Before I decided to create my home theater system I knew little to nothing about speakers. Due to my eagerness to create the ultimate media and entertainment room, I had to roll up my sleeves and do some bit of research.
It helped a lot to not only read data I could find online but to also spend some time speaking with various store employees who provided info that was truly helpful. Anyone looking to create their own theater should understand how to connect a powered subwoofer to a receiver without subwoofer output properly.
What is a subwoofer?
A subwoofer or sub is a loudspeaker that was designed to produce audio frequencies that are low pitched aka sub bass and bass frequencies. For consumer products, the standard sub frequency ranges between 20-200 hertz while live professional sound is below 100Hz.
Although the term subwoofer refers to the speaker driver in common PARLANCE it generally refers to the sub driver that is mounted in a speaker cabinet and it comes with a built in amp.
Subwoofers are generally plug and play with ports that are labeled aptly for easy installation
. In the event however that you find yourself wanting to know how to connect a powered subwoofer to the receiver without subwoofer output, here are some methods I have used that worked well for me.
Method#1: Setting the Speakers to the Left or to the Right
Proper management of AV receiver bass is an important tool to have in your back pocket. To do this, begin by setting all speakers in a large or small group using their output powers as a basis.
Every manufacturer will have varying guidelines on bass setup management, however the general recommended practice is to arrange them from smallest to the largest. Thus to get the best output, set your speakers as such and use the crossover setting at 80 hertz.
Most theater set ups have effectively positioned the main left and front speakers to small which results in quality subwoofer output.
Method #2: Utilize the Preamp Output
In the event that the receiver was not sub output, it is still possible to hook a subwoofer to it. Do a quick inspection of the receiver’s rear panel to see if a preamp output option is available or not.
This port is generally labeled as “pre-out.” Once located, use several interconnects from the receiver to the sub. Single RCA input subs will require a Y adapter. You should then have to female RCAs and one male RCA on each closure.
Method #3 Connect Subwoofer to the Receiver with Speaker Wires
Subwoofers can be used as speakers should there be no preamp output. To do this, I would simply run the wires of the speaker to join the receiver and my sub. Then I hook it up to the front right and front left receiver terminals.
After which I connect the speakers, both front right and front left to the subwoofer’s speaker terminal. The majority of speakers being sold in the market today provide speaker level provisions. Err on the safe side and check before making a purchase.
Method #4 Setup the LFE and Main on the Subs
This trick is most effective when you choose to set the right and left main speakers to be large instead of small. With your user manual, search for the subwoofer setting of the receiving device.
Every AC receiver has a bass feature that lets users know how and when a subwoofer should be operated. That said, the next step is to set the mains and LFE to allow the sub to function when the front speakers are set to large.
Additionally, there are certain receivers with a bass management function that works on two channels.
They provide users with crossover settings that are independent. Aside from this, you can determine when you want to activate the two-channel audio sources for the subwoofers.
