I was wondering if someone can help please.
I have bought a surround sound system SPEAKERS AND SUB ONLY, and am now trying to find a second-hand amp to run them.
The only trouble is, the sub is the same as the speakers {i.e. has two wires to run it} and not the normal RCA type connection…
Every time I find an amp with 6 or 7 speaker inputs (i.e. red and black) when I look closer, EVERY SINGLE ONE the sub input seems to be the RCA type.
I must have looked at over 100 different systems now on eBay and I find it hard to believe that none can run my sub.
What do I need to look for??
Hope this makes sense
Many thanks in advance for any help
Comments for Help with 5.1 Subwoofer Connection:
Modern AV receivers can drive passive subs using zone 2
by: Anonymous
This article is not dated so I don’t know when it was asked.
This is how I solved the problem with a Sony 1050 (2014) AV receiver. This AV receiver is 7.1 with two zones. That means it can be configured as a 5.1 + 2.0 in zone 2.
Therefore, take the line output of the subwoofer channel and feed it into one of the audio inputs (e.g. SA/CD) and select that audio input in zone 2. It’s a workaround if you don’t want to have an active subwoofer.
About The Author
Paul started the Home Cinema Guide to help less-experienced users get the most out of today's audio-visual technology. He has been a sound, lighting and audio-visual engineer for around 20 years. At home, he has spent more time than is probably healthy installing, configuring, testing, de-rigging, fixing, tweaking, re-installing again (and sometimes using) various pieces of hi-fi and home cinema equipment. You can find out more here.
Hi
My guess would be that you have bought a speaker system with a non-powered/passive subwoofer. This type of sub would usually have standard speaker connections rather than a single RCA.
Most AV receivers you will find are designed to be used with an active subwoofer (which has its own amp inside the unit) – hence the single RCA. This connection sends a line level signal which then needs to be amplified – and this amplification is done by the active sub.
Assuming I am right, and it is a passive sub, then I see a couple of options.
Anyway, that’s my take on your issue. Maybe somebody else has something to suggest?
Hope that helps.
Paul (Site Editor)
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