I am trying to connect an Onkyo 8522 reciever (no sub out) to an Element SW12 subwoofer and Boston Acoustics Soundware speakers. I have to use speaker -level connection since the Onkyo has no sub out. The Element sub has speaker-level in but no speaker-level out. How do I connect the speakers?

In parallel.

Forgive me for the dumb questions, but:

- In parallel would mean connnecting both the speakers and the subwoofer to the same terminals on the reciever, correct? (i.e, left + from speaker and sub to left + terminal on reciver, etc).

- My reciever has A and B speaker terminals. Is there an advantage/disadvantage to connecting the main speakers to the A terminals and the sub to the B terminals? (instead of parallel connection to just the A terminal).

- When I first hooked things up, I actually connected the reciever AND the speakers to the speaker-level in on the sub. Wouldn't that be the same as a parellel connection? I'm asking because it sounded horrible. Did I damage anything by doing that?

I don't have experience with wiring speakers and a sub together in parallel, but from what I gather about your setup the A/B speaker outputs would certainly be an easier and probably safer way to go.

If you're upgrading your sub or receiver at some point down the line though look into one that has a crossover that can work into your system. The reason is that either way you hook everything up you're not having a high and low filter applied to the signal which is going to create a bump in the frequency response where the speakers and the sub are both playing at the same frequencies. Not the end of the world though as many people like running their setups like this even when they could use a crossover, but just something to keep an eye out for if you're ever upgrading.

Actually, my sub does have a crossover adjustment.

Forgive me for the dumb questions, but:

- In parallel would mean connnecting both the speakers and the subwoofer to the same terminals on the reciever, correct? (i.e, left + from speaker and sub to left + terminal on reciver, etc). Yes.

- My reciever has A and B speaker terminals. Is there an advantage/disadvantage to connecting the main speakers to the A terminals and the sub to the B terminals? (instead of parallel connection to just the A terminal).It's worth a try. Should be equivalent.

- When I first hooked things up, I actually connected the reciever AND the speakers to the speaker-level in on the sub. Wouldn't that be the same as a parellel connection? I'm asking because it sounded horrible. Did I damage anything by doing that?Depends on whether your receiver can handle the paralleled loads. Onkyo specs only for 8ohms and putting the two in parallel gives you 4ohms. I cannot comment on the sound. :cool:

BTW, the current Element ESW12 has speaker outputs.

Listen! You smell that? I smell smouldering grey smoke pillowing from the AVR!:D

For crying out loud doesn’t Onkyo supply an owner’s user manual for the Onkyo 8522? Relax in comfortable sofa chair and read because guessing won’t get you anywhere unless the manual is interiorly written in Japanese, in which case you’re buggered.

BTW, the current Element ESW12 has speaker outputs.

What?? I just bought it 2 weeks ago! It definitely does NOT have outputs.
Where did you get the info that it does?

Also, if I damaged my reciever, how would I know? Would it be obvious or could it be something subtle like slightly less bass output?

What?? I just bought it 2 weeks ago! It definitely does NOT have outputs.
Where did you get the info that it does?

Also, if I damaged my reciever, how would I know? Would it be obvious or could it be something subtle like slightly less bass output?

http://atangledweb.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/scarecrow_oz.gif

You know I can’t hear sub bass let alone any sound on forum that doesn’t provide sound!

You know I can’t hear sub bass let alone any sound on forum that doesn’t provide sound!
I have no idea what this means.

I have no idea what this means.

This site doesn’t provide no use of sound it’s a silent forum with no surround sound let alone simplified monaural to communicate the issues you’re having at present and no webcam?

I’m offering an MSN chance to talk this over? and if you haven’t got a microphone or a webcam forget it.

Blimey looks like he lost the bottle, or maybe reading the manual?

What?? I just bought it 2 weeks ago! It definitely does NOT have outputs.
Where did you get the info that it does?
http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=190834#prodspecs

http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=190834#prodspecs
Yea, I saw that. It's wrong.

Yea, I saw that. It's wrong.Then bring it back. :D

Yea, I saw that. It's wrong.

I doubt it...The description says it has LOW level in/out and HIGH level in only...;)

Manufacturer's description
Element ESW12 Subwoofer

Gain control for volume adjustment.
Adjustable low pass 50 Hz to 150 Hz.
Phase switch 0-180 degrees.
High level inputs
Low Level Inputs and Outputs.
Sleep mode feature integrated into the power switch for signal sensing on/off.
Grille: The surface mounted grille is made of acoustically transparent cloth with low profile milled frame.
Driver: 12” Polypropylene cone with edge inverted
poly dust cap
Crossover: Internal cross over
Amplifier: Discrete A/B class amplifier - 270 Watts
Peak Power/120 Watts RMS
Frequency Response: 28 Hz +/-3dB
Cabinet Design: Active Vented (4” Port) Enclosure of Acoustically Neutral MDF finished in ”Black Ash” Vinyl

Speaker level ins on a sub are of a high enough impedance that you will have no problems. Trust me. :)