Ask S&V

What’s the Best Way to Connect a Subwoofer to My Stereo Receiver?

John Sciacca  |  Dec 22, 2022

Got a tech question for Sound & Vision? Email us at AskSandV@gmail.com

Q I have a Yamaha R-S202 stereo receiver and would like to connect a Polk Audio PSW 10 active sub to the “B” speaker jacks while still powering the existing pair of Polk speakers from the “A” speaker jacks. Will this work, or must I instead connect the speakers to the line out on the sub? Which connection will give me the best result without causing damage or overload to the amp and will the sub’s volume be controlled from the amp’s volume? — Alex Parkes, via email

A There are a couple of issues with connecting the subwoofer in the way you suggested. First, you won’t have any kind of bass management, so this will likely produce bass that is boomy or bloated, especially in the upper bass regions where the speakers and subwoofer are playing the same notes. Second, I checked the owner’s manual of your Yamaha receiver, and it cautions that when connecting Speakers A and B together, you want to use speakers with an impedance of 16 ohms or higher, or the unit may overheat. You didn’t mention your speakers, but they are probably a more typical 6-8 ohms.

Lacking a subwoofer out connection on your receiver, the best connection would be to use the A-speaker output from the receiver to the Speaker In terminals on your subwoofer. Then wire the subwoofer’s Speaker Out terminals to your speakers. This will allow the sub’s volume to be controlled from the receiver, but you’ll still need to set the subwoofer’s volume initially, which can take a bit of experimenting to find the right level. This connection method will also let you use the low-pass filter on the subwoofer to find the best blend with your speakers, with a suggested starting point of 80Hz, and won’t risk overheating.

Click here for more expert advice on all things audio and video.

COMMENTS
ciararoisin's picture
Submitted by ciararoisin on May 26, 2023 - 3:45am

Hello I am a professional CV builder and working at best CV agency in ireland, I am still using the first system that I purchased in 2015 and it still provides me the same sound as it gives me at the start, but I want to know that what is the price of this system.

ezrahidaya's picture
Submitted by ezrahidaya on November 23, 2023 - 9:13pm

Nice

ezrahidaya's picture
Submitted by ezrahidaya on November 23, 2023 - 9:38pm

Without proper bass management, you might end up with poor bass. As for assignment writing service in Dubai doing these steps can avoid the risk of overheating and ensure a more balanced and controlled bass response.

kledo5's picture
Submitted by kledo5 on January 8, 2024 - 5:34pm

Drift Hunters. Show all your skills extreme driving and drifting burn rubber on the race track.

jhnmtths's picture
Submitted by jhnmtths on March 25, 2024 - 2:18am

If you like that I think you have to try the Drift Hunters here!

rdersen's picture
Submitted by rdersen on February 6, 2024 - 4:25am

There's nothing better than a good site to play Drift Games

Nelson's picture
Submitted by Nelson on March 21, 2024 - 2:14am

Thank you for this tutorial on Best Way to Connect a Subwoofer to My Stereo Receiver, I will surely try it. It is a very time taking task and my university projects might get into trouble specially my dissertation. So, for my dissertation I will hire Dissertation proposal service from Dissertation Help Service. My friend recommended them and he got great results.

cvwritingservices's picture
Submitted by cvwritingservices on May 14, 2024 - 11:39pm

Excellent post!

I wanted to shift the focus to your career. Suppose you're a job seeker and recently got a job vacancy notification. You want to apply for it but you do not have a well-formatted CV to apply. Now, you would need an urgent CV Writer Online in Ireland. Just so you know, you don't need to get bothered about it. Our CV Writing Services In Ireland will help you with industry-specific CV writers who can craft a CV that aligns with your skills and experiences perfectly.
So, hire our industry-specific CV writers today to achieve your dream job in Ireland!

