View Full Version : My first subwoofer: newbie installation question


daedal
07-13-06, 10:24 PM
Hi guys, I just bought my first subwoofer and am wondering how to install it. It was used so I don't have a manual but here goes:

Looking at the back, I have three sets of plugs:

- Speaker wire ports for input Left and Right
- Speaker wire ports for oputput Left and Right
- RCA ports for Left and Right

I'm not too sure how to plug it in; do I run the wires like this? Let's assume that this is for the left channel.
Source -> Receiver -> Subwoofer input -> Subwoofer output -> Speaker

Am I right, or am I totally off?
Thanks guys!

tw33k2514
07-13-06, 10:29 PM
that will work but if your receiver has an LFE out or Subout get a Coax cable from monoprice and connect 1 end to the LFE/sub out on the receiver and the other in the Left RCA input on the sub

daedal
07-13-06, 10:30 PM
that will work but if your receiver has an LFE out or Subout get a Coax cable from monoprice and connect 1 end to the LFE/sub out on the receiver and the other in the Left RCA input on the sub
I see. I do believe the receiver has a direct Sub out, that's what you mean, right? So I'm guessing the loop I mentioned above is for those who don't have that output?

tw33k2514
07-13-06, 10:33 PM
I see. I do believe the receiver has a direct Sub out, that's what you mean, right? So I'm guessing the loop I mentioned above is for those who don't have that output?
exactly

daedal
07-13-06, 10:36 PM
Thanks a bunch! I'll give it a shot when I get home and chime in if I run into any hickups. It's my first time assembling a system like this. It's also my first non-stereo receiver too so this is all new to me. I appreciate your help.

tw33k2514
07-13-06, 10:38 PM
no problem at all and here is a nice guide on sub setup http://www.hometheaterblog.com/hometheater/2004/10/home_theater_su.html

daedal
07-13-06, 10:43 PM
no problem at all and here is a nice guide on sub setup http://www.hometheaterblog.com/hometheater/2004/10/home_theater_su.html
Great article. Wouldn't even have thought to fidget with the crossover frequency.

daedal
07-14-06, 05:57 PM
Hmm, hit a snag here guys. My receiver has a single "subwoofer preout" socket, but my subwoofer both the positive and negative sockets. What now? Here's a screencap from the receiver's manual:

http://www.onusart.org/wp-content/uploads/2006/07/subwoofer.gif

I currently have it connected in between the receiver and the speakers but I'd like to use the receiver's function to adjust the subwoofer output and such. Can this be done or am I cooked?

Thanks again.

Targus
07-14-06, 06:01 PM
but my subwoofer both the positive and negative sockets.

Are you sure it's not left and right? If so, plug the sub out into the Left sub input.

daedal
07-14-06, 06:17 PM
Are you sure it's not left and right? If so, plug the sub out into the Left sub input.
Err, yeah, I mean left and right. Guess I have the speaker wire plugs mixed.
Thing is the receiver doesn't have left and right, only that one "Subwoofer preout" one.

By the way, what's the name for the speaker wire plugs? I know the other cables are RCA but..

Targus
07-14-06, 06:28 PM
Thing is the receiver doesn't have left and right, only that one "Subwoofer preout" one.


That's why I said to plug it into the Left subwoofer input.

daedal
07-14-06, 06:30 PM
That's why I said to plug it into the Left subwoofer input.
Whoops, missed that. I'll try that, thank you. :)

Ratman
07-14-06, 06:51 PM
By the way, what's the name for the speaker wire plugs? I know the other cables are RCA but..

To hopefully clarify without getting flamed :rolleyes: (not by you daedal)

+/- speaker connections are referred to as "speaker level" inputs/outputs.
The left/right audio connections (normally RCA plugs) are referred to as "line level" inputs/outputs.

daedal
07-14-06, 07:08 PM
To hopefully clarify without getting flamed :rolleyes: (not by you daedal)

+/- speaker connections are referred to as "speaker level" inputs/outputs.
The left/right audio connections (normally RCA plugs) are referred to as "line level" inputs/outputs.
Thank you. :)

SpanktorTheGreat
03-02-07, 12:24 AM
hey, this thread is probably dead but if any one passes by could you tell me if the LFE sound will be produced in this guys situation?

mrjinglesusa
03-02-07, 09:08 AM
hey, this thread is probably dead but if any one passes by could you tell me if the LFE sound will be produced in this guys situation?

Yes. I have pretty much the same set-up. One cable from receiver's sub-out to the left input of my subwoofer. Crossover set to 60. I get bass and LFE just fine from the sub.