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Can I use speaker cable to connect my amp to a powered subwoofer

post #1 of 6
7/13/12 at 6:36am
Thread Starter 
Hi, First post so apologies for any lack of etiquette!

I am trying to sort out a 5.1 surround set for my lounge. Originally I was getting a Yamaha YSP-2200 which has a passive subwoofer that only requires speaker cable to it.

I have however had a change of circumstances and therefore I am looking at using a powered sub.
My question is can I use the existing speaker cable and attach an RCA connector to it to go to the SUb?
I guess it won't be shielded but other than that I was trying to work out of there are any differences between a Sub cable and Speaker cable...

Any advice gratefully received...
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post #2 of 6
7/13/12 at 1:06pm
Not sure the LFE channel would work that way, seeing as how you probably won't be originating the connection on the sub-out from the receiver. But why would you even want to? Wouldn't it be better to just buy an RCA cable instead?
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post #3 of 6
7/13/12 at 1:45pm
If it's a passive subwoofer, that means its being powered by whatever your amp is...which means the inputs levels are going to too high for what the powered sub is expecting...which means you will blow something up inside of the powered sub.
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post #4 of 6
7/13/12 at 5:59pm
Just us an RCA cable from the LFE output of the receiver to the input of a powered sub.

If it's passive use a RCA cable from the LFE output of the receiver to the input of your of the external amp, and from the external output of the amp to the input of the
passive sub.

vardo
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post #5 of 6
7/14/12 at 1:34am
Thread Starter 
Sorry I may have confused things...

I am now changing the intended setup from the soundbar with passive sub to a receiver with 5.1 speakers (probably minx) and the x200 powered sub.

My issue is that I have run speaker cable under the carpet to where the sub will be. I can't now run an RCA cable as the carpet is laid.
I was therefore looking at whether I can attach an RCA plug to each end of the speaker cable and attach it between the receiver and sub?

I have looked online and spoken to a local dealer and I am getting conflicting opinions.
That's why I thought I would ask the experts...you guys smile.gif
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post #6 of 6
7/14/12 at 2:13pm
You can give it a try. In my opinion it might just work. I don't know. And by no means an I an expert smile.gif.
You might route an rca cable next to your base board along the wall....using maybe some of
these options.
http://www.cableorganizer.com/articles/Which-Speaker-Wire-Cover.html

I don't know where your sub is placed so those options might not work. Give the RCA cable
to speaker wire to another RCA cable a try...it can't IMO hurt anything.

vardo
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