Adding a subwoofer to my system?

Question

Okay I am using a stereo speaker system with the typical A/B speaker switching with the power to have both on or just one set.

And I am wondering if there is any way to add a passive or active sub to my system with out having a RCA "Subwoofer out" output on my receiver.

I can use car or hometheater subs I just need to know HOW to do it (if it can even be done in the first place.)

Answer 1

You could run a passive subwoofer using "speakers B" from your receiver to the speaker terminals on the sub. The crossover network in the sub will strip the high frequencies off of the signal and only output the low bass. An active sub won't work for you since it expects a line level (RCA) input.

Answer 2

In addition to my powered sub, I also have a passive sub on my "A" speakers. The wires come out of the receiver to the"in" L&R on the sub and then from the "out" on the sub to the speakers. This allows the Klipsch SB-3's to reproduce the mid bass range, often overlooked in favor of "thump", and the sub works the lowest frequencies. Even at lower volumes this setup gives full and natural sound. This also allows me to control the bass output of the sub with the tone controls on the receiver instead of going to the powered sub menu or the controls on the back of the powered sub. Simple and very effective. Be careful using car speakers though as the impedence is usually 4 ohms versus 8 for home speakers. Also, car subs are usually monaural instead of stereo. In a car that's ok but on your home system the bass may be muttled. Crossovers may also present a problem. It is also imperative that you observe polarity. Positive to positive and negative to negative. Otherwise your speakers will be out of phase and flutter resulting in poor sound quality, and even blow.