So i'm plan on getting an Onkyo TX-SR605 and was wondering.. where do i connect the sub? I only see a way to connect Rear, Surr Rear, Front and Center speakers, but what about the sub? And yes, i am a newb.

http://www.gspr.com/onkyo/images/txsr605_rear_300.jpg

I guess you miss the thing that says Sub woofer :P

I guess you miss the thing that says Sub woofer :P

lol, i see that but its an rca output, how do i connect that to a sub that have speaker wire terminals?:confused:

You want to use an RCA cable and plug it into the grayed out purple port that says "Pre-Out Sub-Woofer".

Get the PDF connections guide here (http://www.onkyousa.com/quickhookup.cfm?m=TX-SR605). Use a single RCA cable connected to the Class 2 Wiring Sub Woofer Pre Out to the LFE/Sub In/Line Level In on the subs amp.

Using the speaker wire method you would run your speaker wires from the sub to the speaker ports your receiver (FR and FL only) then your sub should have ports to run wires for FR and FL to the speakers themselves. You need to check your sub for this however as many newer subs do not have this option.

lol, i see that but its an rca output, how do i connect that to a sub that have speaker wire terminals?:confused:
If your sub is a passive (no amp) model, then you will need an external amp. The Onkyo (most all AVRs) doesn't have enough watts to power your speakers and a sub. With an external amp, you would still use the pre-out.

If you WANT to use the optional Speaker Level inputs on the sub, well that takes a little more explanation and is really not the recommended connection in todays world. Do you have Line Level or LFE or Sub In connections? Is your sub active or passive?

If your sub is a passive (no amp) model, then you will need an external amp. The Onkyo (most all AVRs) doesn't have enough watts to power your speakers and a sub. With an external amp, you would still use the pre-out.

If you WANT to use the optional Speaker Level inputs on the sub, well that takes a little more explanation and is really not the recommended connection in todays world. Do you have Line Level or LFE or Sub In connections? Is your sub active or passive?

Its actually a sub from a HTIB, i decided to hook it up on the receiver instead of the dvd/receiver it came with. It only has two speaker wire terminals.
BTW thanks for the PDF.

Its actually a sub from a HTIB, i decided to hook it up on the receiver instead of the dvd/receiver it came with. It only has two speaker wire terminals.
BTW thanks for the PDF.You are in the same boat as many that come from HTIB to components. Many, if not all, HTIB speaker connections are proprietary for the kit's other components. They just won't work in the real world.

To be sure, what is the HTIB you have?

You are in the same boat as many that come from HTIB to components. Many, if not all, HTIB speaker connections are proprietary for the kit's other components. They just won't work in the real world.

To be sure, what is the HTIB you have?

http://www.sonystyle.ca/commerce/servlet/ProductDetailDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&productId=100374
thats the one

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=728QNFGF
Heres the manual

Short answer, you're screwed. The sub is passive and the amp is in the Sony system. Since the Sony doesn't have an audio input, you can't even use it as the amp. You will need an external amp to drive the sub. Better to just buy a bargain powered sub.

Short answer, you're screwed. The sub is passive and the amp is in the Sony system. You will need an external amp to drive the sub. Better to just buy a bargain powered sub.

Thanks for the info

You s/b able to use the Zone 2 (speaker outs).
I'm basicly doing the same thing until my new Sub arrives.
I would do as 'Ransac' suggested.......... Buy a real Sub........ ;)

Good Luck...

If you use the Z2 outs, you would still be sending a full range signal to the sub and the HTIB sub does not have an XO setting. Do you connect both the left and right Z2 outputs together or do you just use one side?

