How do you install a subwoofer to a vintage pioneer sx-890 receiver if the subwoofer only uses a single cable?

Question

with the speakers already installed

Answer 1

Stay clear of Passive Subwoofer.. Active Subwoofer would be ideal with a single pre-amp subwoofer connections is all you need. Active Subwoofer has it's own WATTS as Passive SubWoofer uses whatever the Stereo Recevier Power AMP. Note Passive Subwoofer just connects to your rear surround speakers if you don't have an input for adding a subwoofer. You won't be happy with Passive because the ohms on the speakers are less like 3 to 4 ohms. Active it's 8 ohms.

I have Jensen 240WATT 8 ohm 12" drop down Sub where the speaker is facing downward. That has it's own Active AMP. I can also connect addition speakers for 8.1 sound if I wanted.  I connect this to my Pioneer VSX 608D.

Also have AudioSource 100WATT 8 ohms 8" forward Sub which came with 4 - 4" woofer / 2 inch tweaters and dual 4 " woofter with dual 2 inch tweaters. All rated as 100wats. That is another option to connect to my Pioneer VSX 509s

I have Pioneer like yours in the basement still works. You can use a single cable as sub is mostly mono bass and you really don't need to split the the sound into L/R. You can get the splitter though. I have one I never notice the sound difference.

If you buy an ACTIVE Subwoofer just make sure it has L/R input from the Pioneer you'll be using the L-mono. You won't notice the difference. Monster has the splitter online you can get it from any source though. Radio Shack might have, it but check online first.

Answer 2

Buy a splitter adapter

Answer 3

You only option is to connect with line level inputs. Connect the main output of your amp to the input jacks of your sub. Next connect the speakers to the output jacks of your sub. you should have a total of eight connections.

As far as set up make sure your sub crossover is set the correct level (the bottom end of your main speakers) and use a SPL meter to set the correct level.

I have never had a problem with a conservative listening volume but if you want to thump vs. better overall sound, you should look at another amp.

Answer 4

Split and splice my friend, split and splice. The wonders of electrical tape.

Answer 5

Your Pioneer might not have enough power to drive the subwoofer along with the other speakers...as far as connecting, Radio Shack has everything to help connect,but you might have to connect a second amp to power the sub...good luck