Onkyo 606 & Non Powered Sub Connect?

[SeanToro]

Hi there!

I just bought the Onkyo 606 to replace the "home theatre in a box" dvd receiver that came with my Samsung Home Theatre in a box. I will be replacing the speakers at some point too, but thought I'd start with the receiver.

My question is this, I just realized that my sub is not a powered sub, it uses speaker wire to plugin. I don't believe the Onkyo would support this? Could I plug it into one of the channels that I'm not using? I only have 5.1, so they'll be 2 extra channels, or will I just have to buy a powered sub?

Any suggestions would be great! This is my first post, but have been reading the forum for a while, great people in here!

thanks,
Sean

[CRMA]

Originally Posted by SeanToro

Hi there!

I just bought the Onkyo 606 to replace the "home theatre in a box" dvd receiver that came with my Samsung Home Theatre in a box. I will be replacing the speakers at some point too, but thought I'd start with the receiver.

My question is this, I just realized that my sub is not a powered sub, it uses speaker wire to plugin. I don't believe the Onkyo would support this? Could I plug it into one of the channels that I'm not using? I only have 5.1, so they'll be 2 extra channels, or will I just have to buy a powered sub?

Any suggestions would be great! This is my first post, but have been reading the forum for a while, great people in here!

thanks,
Sean

Hey Man,
Welcome. Your new Onkyo is not going to power your sub like a htib would. Subs will normally require rca plug ins that go into the back of the receiver. If you have the funds buy a powered sub. It will sound better and it will work with your Onkyo.
http://cgi.ebay.com/PSW10-black-Home...3A1%7C294%3A50
Here is a link to Polk Direct on Ebay. You will find some great deals on some equipment for your theater. I have used them a few times, they rock and very cost effective.

[aramis109]

Upgrading should be something you'll want to do soon.

Assuming that the speakers are 6 or 8 ohm, you can use the sub. You'd run the fronts from the receiver to the sub. The sub would then output to the front speakers. It will handle the crossover itself so you'd set it at "full band".

[SeanToro]

Originally Posted by aramis109

Upgrading should be something you'll want to do soon.

Assuming that the speakers are 6 or 8 ohm, you can use the sub. You'd run the fronts from the receiver to the sub. The sub would then output to the front speakers. It will handle the crossover itself so you'd set it at "full band".

Not really getting this.. The sub only has speaker wire outs, no other controls are on the sub. If I'm missing something let me know!

[kruser79]

Uh oh, I believe some of us here were thinking that your non-powered sub would at least have a crossover network in it. If it is dependant on the proper freqs coming from a speaker-level output, then you're stuck and it won't work. I have a 606 sitting here still in the box, but I'm sure it doesn't have any built in crossover to cut the high freqs from your sub.
The quickest, easiest, and probably most cost effective answer is going to be to get a powered sub....

[Samsang]

Not so fast...

The 606 sub output is indeed line level -- you'll need an amplifier after the 606 to drive the sub. But this isn't a big problem. If you have an old audio amp or receiver, just use that. Perhaps your old HTIB receiver has an audio input; if so you can use IT. I use a 15 year old JVC FM receiver to drive my subs.

Be resourceful. Pick up an old amp off of Craig's List for cheap. I did that for my speakers (all vintage). You can see my set-up HERE (posts 107 & 109)

[kruser79]

Originally Posted by Samsang

Not so fast...

The 606 sub output is indeed line level -- you'll need an amplifier after the 606 to drive the sub. But this isn't a big problem. If you have an old audio amp or receiver, just use that. Perhaps your old HTIB receiver has an audio input; if so you can use IT. I use a 15 year old JVC FM receiver to drive my subs.

Be resourceful. Pick up an old amp off of Craig's List for cheap. I did that for my speakers (all vintage). You can see my set-up HERE (posts 107 & 109)

Yeah, that would definitely work. I guess it's been awhile since I had to use my components in ways other than how the manufacturer intended, lol (like using my old KVR-970B for a power amp for my Basic C2 while waiting for my Basic M2A to arrive, lol).

Good call!

[CRMA]

Originally Posted by kruser79

Yeah, that would definitely work. I guess it's been awhile since I had to use my components in ways other than how the manufacturer intended, lol (like using my old KVR-970B for a power amp for my Basic C2 while waiting for my Basic M2A to arrive, lol).

Good call!

I would personally think that is tacky. I would invest in a decent entry level sub and begin to build a nice theater. The equipment you have now seems nice by your list. Start getting some nice speakers to add on. I think a 15 year old amp would take away from your setup. I will get off my soap box now.

[kruser79]

Originally Posted by CRMA

I would personally think that is tacky. I would invest in a decent entry level sub and begin to build a nice theater. The equipment you have now seems nice by your list. Start getting some nice speakers to add on. I think a 15 year old amp would take away from your setup. I will get off my soap box now.

Maybe tacky if it were meant to remain permanent. But trying it with the existing HTIB receiver would get him his LF while he shops for a new powered sub, yes?

[CRMA]

Originally Posted by kruser79

Maybe tacky if it were meant to remain permanent. But trying it with the existing HTIB receiver would get him his LF while he shops for a new powered sub, yes?

For cost effectiveness it doesnt seem like a good plan. Why buy a 50 receiver when you can spend 50-100 on a decent entry level sub?

[Samsang]

Fifty bucks for a used receiver/amplifier!!?? Feh, I was thinking more like $10. Besides, utilizing the old HT receiver costs nothing more. Vintage components aren't tacky. The key word is cheesy, and the judicious use of fine aged cheese can be the pinnacle of good taste!

[SeanToro]

Thanks guys for all your suggestions!! I think I am just going to buy a small sub for now, Visions has one down from 179 to 88 bucks. I'll pick up that today!

http://www2.visions.ca/catalogue/category/Details.aspx?categoryId=162&productId=79&menuId=36 8&parentId1=155&parentId2=''&parentId3=''&menuLeve l=2

[Kevinbsiemens]

dont forget the sub cable

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_e_...fix=subwoofer+

[Samsang]

Originally Posted by SeanToro

Thanks guys for all your suggestions!! I think I am just going to buy a small sub for now, Visions has one down from 179 to 88 bucks. I'll pick up that today!

Good show! That looks like a great deal!

Regardless of the seeming arguments over competing ideas, I believe everyone's goal is to help one another achieve great sound within their budgets. I see the broad spectrum of ideas and strategies as a good thing.

It appears you're on the right track. Enjoy the new system!

[CRMA]

good choice, looks like a good deal too!! let us know how it sounds!!

[SeanToro]

Well of course the sub was sold out! I guess because it was the last day of the sale, so I'll have to check tomorrow and see if anything else goes on sale! I'll keep you updated...

[Jbald87]

If you want a powered sub cheap I have a Polk 10 inch monitor series for 50 + shipping if you want. Just send me a PM.

[SeanToro]

Originally Posted by Jbald87

If you want a powered sub cheap I have a Polk 10 inch monitor series for 50 + shipping if you want. Just send me a PM.

Thanks for the offer, but shipping from the USA to Canada would be brutal!

Looks like I am picking this up tomorrow, the Energy AS-90 for $180 bucks! Should do me well I'm sure.

http://edmonton.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-...AdIdZ107559197