How to Connect a Car Subwoofer to a TV?

Can I Connect a Car Subwoofer to a TV?

The answer is yes. It is possible to connect a car subwoofer to a TV. However, it depends upon the type of subwoofer you want to connect with. Subwoofers are of two kinds active or powered subwoofers and passive subwoofers. The active subwoofer doesn’t require an additional amp (as it comes with a built-in), while the passive subwoofer requires an external amp to play the music.

5 Ways to Connect a Car Subwoofer TV:

Following these five methods, you can quickly connect your car sub with your TV.

1. Using a 12V Inverter:

Connecting a car subwoofer to your TV can help you experience incredible sound quality with deep bass. You can quickly achieve this by using an inverter that converts 12V direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) for powering the subwoofer. Here’s what you need to do:

1. First, you need to determine the wattage of your subwoofer. By determining the accurate wattage, you will be able to decide what correct size inverter you need to power the sub.
2. Next, you should check your TV’s output ports and ensure they match up with the inverter’s input. Depending on the television output, you can use an RCA cable or mini jack cable to connect.
3. Connect the subwoofer’s speaker cable to the inverter’s output jack. Ensure you use proper wiring connections.
4. Once that’s done, plug your TV & inverter into the wall outlet and turn them on.
5. Finally, ensure that both the inverter and the subwoofer are powered up, and you’re ready to enjoy an excellent sound experience with deep bass.

2. Connection Through an A/v Receiver:

Making a connection between a car sub and a TV using an A/V receiver is easier. Here are the steps you should follow:

1. First of all, you need to select an A/V receiver that has essential inputs & outputs to connect your car subwoofer to the television. Ensure your receiver has a preamp output for the subwoofer.
2. Start by connecting one end of the audio cable from the output of the A/V receiver to a line-level input on your subwoofer amplifier.
3. Connect the other end of the audio cable from the output of the TV to the RCA-style input on your A/V receiver.
4. Depending on the type of car amplifier powering your subwoofer, you may have to select the correct output. Ensure it is set to “LINE” or “OUT”.
5. Once everything is connected, turn on the TV and the A/V receiver. Make sure that you have selected the correct input, such as Video 1 or Video 2, on your A/V receiver for the audio connection from your TV.

3. Using a Converter:

Another efficient way to make a connection between your TV and car subwoofer is by using a converter. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Before you make changes to anything, ensure you have turned off all the devices to prevent any damage.
2. Now, connect one end of the Digital Coax Cable to the output on the converter box while the other end to an audio input on your TV or home stereo receiver.
3. Next, connect the subwoofer to the converter using an RCA cable by plugging one end into the output of the converter and the other end into the input of your car subwoofer.
4. Finally, power up both devices and select an audio source on your TV or home receiver.

Your car subwoofer should now be connected to your TV, and you can enjoy the enhanced bass from your car subwoofer with any program.

4. Connection Through an External Amp (For Passive Subs):

Connecting a passive subwoofer to a TV using an external amp (You can also use your old car amp) is relatively straightforward. It will involve connecting the car amplifier to the TV’s audio output. Here’s how you can do it:

1. First, locate your TV’s audio output port (often labeled “Audio Out”), which should be situated at the rear of your television set.
2. Then, connect one end of an RCA to the amplifier’s RCA input port and the other to your TV’s audio output port.
3.  Next, power up your external car amp by connecting it to a power outlet with its power cord, then attach one end of an RCA from the amplifier’s subwoofer out port and the other end to the subwoofer’s input port.
4. Finally, adjust the amp settings according to your preferences and power on the car amplifier.

Connecting an external amp to your car subwoofer and TV allows you to enjoy powerful sound with a wide range of frequency levels for an immersive audio experience.

5. Using Bluetooth Connection (If You Are Using a Smart TV):

This method is much easier than you think if you’re using a smart TV ⁽¹⁾. For this, you’ll have to arrange a Bluetooth audio adapter. Here’s how you make a connection:

1. First of all, you have to arrange a suitable bluetooth audio adapter ⁽²⁾ that you can use to connect the subwoofer. Also, you must ensure that it is compatible with your smart TV.
2. Then connect one end of an RCA cable or 3.5mm audio jack to the output of the bluetooth adapter, and the other end to the back of the subwoofer’s input.
3. Plug the power cord of the subwoofer into a wall outlet, and then plug the Bluetooth audio adapter’s USB cable into a USB port on your TV.
4. Now turn on both devices and ensure they are paired together via Bluetooth. You should see an LED light on both devices to indicate that the connection has been made.