Ransac.....
You would only use 1 set....... left or right.
Zone 2 is for distant speakers( another room); namely main speakers.
The settings for this receiver Zone 2 are somewhat complicated; I'm not sure I would even do it................. :rolleyes:
Kim.....
I would just do as 'Ransac' suggested.......... save your $$$$$ for a good Sub............... Xmas gift maybe........... ;)

John

Thanks for the info

Should be good news though, cause now you can buy a real sub :D

Ransac.....
You would only use 1 set....... left or right.
Zone 2 is for distant speakers( another room); namely main speakers.
The settings for this receiver Zone 2 are somewhat complicated; I'm not sure I would even do it................. :rolleyes:

I have had AVRs with Z2 outputs for some time, but never used them. Are they not the same as the L/R mains? Connecting a sub with no LP filter and to one side of a stereo output would not give the desired response. But I guess it is better than nothing.

Eggz, if you are still reading this thread, you could get a cheap $100 Sony sub and still have a better one than the one that came with the HTIB. Run down to BB or CC. I think they have one of the Sony SAWsomethingorother subs on sale.

Hey everyone. I have a similar question and not 100% sure of the best solution. I don't think I follow all the terms used above, so I'm gonna try to explain my situation with hopes of it making some sense :)

I have an older model Cambridge Soundworks Subwoofer model BC8 (bass Cube 8). It has L-R Speaker Level connections (both Input and Output). It also has Line Level L-R RCA input connections as well.

I need to upgrade my old receiver in order to connect to my TivoHD. I was looking at a <$300 sony model (STR-DG810) that has gotten pretty good reviews. It has a single line out RCA-type SubWoofer connection.

Can I connect the Single SubWoofer Out from the receiver to the MONO Line Level Input on the subwoofer? Or is there a preferred method different than that.

What would be the ideal method to connect this? Or am I, as the French say "screwed"?. Any help is appreciated.

Hey everyone. I have a similar question and not 100% sure of the best solution. I don't think I follow all the terms used above, so I'm gonna try to explain my situation with hopes of it making some sense :)

I have an older model Cambridge Soundworks Subwoofer model BC8 (bass Cube 8). It has L-R speaker wire connections (both Input and Output). it also has Line Level L-R RCA input connections as well.

I need to upgrade my old receiver in order to connect to my TivoHD. I was looking at a <$300 Sony model (STR-DG810) that has gotten pretty good reviews. It has a single line out RCA-type SubWoofer connection.

What would be the ideal method to connect this? Or am I, as the French say "screwed"?. Any help is appreciated.You get a single sub cable (coax with RCA connectors on both ends). You connect one end to the sub out (or LFE out) on the Sony and the other end to either the left or right line level in on the sub. If you want, you can get a Y adapter and connect it to the L/R line level in and to the sub cable.

Wow, thanks for the fast response. Is there any benefit to using the Y adapter? Also, Is a coax with RCA connectors on both ends different than any standard RCA cables (I have dozens of them in my "wires & adapters" box that my wife has been trying to get me to throw out :) )

Thanks again

Fish
><>

You get a single sub cable (coax with RCA connectors on both ends). You connect one end to the sub out (or LFE out) on the Sony and the other end to either the left or right line level in on the sub. If you want, you can get a Y adapter and connect it to the L/R line level in and to the sub cable.

Wow, thanks for the fast response. Is there any benefit to using the Y adapter? Also, Is a coax with RCA connectors on both ends different than any standard RCA cables (I have dozens of them in my "wires & adapters" box that my wife has been trying to get me to throw out :) )

Thanks again

Fish
><>There is nothing special about a sub cable. It is a regular analog interconnect cable. The ones for subs are just a single line instead of left and right. Some subs will sum the L/R inputs and get a stronger input signal. This may or may not apply to yours. It can also help with the auto-on feature. I have a dual line cable that is connected to both line level inputs and a Y (2f/1m) on the AVR end. Then connected to the single sub out. It's the only way I have ever connected it as it was what I had on hand. My auto-on has never failed.

There is nothing special about a sub cable. It is a regular analog interconnect cable. The ones for subs are just a single line instead of left and right. Some subs will sum the L/R inputs and get a stronger input signal. This may or may not apply to yours. It can also help with the auto-on feature. I have a dual line cable that is connected to both line level inputs and a Y (2f/1m) on the AVR end. Then connected to the single sub out. It's the only way I have ever connected it as it was what I had on hand. My auto-on has never failed.

