Subwoofer connection help - Blu-ray Forum

Dj G · 09-19-2008, 09:21 AM

I just bought my 1st AV receiver today and was happy till i started connecting the speakers up. I connected up the surround speakers then got to my sub and found that my AV uses a Mono type RCA connection, but my sub is a wire connection like the rest of the speakers. Now this is probably a stupid question, but can i get a connector so i can connect my sub to the receiver.

This will only need to be a temporary thing for a month or two till i can afford a proper sub that did not come with a Home Theater System.

HAMP · 09-19-2008, 10:29 AM

It would help other if you gave a little more info on your set-up.

But I believe I can answer your question and the answer is No. With your new receiver you will need a power subwoofer. Your old receiver was supplying the power for your subwoofer you have now.

Dj G · 09-19-2008, 11:48 AM

Basically i have a all in one Panasonic Home Theater kit where you get the DVD player and speakers together. I got a Blu ray player and HD TV a few months ago and thought i would get a receiver to experience the the high Def sound so i got a Pioneer vsx-lx70, thinking i would upgrade my speakers when i get the cash.

I just did not realize that the Pioneer used the RCA type connection as my cheap sub that came with my old system just has the 2 wires....

I hope that helps, sorry still new to the whole "component" system.

If you say i can't get an adapter or something for the sub so i can use it then i guess i am stuck till after X-mass...

Petra_Kalbrain · 09-19-2008, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dj G

If you say i can't get an adapter or something for the sub so i can use it then i guess i am stuck till after X-mass...

After Christmas it is then. You will definitely need to get a sobwoofer that plugs into the wall/powerbar for power.

Big Daddy · 09-19-2008, 12:13 PM

There are two types of subwoofers: Powered (Active) and Unpowered (Passive). Powered subwoofers have a built-in amplifier and require a coaxial cable with RCA connector and they need to be plugged into the wall.

You have a passive subwoofer. It does not have a built-in amplifier and requires an external amplifier to power it. You connect speaker wires from the amplifier to the subwoofer and the subwoofer does not have to be plugged into the wall. In that respect, they are more flexible in where you want to place them. Quality has nothing to do with it. Some very high quality subwoofers are passive and have external amplifiers. I have two very expensive subs that are passive and I use two external amplifiers to drive all my speakers (front, center, surround, & sub).

If your subwoofer has a crossover network (most passive subs do), you may be able to run two additional speaker wires from the front speakers' terminal on the new receiver to the subwoofer. In the receiver's menu, set the front speakers to "Large" and say "No" to subwoofer. On the subwoofer, set the crossover frequency to 80Hz. For additional information, read A Guide to Subwoofers, sticky under Speaker Discussion.

Your other option is to buy an external amplifier for your sub. It will cost you around $100.

Dj G · 09-19-2008, 12:51 PM

Thanks for that Big Daddy i will give that a go, hopefully it will work even if a little till i can save up...

Will also read up on that guide... Thanks for everyones help...

D1-2005 · 09-19-2008, 12:57 PM

not to burst any bubbles here, but a htib sub most likley relies on the recievers crossover, with no external crossover. I would recomend buying a powered sub.

Big Daddy · 09-19-2008, 02:30 PM

Parts Express has a special sale on speakers and subwoofers. I do not know how long this special will last. If money is a problem, the following subwoofers get good ratings and are much better than what you already own.

8", 80 Watt Powered Subwoofer, $89
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=300-631

10", 100 Watt Powered Subwoofer, $105
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=302-636

12", 150 Watt Powered Subwoofer, $149
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=300-635

Complete 5.1 package , including a 10" powered subwoofer, $197
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...Number=300-694

Complete 5.1 package, including a 12" powered subwoofer, $219
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...Number=300-696

Bean79 · 09-19-2008, 02:31 PM

I was in the same boat as you. Just get the Polk RM6750's for now and upgrade those crappy HTIB speakers at the same time.

09-19-2008, 09:21 AM	#1
Dj G Junior Member Member since:May 2008 Location:New Zealand Blu-ray collection:178	Subwoofer connection help I just bought my 1st AV receiver today and was happy till i started connecting the speakers up. I connected up the surround speakers then got to my sub and found that my AV uses a Mono type RCA connection, but my sub is a wire connection like the rest of the speakers. Now this is probably a stupid question, but can i get a connector so i can connect my sub to the receiver. This will only need to be a temporary thing for a month or two till i can afford a proper sub that did not come with a Home Theater System.

