How to Connect Subwoofer to Receiver Without Subwoofer Output?

Can I Connect the Subwoofer to the Receiver Without Subwoofer Output?

The simple answer is Yes. Before we dig up further discussion, I want to motivate you. In simple words, you can use the receiver preamp outputs or the speaker level outputs to connect your subwoofer directly, just like you connect a regular speaker.

Understanding Your Subwoofer Type You Want to Connect:

We all know subwoofer provides low-frequency bass to enrich our music experience. Before you choose any method to connect your sub, check your subwoofer type, whether it is a powered or passive subwoofer.

You can check your subwoofer type by reading the description at the back of the box or subwoofer. However, check the definitions of powered and passive subwoofers below:

Active or Powered Subwoofer:

An active subwoofer (aka powered) has a built-in amplifier. This type of subwoofer usually requires a power source, such as an AC outlet, and it may also need speaker wire connections to send the audio signal from your receiver to the subwoofer.

Passive Subwoofer:

A passive subwoofer does not have a built-in amplifier. Simply, you will need to get a compatible amplifier for it to work. However, you can use regular speaker wires for connection.

Note: People use active subwoofers more than passive ones, but passive subwoofers provide more bass if connected with suitable amps.

4 Ways to Connect Subwoofer to Receiver Without Subwoofer Output:

There are two effective ways of connecting the active sub and two ways to connect the passive subwoofer to the receiver without subwoofer output. Now you know about your subwoofer type, let’s dive into further information.

1. If You Are Using the Powered or Active Subwoofer:

Connection depends on whether your subwoofer has only one RCA input, speaker level inputs, or whether the receiver has preamp output. Anyway, you use an RCA Y Adapter ⁽¹⁾ if your subwoofer has only single output. Now, let’s say your subwoofer has only a single output on its back while the receiver has a preamp output. Follow these simple steps:

• Connect the adapter’s single end (male end) to your subwoofer’s output.
•  Plug in two separate RCA cables (male ends) from the other side of the adapter into your receiver’s preamp output.

The two RCA cables going into your receiver’s preamp will each carry a different signal for the left and right stereo channels. Once connected, you can adjust your subwoofer’s volume level to ensure it is accurately balanced with the rest of your sound system.

What if Your Receiver Has No Preamp Output but the L/R Terminals?

If your subwoofer has only a single output while the receiver doesn’t have a preamp output but the left and right terminals, you can use a Line Level RCA Converter ⁽²⁾ for connection. Follow these simple steps:

• First, connect one end (male end) of the RCA y adapter to the single subwoofer output.
• Then, connect the Y adapter’s other two ends (male ends) to the Line Level Converter.
• Next, connect the other end of the Line Level RCA Converter to the receiver with speaker wires (Compare “+” & “-” on both sides of the RCA converter & receiver).

Once you connect everything, turn on the subwoofer and receiver and set the volume knob on your subwoofer to a mid-point level. Then adjust the volume on your receiver as desired. You should now be able to hear sound from your subwoofer when playing audio through your receiver.

2. Connecting Amp/Receiver With Subwoofer Having Speaker Level Inputs:

To connect an amplifier or receiver with a subwoofer having speaker-level inputs, you will need the following items:

• Subwoofer having speaker level inputs
• Speaker wire
• Amplifier/receiver

Follow these steps for connecting your amp/receiver with the subwoofer:

• First, turn off the power to your amplifier/receiver and subwoofer.
• Connect one end of the speaker wire to the left (+) or right (-) positive terminals on the back of your amp/receiver.
• Take the other end of the speaker wire and connect it to one of your subwoofer’s speaker level inputs – usually labeled “+” or “-“. Ensure you compare the polarity on both sides.
• Connect the other subwoofer’s speaker level input to the remaining terminal on your receiver/amplifier.
• Turn on the power and test that your setup is working correctly with a sound source before you begin enjoying your new setup.

3. Connecting the Passive Subwoofer Through an External Amplifier:

You can use an external amplifier to connect the passive sub to the receiver. You will need a line-level or speaker-level input adapter to do this. Follow the below steps:

• First, use the adapter to connect one of the stereo line outputs from your receiver or preamp to the amplifier’s inputs.
• After that, take the output from the amp and connect it to your passive subwoofer.

You can also use a speaker-level adapter instead of a line-level if you prefer. Check your amplifier’s specifications to ensure it is compatible with your receiver and subwoofer.

If your receiver already has a subwoofer output compatible with your amplifier, you can use that option instead of putting yourself in adapter complexity.

4. Connecting the Passive Sub Through Low-Pass Crossover:

Using a low-pass crossover ⁽³⁾, you can still connect the passive subwoofer to the receiver without subwoofer output. A low-pass crossover is an electronic device that takes an input signal and separates the frequencies above a specific frequency (called the cutoff frequency) from the rest of the signal. This filtered-out signal is then sent to the subwoofer, which reproduces the frequency.

The first step is to connect the low-pass crossover between the receiver and the subwoofer. Connect one end of an RCA cable from the preamp or speaker outputs of your receiver into the input of the crossover and the other end to the subwoofer’s input. Make sure you set the crossover to its lowest frequency (this will be marked as a cutoff frequency or x-over point).

Next, you should connect your main speakers to the outputs of the crossover to prevent any low frequencies from reaching your main speakers, and this will ensure that the subwoofer is reproducing all of the low frequencies.

Finally, adjust the crossover’s frequency settings to determine which frequencies you want it to reproduce. Start with a setting of 80Hz or lower, then gradually increase the frequency until you find the best sound for your audio system. Depending on the type of music you are playing, you may need to experiment with these settings to get the best bass response.

Some Points to Consider:

Connecting your subwoofer to a receiver without dedicated subwoofer output is possible. However, keeping some points in mind when connecting your subwoofer is essential.

• First, ensure that you turn the power off for both the receiver and the sub before making any connections. Powering them off will prevent you from damaging either device or shorting them out.
• Next, you should double-check the speaker wires you are using to ensure it is compatible with both the receiver and subwoofer.
• Finally, remember that it might affect the sound quality when connecting a subwoofer to a receiver without dedicated subwoofer outputs. It is possible to get good sound quality with this connection, but it may not be as optimal as using reliable subwoofer output on the receiver.