Perfect. thanks man. thats exactly what I'm gonna do. Much appreciated.

Fish
><>

Fish..........
You s/b able to buy one locally.
http://www.av-cable.net/avadapters/y-cables-03181.html

John

Fish..........
You s/b able to buy one locally.
http://www.av-cable.net/avadapters/y-cables-03181.html

John


I'm sure I have something like that in my wires box. Sawweet. Thanks.

Fish

So, what is the best way to connect a sub to a receiver?

So, what is the best way to connect a sub to a receiver?
Read post #19 above. There are other methods using speaker level interconnects when you don't have a sub or LFE output, or balanced connectors but these are rare.

I'm sure I have something like that in my wires box. Sawweet. Thanks.

Fish

Read post #19 above. There are other methods using speaker level interconnects when you don't have a sub or LFE output, or balanced connectors but these are rare.

I still don't really understand how to connect a sub. I've run a regular black/red cable to the sub. Is this not a good way to do it? I haven't purchase the receiver or sub yet. I'm running the wire in-wall, so i have to do it right the first time.

thanks

I still don't really understand how to connect a sub. I've run a regular black/red cable to the sub. Is this not a good way to do it? I haven't purchase the receiver or sub yet. I'm running the wire in-wall, so i have to do it right the first time.

thanks
Without knowing the sub and AVR, there's no way to answer your question. You will most likely end up with a powered sub and a receiver with an RCA connector for the sub connection. Many subs have a single input, but some have two and are best served with the Y connector at the sub end. Google subwoofer cable and you'll get lots of information.

Without knowing the sub and AVR, there's no way to answer your question. You will most likely end up with a powered sub and a receiver with an RCA connector for the sub connection. Many subs have a single input, but some have two and are best served with the Y connector at the sub end. Google subwoofer cable and you'll get lots of information.

thanks for your comment. are you saying i shouldn't connect it with just the regular black/red speaker cable? so, a powered sub should be connected with an rca and a y adapter?

thanks for all your help, im such a noob at this stuff

thanks for your comment. are you saying i shouldn't connect it with just the regular black/red speaker cable? so, a powered sub should be connected with an rca and a y adapter? That is the preferred way. There are other options but this should be your first option with a powered sub.

Run some coax (RG-6 or RG-59) from where the electronics will be located to or near where you will place the sub/s. How many and where to terminate them will depend on how many subs you will run, where they will be placed, how flexible you want your placement options, and how tolerant you are of exposed cables. If the electronics will be up front, I like two to the back wall and one on each side wall about 2/3 of the way from the front. If electronics are in the back, then two up front and one on each side wall 2/3 of the way from the back. If you want me to explain my reasoning, we can do it in PMs.

If you like a clean look, then get RCA wall plates to terminate the coax.

You should connect to the AVR and the sub/s via RCA terminated coax cable.

The only reason to use speaker wire is to run stereo subs off the main outputs then connect the mains to the sub's speaker level output. Other than that, use coax and the low level inputs.

There are a lot of ways to do this that depends on the subs, electronics, room.... You should do a lot of planning for seating, speaker placement, and electronics placement. One size does not fit all.

I have a similar but lightly different situation/question.

I have an old powered sub (Velodyne VA10BX110) that I have connected to an old reciever (Denon AVR-3000) using 4 conductor in-wall wire to the speaker 'B' fronts on the reciever. My sub does not have an adjustable crossover.

I am about to purchase a new reciever (probably a Denon 3808ci or something similar) so that I can start to enjoy something other than Dolby Prologic sound(!!!) with my Panasonic TH-58PX750U plasma and Panasonic DMP-BD30 Blu-ray player.

Since I cannot easily replace my wiring, and I wish to keep my sub, am I best off:
a) wiring my sub as I am today on the new reciever, or,
b) building an RCA connector on the receiver end to use with the sub-woofer pre-out?

Are there other better options?

Many thanks in advance.

