There are two main ways to connect a subwoofer to your audio system:
- Low-level connection: This is also known as an LFE, .1, or line-level connection. It is the preferred method of connection and will provide the best sound quality.
- High-level connection: This is also known as a speaker-level connection. It is typically used when your receiver or amplifier does not have a subwoofer output.
Low-level connection
A low-level connection uses a single RCA cable to connect the subwoofer output on your receiver or amplifier to the subwoofer input on your subwoofer. The subwoofer output on your receiver or amplifier is typically labeled as “Subwoofer” or “LFE.” The subwoofer input on your subwoofer is typically labeled as “Line In” or “LFE.”
To connect your subwoofer using a low-level connection, simply connect an RCA cable from the subwoofer output on your receiver or amplifier to the subwoofer input on your subwoofer. Be sure to match the colors of the connectors.
High-level connection
A high-level connection uses speaker wire to connect the speaker output terminals on your receiver or amplifier to the high-level inputs on your subwoofer. The speaker output terminals on your receiver or amplifier are typically labeled as “Front Left,” “Front Right,” “Center,” “Surround Left,” and “Surround Right.” The high-level inputs on your subwoofer are typically labeled as “Positive” and “Negative.”
To connect your subwoofer using a high-level connection, simply connect speaker wire from the speaker output terminals on your receiver or amplifier to the high-level inputs on your subwoofer. Be sure to match the polarity of the connectors.
Which connection should I use?
If your receiver or amplifier has a subwoofer output, you should use it to connect your subwoofer. This is the preferred method of connection and will provide the best sound quality.
However, if your receiver or amplifier does not have a subwoofer output, you can connect the subwoofer to the speaker output terminals. This is called a high-level connection. However, it is important to note that high-level connections can be more difficult to set up and may not sound as good as a low-level connection.
Additional considerations
In addition to the two main types of subwoofer connections, there are a few other things to keep in mind:
- Subwoofer crossover: The subwoofer crossover frequency is the frequency at which the subwoofer will start to reproduce sound. The crossover frequency is typically adjustable between 40 Hz and 120 Hz. The ideal crossover frequency will vary depending on your system and your personal preferences.
- Subwoofer level: The subwoofer level control allows you to adjust the volume of the subwoofer. The ideal subwoofer level will also vary depending on your system and your personal preferences.
- Subwoofer phase: The subwoofer phase switch allows you to invert the phase of the subwoofer. This can be helpful in certain situations, but it is generally best to leave the phase switch in the “0” position.
Conclusion
The best way to connect your subwoofer will depend on your specific audio setup and your personal preferences. If you are unsure which type of connection to use, consult the documentation that came with your receiver or amplifier and subwoofer.
