Subwoofer Help

[levon]

I don't know much about this type of stuff. I just bought a new receiver and my subwoofer is only 2 normal wire type like my speakers but the receiver only takes one Pre-out(?) type audio cord.

Is there any device I can buy cheaply that I can convert those wires?

Should I just buy a new subwoofer? I'm looking to buy a cheap one on Ebay but most people never even post images of the back so I can see the output type.

~ Thanks

[Baldrick]

Use a RCA Y-adapter, read this guide:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1045531

[levon]

Thanks, I guess that means I need a new subwoofer since the one I have won't work for any of that.

[aedipuss]

if by pre-out type you mean an rca type connector with a round female end with a pin in the middle then you should be able to make it work. buy an rca cable replacement end at radio shack that you can use to attach to normal speaker wire. the plus end attaches to the center pin and the minus end to the outer round connector. or buy an rca cable of the proper length and cut one of the connectors off. connect the two bare wire to the sub as per the last way.

[redwudz]

I'm assuming this is a powered subwoofer? Though that's the only kind I have seen lately. Older receivers I have with subwoofer Pre (Preamp) out need a separate amplifier or a powered subwoofer with line level inputs, usually RCA type, not speaker cables. Maybe the two wire input is line level, but it seems unlikely. Your receiver would have the subwoofer out grouped with the other speaker outputs if it had a two wire speaker type of output.

So you may need a new powered subwoofer. If you were to buy one on E-bay, as long as they list the manufacturer and model number, you should be able to do a internet search and get more info on the device. Or go to the manufacturer's site and see if the info is there.

BTW, a good powered subwoofer is fairly heavy. Mine is about 20 lbs, so shipping from some E-bay dealers may be pricey.

[davideck]

It sounds like your subwoofer is not powered. A power amplifier is needed to convert from pre_out to speaker_out. You'd probably want one with a level control to adjust the subwoofer volume to the other speakers.

What was powering the subwoofer before? Connecting the subwoofer pre_out to the AUX input of an integrated amplifier (or the amplifier section of a mono or stereo receiver) should work also.

[levon]

Nope it wasn't powered, it was just a cheap subwoofer that came with a bundle RCA set.

I just bought this subwoofer for $40 from that same company on Ebay.

[redwudz]

That should work fine. Most times you won't hear much from a sub, except when you have very low frequency sounds. Very impressive with a good DVD 5.1 soundtrack. Terminator works well as do others with lots of rumbles and low frequencies. Down stair neighbors may complain.

A subwoofer is non-directional, so you can put it about anywhere.

[SingSing]

Nope it wasn't powered, it was just a cheap subwoofer that came with a bundle RCA set.

I just bought this subwoofer for $40 from that same company on Ebay.

Return it, and get a powered sub-woofer.

[redwudz]

You must have missed his link. The new one he just ordered is powered.