Can only find the manual for an AVR-3300. It has a sub pre-out. Using that as the sub out, connected to the subs line level input should get you all you need to do 5.1 with bass management.

Can only find the manual for an AVR-3300. It has a sub pre-out. Using that as the sub out, connected to the subs line level input should get you all you need to do 5.1 with bass management.
Thanks Randy, but I am replacing my reciever with a new model, amd am more curious about the wiring.

Should I build an RCA connector on the reciever end? both ends? or will sending the signals from FL and FR to the sub ok?

If the new reciever has Audyssey built in, I was thinking that I would need to use the sub line out to be able take advantage of the equalization. Is that true?

Thanks Randy, but I am replacing my receiver with a new model, and am more curious about the wiring.

Should I build an RCA connector on the receiver end? both ends? or will sending the signals from FL and FR to the sub OK?

If the new receiver has Audyssey built in, I was thinking that I would need to use the sub line out to be able take advantage of the equalization. Is that true?If you use the speaker level outputs, you won't have a 5.1 system. You only send what is meant for the mains to the sub. Use the sub/lfe out (RCA on coax) to the line level in/sub in/lfe in on the sub. then you use the AVR's bass redirection and management functions to get the right stuff going to the sub and to the speakers. This applies to the AVR you have now and whatever you replace it with.

If you use the speaker level outputs, you won't have a 5.1 system. You only send what is meant for the mains to the sub. Use the sub/lfe out (RCA on coax) to the line level in/sub in/lfe in on the sub. then you use the AVR's bass redirection and management functions to get the right stuff going to the sub and to the speakers. This applies to the AVR you have now and whatever you replace it with.
I think I understand now. However, now I have an issue with my wire as I do not have coax. Do you know if it is possible/reasonable to put a RCA connector on a non-coax wire, connect it to the RCA sub/lfe out, and have it operate correctly?

I think I understand now. However, now I have an issue with my wire as I do not have coax. Do you know if it is possible/reasonable to put a RCA connector on a non-coax wire, connect it to the RCA sub/lfe out, and have it operate correctly?It is possible but there are reasons why coax is used for this application. I suggest you try exactly that and see if it will work for you. Otherwise, you will have to replace the cable with coax.

I think I understand now. However, now I have an issue with my wire as I do not have coax. Do you know if it is possible/reasonable to put a RCA connector on a non-coax wire, connect it to the RCA sub/lfe out, and have it operate correctly?
Coax is readily available at stores like Radio shack or Home Depot. It is not very expensive. The more difficult part is getting all the right terminations for your room. Get and run the cable first. We can work on the connectors later. Just look for RG-6 or RG-59 as these are most common. You can buy spools of it.

Don't go the speaker wire route. You will hate yourself in the morning.

Thanks Randy and Kal.

My issue is that speaker wire already exists in-wall, and will be prohibitively expensive to change, I fear. Otherwise I would not hesitate to use the coax.

Is there a link you can point me to regarding subs and coax cable vs. sub and speaker wire???

Thanks Randy and Kal.

My issue is that speaker wire already exists in-wall, and will be prohibitively expensive to change, I fear. Otherwise I would not hesitate to use the coax.

Is there a link you can point me to regarding subs and coax cable vs. sub and speaker wire???You can try putting RCA connectors on regular speaker wire. One to the center and one to the shell. But I wouldn't and won't recommend it. If you receive any EMI/RFI, you will hear it, and probably hear it big time, through the sub. Myself, I would find a way to run a sub cable on the floor. Sorry I can't help more.

Thanks very much for your help.

If your room is carpeted, you can get a thin sub cable from MonoPrice that you can tuck under the baseboard. The only problem is if it has to cross a doorway.

thanks for your comment. are you saying i shouldn't connect it with just the regular black/red speaker cable? so, a powered sub should be connected with an rca and a y adapter?

thanks for all your help, im such a noob at this stuff

If you still have the option I strongly suggest you use PVC conduit in your walls with some draw strings in them to your sub and speaker locations. Saves so many headaches when you need to run or replace wires.