Updated on October 24, 2022 Easy ways to hook up almost any kind of subwoofer
What to Know
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 Output
The 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 Outputs
Sometimes 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 Amp
If 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
How do you connect two or more subwoofers?
To connect multiple subwoofers, connect one receiver output to one subwoofer, then connect the second one to the other subwoofer. Alternatively, use an RCA Y-Adapter to send two parallel low-frequency audio signals to two separate subwoofers.
What cable do I need to connect a subwoofer to a receiver?
All LFE, RCA, or speaker wire cables are basically the same, so if it fits in the audio port, it should work fine.
Can you connect a subwoofer with a coax cable?
Yes, if your subwoofer has the appropriate jack. Coaxial cables are recommended for long-distance connections.
How long can a subwoofer cable be?
Although there's no limit to the length of a subwoofer cable, a maximum of 20 feet is recommended because longer cables are susceptible to electromagnetic interference.
Thanks for letting us know!
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Solved! Can you connect a second subwoofer to your soundbar?
- Thread starter navid617
- Start date Mar 27, 2020
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:
What do you guys think? I would like to get away with #1 if it works. Any advice would be awesome!
Feb 16, 2019 186 19 765 55
- #5
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
- #2
How are you getting the signal into your soundbar? You want to control the volume of everything simultaneously, correct?
- #3
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.
I'm getting the signal into the soundbar via HDMI. It supports HDMI passthrough. Then the HDMI signal passes to the tv.
Aug 27, 2008 14,937
144 103,240 9,248
- #4
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
- #5
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.
- #6
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.
That's the downside with most soundbars. I haven't seen a single soundbar with a wired subs. Once you install it, no room for upgrading/repairing.
- #7
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.
I
tried approach 1. I have a 3.5mm output in my TV and I could hear it with earbuds. This works while my soundbar is working and I can control the aux volume with my TV and soundbar remotes. The only issue is that the aux signal is fairly weak. I'll test with some bookshelf speakers and if they work fine, I'll probably get a RCA adapter and buy the sub!
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