Can I Connect an Active Subwoofer to an Amplifier?

The audio industry is booming rapidly, developing more and more interest among people. Usually, if you are a beginner, you might have listened to two familiar words: subwoofer and amplifier. Right?

These two components act like Adam and Eve in the audio world. However, you might have also wondered if connecting an active subwoofer to an amplifier is possible. Here’s my answer;

No, you cannot connect an active subwoofer directly to an external amplifier. An active subwoofer already has a built-in amplifier to power it. Instead, connect it directly to the audio source or use the designated subwoofer output from a receiver or preamplifier. Moreover, if you connect your powered subwoofer with an external amplifier, it may damage the whole system (built-in amp, sub, or even external amp). It is due to the fact that integrated amplifier already have enough power handling capacity to handle the sound system.

However, you can review the whole document if you still have any doubts. Let’s begin!

What Is an Active Subwoofer?

In case you don’t really know about active subs. An active subwoofer, also known as a powered subwoofer, is a unique type of loudspeaker that primarily reproduces low-frequency audio signals, also known as bass.

What separates this type of subwoofer from others is its integrated amplifier. Unlike passive subwoofers that require an external amplifier to function, an active subwoofer comes with its own built-in amplifier.

This self-contained amplifier is specifically designed and tuned to match the subwoofer’s characteristics, facilitating optimal performance.

The purpose of the built-in amplifier is to efficiently manage and generate deep bass frequencies, providing powerful and precise audio reproduction.

2 Proper Ways to Connect an Active Subwoofer:

As you have learned, you don’t require any external amplifier to power an active subwoofer (duo to its built-in amplifier). So, what can you do to get running your powered subwoofer? Here are two methods:

1. Directly to the Source:

One of the standard connections I suggest is making a direct integration. According to my experience, this approach has offered me several advantages whenever I make a correct configuration.

It will give you a straightforward setup without any need for intermediary devices. Moreover, this direct connection ensures the clarity of sound.

The direct signal path minimizes the potential for interference, ensuring that the rich bass sounds from your subwoofer are delivered to your ears without any loss in quality.

Let’s say how you would make a direct source connection. First, decide where you want to position your subwoofer in the desired location, typically near the main listening area.

Next, use a subwoofer cable to directly connect the audio source’s subwoofer or line-out port to the input on your active subwoofer.

Once connected, all that’s left is to turn on the subwoofer (by powering it through a wall outlet), adjust the volume and settings as needed, and let the enhanced bass bring your audio to life! (Not all powered subwoofers support this connection.)

2. Using Pre-outs on a Receiver:

This connection involves using a separate device, such as a receiver. Basically, a receiver is an electronic device that combines a tuner, preamplifier, and amplifier in one unit.

It receives audio and video signals from various sources, processes them, and then drives the output to speakers and displays, providing centralized control for home entertainment systems.

If I discuss the benefits, you will get a clean line-level signal, ensuring optimal sound clarity for the subwoofer. Moreover, you will get some extra features, like crossover and volume control, that you can use to tune your subwoofer further.

In this configuration, you need to locate the ‘Subwoofer Pre-out’ port on your receiver. This port is specifically designed to output low-frequency audio signals to your subwoofer.

Next, secure a high-quality RCA or subwoofer cable. This cable serves as the conduit for the audio signal, and its quality can impact the overall sound output.

Now, connect one cable end to the receiver’s ‘Subwoofer Pre-out’ and the other end to the ‘Line In’ or ‘LFE In’ on the subwoofer.

You have made the connection between the receiver and your powered subwoofer. Furthermore, you can use RCA cables to connect the receiver to your TV so that you can start listening.

Can You Connect Surround Speakers With an Active Subwoofer’s Amplifier?

If I talk about the home theater system, some powered subwoofers come with small speakers to connect with. However, if you are talking about using separate surround speakers (that don’t come with the package), then here’s my answer:

Purpose of the Built-in Amplifier in an Active Subwoofer:

• Dedicated to Low Frequencies: The Powered subwoofer models contain a built-in amplifier specifically designed and tuned to amplify low-frequency signals (bass). If your package doesn’t include surround speakers, the brand might not have included the feature to handle mid to high-frequency sounds. Thus, connecting surround speakers to the subwoofer’s amplifier would not give you the full range of sound you expect from those speakers.
• Different Power Needs: External surround speakers and subwoofers require different power needs to work. It might be possible that your amplifier in the active subwoofer can overpower or not be powerful enough for surround speakers, which can damage them or deliver poor sound quality.
• Lack of Necessary Connections: If your active subwoofers typically have line-level inputs (RCA inputs) meant for low-frequency signals and do not have the necessary speaker-level outputs to connect to surround speakers, it means your active subwoofer is not suitable for external speakers.

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