benchase's picture
Submitted by benchase on May 29, 2024 - 5:05am

Using a Line-Level Converter: In situations where your receiver lacks both a subwoofer output and speaker-level inputs, nairobi escorts nairobiraha kenyan escorts a line-level converter can be a viable solution. This device converts the speaker-level signal from your receiver's outputs to a line-level signal that the subwoofer can use. You connect the speaker outputs from the receiver to the line-level converter and then use an RCA cable to connect the converter to the subwoofer. This approach allows for integration with older or less equipped stereo systems.kenyan porn kutombana telegram porn

benchase's picture
Submitted by benchase on May 29, 2024 - 5:09am

If your stereo receiver lacks a dedicated subwoofer output, you can connect your subwoofer using high-level (speaker) connections. Many subwoofers have high-level input terminals that allow them to connect to the speaker outputs of your receiver. Here’s how to set it up:

Run speaker wires from the left and right speaker outputs of your receiver to the high-level inputs on your subwoofer.
Connect your main speakers to the corresponding outputs on the subwoofer if it has pass-through connections.kwikbet aviator jetx crashgames soccer betika
This method is beneficial for older stereo receivers without a subwoofer output. It ensures that the subwoofer receives the same signal as the main speakers, allowing for a coherent soundstage. However, you might need to experiment with the subwoofer’s crossover settings to achieve a balanced integration with your main speakers, as this method doesn’t offer as much precise control as a dedicated subwoofer output.

Comment 3: Line-Level (Preamp) Outputs
Another effective way to connect a subwoofer is by using the line-level (preamp) outputs on your stereo receiver. If your receiver has preamp outputs for the left and right channels, you can use these to connect to your subwoofer’s line-level inputs. Follow these steps:

Locate the preamp outputs on your stereo receiver.
Use a pair of RCA cables to connect these outputs to the corresponding line-level inputs on your subwoofer.
This method allows the subwoofer to receive a full-range signal, and the subwoofer’s internal crossover will filter out the higher frequencies, focusing on the low-end. It provides a clean and straightforward connection, especially if your receiver and subwoofer are both equipped with these connections. Additionally, some subwoofers allow for further fine-tuning through phase adjustment and volume control, enabling you to optimize the bass response in your listening environment.

benchase's picture
Submitted by benchase on May 29, 2024 - 5:12am

Another effective way to connect a subwoofer is by using the line-level (preamp) outputs on your stereo receiver. If your receiver has preamp outputs for the left and right channels, geospatial information systems gis mapping gis solutions spatial you can use these to connect to your subwoofer’s line-level inputs. Follow these steps:

Locate the preamp outputs on your stereo receiver.
Use a pair of RCA cables to connect these outputs to the corresponding line-level inputs on your subwoofer.
This method allows the subwoofer to receive a full-range signal, and the subwoofer’s internal crossover will filter out the higher frequencies, focusing on the low-end. It provides a clean and straightforward connection, especially if your receiver and subwoofer are both equipped with these connections. Additionally, some subwoofers allow for further fine-tuning through phase adjustment and volume control, enabling you to optimize the bass response in your listening environment.

benchase's picture
Submitted by benchase on May 29, 2024 - 5:48am

The best way to connect a subwoofer to your stereo receiver is by using the dedicated subwoofer output (SUB OUT or LFE). This connection typically uses an RCA cable, ensuring that low-frequency signals are sent directly to the subwoofer for optimal bass performance. mobile toilets kenya mobile toilets for hire mobile toilets for sale Simply connect one end of the RCA cable to the SUB OUT jack on your receiver and the other end to the subwoofer’s input. This method allows you to utilize your receiver's bass management features, providing better control and integration of the subwoofer with your main speakers.

homemaids's picture
Submitted by homemaids on August 2, 2024 - 1:48am

HomeMaids Cleaning Company offers top-notch residential and commercial cleaning services in Dubai, designed to make your life easier and your spaces immaculate. Specializing in routine home cleaning, kitchen cleaning, laundry and ironing, and window cleaning, HomeMaids ensures every corner of your home or office is spotless. With a team of skilled and reliable professionals, we deliver high-quality service tailored to your specific needs. Whether you need a one-time deep clean or regular maintenance, HomeMaids is committed to providing exceptional cleaning solutions that meet your highest standards. Choose HomeMaids for a cleaner, healthier environment and unparalleled convenience. https://homemaids.ae

X