Level input(it even include Nuetrik Speakon connector and cables for this). In fact it has a volume control for both the LFE input andthe High Level input.
Here are qome quotes from REL:
"RELs are not traditional subwoofers, but true sub-bass systems. A REL is designed to augment the performance of “full range” speaker systems, to provide linear response down to below 12 Hz (Studio III, -6 dB down at 9 Hz). Therefore, for the moment, set aside everything you’ve been taught about subwoofers and how they are integrated into a stereo or theater system. RELs set-up and position differently than other subwoofers. A REL will take advantage of physics and room acoustics to provide deep pressurization as no other sub-woofer can. It’s important that you bring to the set-up process a willingness to do things a little differently in order to obtain these superior results. The end result of your labors will be an utterly seamless integration of true deep bass to a sound system, regardless of the main speaker’s low bass capability."
Connection:
"It is helpful to know that you will almost always connect the REL to the input on the rear panel labeled “Hi Level.” This connection is made using the supplied 34’ 10” (10 meters) cable, the bare leads of which connect to the speaker output terminals of the power amplifier. The easy and foolproof connection at the REL is done with a Neutrik Speakon connector. The purpose of connecting to the speaker output terminals is one of the unique secrets of REL’s success.
By connecting to the high level input on the REL from the amplifier, you build forward the sonic signature of your main system, including the tonal balance and timing cues of the entire electronics chain. In this way, the REL is fed the exact signal that is fed to the main speakers."
Theater and Film Applications:
For Dolby Digital AC-3® or other 5.1 theater systems, once the standard set-up for two-channel outlined above is complete, the LFE output from the processor or receiver should be connected to the low-level input and appropriate gain adjustments made. It may be necessary to take the crossover out of the low-level input using the “mode” switch if extra upper bass output is called for. Keep phase consistent with what was selected during high-level set-up by simply choosing the corresponding setting (1 = 2, 3 = 4). For this configuration, you must set the processor to the “large” or “full range” setting for the left and right speakers in order for the REL to receive the bass signal via the high-level cable.
In this configuration, the REL provides support for both the left and right speakers for two-channel listening, and support for the LFE when movies are playing. Most processors will allow you to defeat the subwoofer output when listening in the two-channel mode. The effect of this set-up is one of greatly increased dynamics in the mid-bass range; no bass bloat; and a greater degree of space and timing from the Foley effects. For an even greater sense of space and impact, a second woofer connected in parallel to the center channel will prove to be a dramatic improvement as well. And if that is not enough fun, a rear sub, both to support the rear channel speakers as well as to evenly distribute LFE through the room, truly completes the full-range sonic picture for state-of-the-art film reproduction.
To read more about REL unique sub bass system you can go to REL website @
REL
May 21 2009, 11:06 AM, updated 17y ago
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Pardon him a bit 
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