09-19-2008, 12:13 PM	#5
Big Daddy Blu-ray Champion Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Southern California Home Theater Gallery:79 Blu-ray collection:122 Trading Score:1	There are two types of subwoofers: Powered (Active) and Unpowered (Passive). Powered subwoofers have a built-in amplifier and require a coaxial cable with RCA connector and they need to be plugged into the wall. You have a passive subwoofer. It does not have a built-in amplifier and requires an external amplifier to power it. You connect speaker wires from the amplifier to the subwoofer and the subwoofer does not have to be plugged into the wall. In that respect, they are more flexible in where you want to place them. Quality has nothing to do with it. Some very high quality subwoofers are passive and have external amplifiers. I have two very expensive subs that are passive and I use two external amplifiers to drive all my speakers (front, center, surround, & sub). If your subwoofer has a crossover network (most passive subs do), you may be able to run two additional speaker wires from the front speakers' terminal on the new receiver to the subwoofer. In the receiver's menu, set the front speakers to "Large" and say "No" to subwoofer. On the subwoofer, set the crossover frequency to 80Hz. For additional information, read A Guide to Subwoofers, sticky under Speaker Discussion. Your other option is to buy an external amplifier for your sub. It will cost you around $100. Last edited by Big Daddy; 09-19-2008 at 12:26 PM.

09-19-2008, 02:30 PM	#8
Big Daddy Blu-ray Champion Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Southern California Home Theater Gallery:79 Blu-ray collection:122 Trading Score:1	Parts Express has a special sale on speakers and subwoofers. I do not know how long this special will last. If money is a problem, the following subwoofers get good ratings and are much better than what you already own. 8", 80 Watt Powered Subwoofer, $89 http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=300-631 10", 100 Watt Powered Subwoofer, $105 http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=302-636 12", 150 Watt Powered Subwoofer, $149 http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=300-635 Complete 5.1 package , including a 10" powered subwoofer, $197 http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...Number=300-694 Complete 5.1 package, including a 12" powered subwoofer, $219 http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...Number=300-696 Last edited by Big Daddy; 09-19-2008 at 02:38 PM.

Similar Threads
thread	Forum	Thread Starter	Replies	Last Post
REL T3 Series Subwoofer and subwoofer advice	Subwoofers	LostinHD	6	01-02-2009 05:02 PM
Subwoofer connection question	Subwoofers	krp1997	8	12-30-2008 04:15 PM
A better connection	Blu-ray Technology and Future Technology	HDMI1080P	11	09-01-2007 03:45 AM
$13.95 Monster Cable S-Video Five Channel Speaker & Subwoofer Connection Kit	Home Theater General Discussion	GreenMotion	0	05-24-2007 04:21 PM

09-19-2008, 10:29 AM	#2
HAMP Banned Top contributor Member since:Oct 2007 Location:Michigan Home Theater Gallery:13 Blu-ray collection:272 Trading Score:1	It would help other if you gave a little more info on your set-up. But I believe I can answer your question and the answer is No. With your new receiver you will need a power subwoofer. Your old receiver was supplying the power for your subwoofer you have now.

09-19-2008, 11:48 AM	#3
Dj G Junior Member Member since:May 2008 Location:New Zealand Blu-ray collection:178	Basically i have a all in one Panasonic Home Theater kit where you get the DVD player and speakers together. I got a Blu ray player and HD TV a few months ago and thought i would get a receiver to experience the the high Def sound so i got a Pioneer vsx-lx70, thinking i would upgrade my speakers when i get the cash. I just did not realize that the Pioneer used the RCA type connection as my cheap sub that came with my old system just has the 2 wires.... I hope that helps, sorry still new to the whole "component" system. If you say i can't get an adapter or something for the sub so i can use it then i guess i am stuck till after X-mass...

09-19-2008, 12:51 PM	#6
Dj G Junior Member Member since:May 2008 Location:New Zealand Blu-ray collection:178	Thanks for that Big Daddy i will give that a go, hopefully it will work even if a little till i can save up... Will also read up on that guide... Thanks for everyones help...

09-19-2008, 12:57 PM	#7
D1-2005 Senior Member Top contributor Member since:Aug 2007 Location:Kansas City Home Theater Gallery:12 4K collection:20 Blu-ray collection:298	not to burst any bubbles here, but a htib sub most likley relies on the recievers crossover, with no external crossover. I would recomend buying a powered sub.

09-19-2008, 02:31 PM	#9
Bean79 Member Member since:Aug 2008 Location:Orlando, FL Blu-ray collection:23	I was in the same boat as you. Just get the Polk RM6750's for now and upgrade those crappy HTIB speakers at the same time.

Best Blu-ray Movie Deals