Updated on October 24, 2022 This article explains how to connect a subwoofer to a receiver or amplifier by using LFE cables, RCA cables, or speaker wire connections. Connect Using the LFE Subwoofer OutputThe preferred method of connecting a subwoofer is through the subwoofer output (labeled SUB OUT or SUBWOOFER) of a receiver using an LFE (Low-Frequency Effects) cable. Almost all home theater receivers and processors and some stereo receivers have this type of subwoofer output. The LFE port is a special output only for subwoofers; you may see it labeled as SUBWOOFER and not as LFE. Lifewire / Miguel CoSurround sound audio (also known as 5.1 channel audio) such as media found on DVDs or cable television, has a dedicated channel output with bass-only content that is best reproduced by a subwoofer. Setting this up requires connecting the LFE or subwoofer output jack on the receiver/amplifier to the LINE IN or LFE IN jack on the subwoofer. It's usually just one cable with single RCA connectors on both ends. Connect Using Stereo RCA or Speaker Level OutputsSometimes a receiver or amplifier does not have the LFE subwoofer output, and sometimes the subwoofer doesn't have the LFE input. Instead, the subwoofer might have right and left (R and L) stereo RCA connectors or spring clips like you see on the back of standard speakers. If the subwoofer's LINE IN uses RCA cables and the subwoofer out on the receiver/amplifier also uses RCA, plug it in using an RCA cable. If the cable is split on one end (a y-cable for both right and left channels), plug it in the R and L ports on the subwoofer. If the receiver/amplifier also has left and right RCA plugs for subwoofer output, be sure to also plug in both to the receiver. How to Connect Speaker Wires to Your Receiver or AmpIf the subwoofer features spring clips for speaker wire, use the receiver's speaker output to hook it all up. This process is the same as connecting a basic stereo speaker using speaker wire. Be sure to mind the channels. If the subwoofer has two sets of spring clips (for speaker in and speaker out), it means that other speakers connect to the subwoofer, which then connects to the receiver to pass along the audio signal. If the subwoofer has only one set of spring clips, the subwoofer must share the same receiver connections as the speakers. The best way to accomplish this is by using banana clips that can plug into the backs of each other rather than overlapping bare wire. Subwoofers are typically easy to connect, given that there are usually only two cords to deal with: one for power and one for the audio input. You're far more likely to spend the bulk of time positioning and adjusting to get the best performance out of your subwoofer than plugging in a pair of cables. FAQ
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BlogSolved! Can you connect a second subwoofer to your soundbar?
Hi, I have a soundbar that already has a wireless sub attached to it (Vizio SB36512-f6). I wanted to add a second powered sub to my system. Is there a way to do this? I was thinking of 2 ways:
Feb 16, 2019 186 19 765 55
What about an HDMI splitter? Connect one to the soundbar and the other to a converter w/ analog audio outputs to the sub and control the crossover point, phase, etc... with the sub. Volume still works. Personally, I'm not afraid to get into the 'guts' of the matter, but at the same time, keep it simple. I think both approaches would work fine.
Feb 16, 2019 186 19 765 55
How are you getting the signal into your soundbar? You want to control the volume of everything simultaneously, correct?
How are you getting the signal into your soundbar? You want to control the volume of everything simultaneously, correct? I'd like to control the 2nd sub theough the TV or soundbar volume, but if that doesn't work, I can
adjust the subwoofer gain dial. Aug 27, 2008 14,937
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The only way I can think of would be to install a subwoofer output on the wireless sub. It would not require too much skill to connect a speaker to level converter in parallel with the input to the woofer inside the cabinet and run the line level output to the additional sub. You don't want to use the crossover in that sub so use the LFE input if it has one or turn the
frequency all the way up. Feb 16, 2019 186 19 765 55
What about an HDMI splitter? Connect one to the soundbar and the other to a converter w/ analog audio outputs to the sub and control the crossover point, phase, etc... with the sub. Volume still works. Personally, I'm not afraid to get into the 'guts' of the matter, but at the same time, keep it simple. I think both approaches would work fine.
The only way I can think of would be to install a subwoofer output on the wireless sub. It would not require too much skill to connect a speaker to level converter in parallel with the input to the woofer inside the cabinet and run the line level output to the additional sub. You don't want to use the crossover in that sub so use the LFE input if it has one or turn
the frequency all the way up.
What about an HDMI splitter? Connect one to the soundbar and the other to a converter w/ analog audio outputs to the sub and control the crossover point, phase, etc... with the sub. Volume still works. Personally, I'm not afraid to get into the 'guts' of the matter, but at the same time, keep it simple. I think both approaches would work fine. Thanks for the suggestions.
Can I use a wired subwoofer with a soundbar?Most Soundbars Connect with Native, Manufacturer-Paired Speakers. Many soundbars can connect with subwoofers that are within their branded line. Many manufacturers give you the option of upgrading your soundbar with additional speakers and/or subwoofer, as long as you use the recommended products.
How do you hook up a wired subwoofer?Using a subwoofer cable (RCA cable), connect the subwoofer to the AV receiver by running the cable from the receiver's subwoofer output to the subwoofer's line input. Klipsch subwoofers can be connected via the LFE channel, the white RCA connection, or in a stereo pair by using both the white and red RCA connections.
Can you connect wired speakers to soundbar?Yes, you can add wired speakers to your soundbar. However, it's going to be difficult because soundbars are made to stand alone. They're not manufactured with speaker outs so you have to use a receiver, a stereo mixer, and RCA cables to add wired speakers.
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