There are several ways that you can connect your subwoofer to your amplifier. One of them is connecting the subwoofer using the RCA cable in case of no subwoofer LFE input or output. Another way of connecting your subwoofer to the amplifier is by using the LFE cable. You can also use speaker wire connections, among other methods.
A subwoofer is a uniquely designed speaker whose primary purpose is to give precise sound to audios of low frequency, like bass. If you are an audiophile, you know subwoofers are essential for you to have a complete and exceptional audio experience. Connecting your subwoofer to your amplifier is pretty easy, and you can do so using different methods. The most common way to connect a subwoofer is by plugging a linking cable into an amplifier’s subwoofer output. If you are scratching your head and need a one-on-one guide on how you can connect your subwoofer, I created this article for you.
Table of Contents
Connect using RCA cables or connectors
In a case where your subwoofer does not have an LFE subwoofer output, then using stereo RCA connectors will be the best and easiest way to connect it. Additionally, in case your subwoofer has two connectors, and your receiver has one, then it is recommended to use the left connector in your subwoofer. However, the RCA Y-adapter will be effective in such a case as they are split towards the left and right channels; thus, you can connect both channels to the subwoofer.
This is because when you connect to only one side of the subwoofer, some might enter standby mode more often or play at half the volume it could have otherwise produced. When connecting your subwoofer using the ‘RCA’ method, plug the RCA cable into the subwoofer’s ‘Line In.’
The LFE Subwoofer output method
This is a common and the most preferred method of connecting your subwoofer to an amplifier. This method uses Low-Frequency Effects (LFE) cables connected to the subwoofers output of an amplifier labeled as either SUBWOOFER or SUB OUT. Most amplifiers and home theatre receivers come with this subwoofer output.
The LFE channel is one connector and carries additional bass information; hence is able to produce enough bass to balance the front channels and the subwoofer even when alone. This helps with the clarity and articulation of the front channel and generally improves overall response.
Connect using Speaker Level Inputs
If your amplifier does not have a subwoofer output, ensure your subwoofer comes with speaker-level inputs. You can connect your subwoofer to your amplifier using speaker-level input in two ways.
One is using the second speaker output or the B to accomplish your connection. Using the second speaker is mostly effective for subwoofers that are not equipped with a secondary output to your amplifier. However, it is important to ensure that your amplifier can simultaneously run both the B and A speakers.
For those subwoofers that come with both the speaker level input and outputs, you can achieve your connection them to the amplifier by simply linking the amplifier’s outputs to the subwoofer’s speaker level input and your subwoofer speaker level output to the speaker inputs of your amplifier.
Connect using spring clips
Other subwoofer models come with spring clips connectors that you plug into the amplifier. Additionally, you can also connect the subwoofer to the amplifier by plugging these spring clips into the speaker output. It is important to note that a subwoofer can come with either two sets or a set of springs.
If the set of spring clips is one, then both the amplifier and the speakers might benefit from banana clips as they have a shared connection. However, if there are two, the amplifier and the speaker have no shared connections. The two spring clips are for ‘speaker out’ and ‘speaker in.’
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several ways that you can connect your subwoofer to your amplifier. These methods depend on both the model of your subwoofer and, consequently, the model of the amplifier. For example, in case the model of the subwoofer does not have LFE subwoofer output, then following the steps above of connecting it using RCA cables will be your best option. It is also important to consider the splits of RCA cables while connecting your subwoofer. On the other hand, if your amplifier does not have a subwoofer output and you do not have RCA cables, then ensure the subwoofer you purchase comes with speaker-level inputs for you to be able to connect it to the amplifier. You can apply a technique of connection that suits both your amplifier and subwoofer.
FAQs
Can I connect my subwoofer to my amplifier using coax cables?
Of course, you can use coax cables if your subwoofer has the appropriate jack.
