Okay here is my problem. I am a wannabe audiophile, but i have not ever been in a position to afford it before now. So here I am about to embark on this massive quest to find the perfect speakers. But before I do, I need to learn. I realize that it will take a great deal of time to learn all I want and feel like I need to know. So I need to be adopted as I learn the audio language and such. In the mean time I really need a sub to get me by until i'm ready to make a real purchase. (my current one is literaly cut and pasted from a 2.1 system that used to be with my computer)
The intro reciever I have is an ONKYO SR606, my current speakers are from a sony 5.1 syster that I got out from my college days.
The problem i'm currently facing is the output from the reciever. It looks like a mono RCA, and I am having problems finding a sub that will work. either the inputs aren't listed or they are banana plugs. can some one point me in the right direction?

1. Your budget. for the initial sub i'm thinking between 100-200. (I'll to a real one later when I learn what I need)

2. Size requirements/limits. no clue what this even means

3. Room dimensions. 250sqft, not really square so much as an oval with lots of corners (I didn't design it)

4. Primary uses.
Mostly Tv, and music, with some movies when my wife is out of town.

5. Listening habits. I do about 40% TV 10% movies, 10% punk, 5% Folk, 15% alternative, 20% classical

6. Appearance requirements. its going behind the TV cabinet until I can run wires, so it doesn't matter to much.

7. Timeframe. The sooner the better, (but i've lasted 30yrs to start, whats a couple more weeks)

8. Search the forum.
I have little doubt the answer to my question is here, but i'm dyslexic and don't currently understand the lingo, so please speak to me like i'm a 4 yr old:D

The problem i'm currently facing is the output from the reciever. It looks like a mono RCA, and I am having problems finding a sub that will work. either the inputs aren't listed or they are banana plugs. can some one point me in the right direction?
The single RCA output from your Onkyo will connect to the LFE/Line/Low Level (different names for the same input) input on just about any active (has it's own amp) subwoofer. Most have left and right inputs, but you can choose either one. The banana plugs you see are the speaker level inputs. An alternative connection method you don't need.

Just go to your local store and pick something up to get you by.

5. Listening habits. I do about 40% TV 10% movies, 10% punk, 5% Folk, 15% alternative, 20% classical


Classical, I’m a bit of Gustav Holst fan myself.

The single RCA output from your Onkyo will connect to the LFE/Line/Low Level (different names for the same input) input on just about any active (has it's own amp) subwoofer. Most have left and right inputs, but you can choose either one. The banana plugs you see are the speaker level inputs. An alternative connection method you don't need.

Just go to your local store and pick something up to get you by.

Or as I like to call it the "boom channel" or how about "baby boom" that is the original Dolby name for the 70mm six-track Dolby stereo format 42.

The single RCA output from your Onkyo will connect to the LFE/Line/Low Level (different names for the same input) input on just about any active (has it's own amp) subwoofer. Most have left and right inputs, but you can choose either one. The banana plugs you see are the speaker level inputs. An alternative connection method you don't need.

Just go to your local store and pick something up to get you by.

okay thanks, but help me understand something. Why don't the left and right matter, don't you need both? or does the reciever filter that before hand so that it doesn't need them?


Or as I like to call it the "boom channel" or how about "baby boom" that is the original Dolby name for the 70mm six-track Dolby stereo format 42.
baby boom....well since I have a kid on the way, that seems appropiate :D

okay thanks, but help me understand something. Why don't the left and right matter, don't you need both? or does the receiver filter that before hand so that it doesn't need them?

Because the Subwoofer or Low Frequency Effects (LFE) channel is mono. The stereo connection on the sub is to accommodate legacy receivers that don't have a sub channel. You had to use main L/R pre amp outputs. There was no bass management (the receivers circuitry that can redirect low frequency signals from any channel to the sub channel) to send only the frequency range (FR) to the sub, mains, surrounds that they reproduce best. This legacy connectivity is also why there is a crossover on the sub. Modern Audio/Video Receivers (AVR) allow you to set the channel crossover before the signal is sent to the speakers.

Because the Subwoofer or Low Frequency Effects (LFE) channel is mono. The stereo connection on the sub is to accommodate legacy receivers that don't have a sub channel. You had to use main L/R pre amp outputs. There was no bass management (the receivers circuitry that can redirect low frequency signals from any channel to the sub channel) to send only the frequency range (FR) to the sub, mains, surrounds that they reproduce best. This legacy connectivity is also why there is a crossover on the sub. Modern Audio/Video Receivers (AVR) allow you to set the channel crossover before the signal is sent to the speakers.

thats actually pretty smart, which makes me feel a bit foolish for not trusting mmy equipment. But hey live and learn. thanks man I appreciate the help.