Is this true? (Subwoofer hookup)

[AudioObsessed]

I read on this forum that I cannot convert my wired subwoofer to a jack, which my receiver requires. Is this true? If so, is there ANY way I can use this sub with this receiver? If not, what specific type adapter do I need to solder on? (i.e. brass? Size? Does it have to be an audio cable versus a power cable with similar pin?)

Please help!

 

[ien2222]

Is this a passive sub? (no amp)

 

[AudioObsessed]

Yes it is. I do also have a powered sub but everything is internal. It has a 3 prong port for a 120V power cord on the back and that is it.

 

[ien2222]

Well, for the passive sub, you'll need an amp between the receiver and sub. I assuming you have a sub-out on the receiver in the form of a RCA jack. This is a line level out with no amplification (similar to the pre-outs on a cd/dvd player).

For the powered, it'd be easier if I new what sub it was...or at least a picture of the back panel.

 

[AudioObsessed]

Yes I have a sub out RCA-like jack on the receiver. I have a 12V car amp but I imagine it'd be an unorthodox set up trying to give it a 12V source (sorry if that was a stupid thought). Can a home amp be purchased? I've just never seen one. The majority of my experience is with car audio.

 

[ien2222]

I've heard of people using 12v car amps before, but it does seem a bit jury rigged and off hand I wouldn't know where to look for a power supply. If you are handy, you can add a plate amp to the sub
http://www.parts-express.com/cat/subwoofer-plate-amplifiers/332

A monoblock amp or stereo amp that can be bridged can be used and they are easy to find on amazon.

But my guess is that the most cost effective thing to do is either buy a new sub (especially if yours is older/inexpensive), or look for a cheap used amp/avr/receiver to power it (preferably one you already have).

What sub is it that you have?

 

[AudioObsessed]

It is a Panasonic and the powered is a jvc. Both were part of home theatre in a box.

Thank you for the help.

 

[ien2222]

Hey,

The Panasonic isn't really worth buying a power source for, if you have an extra receiver lying around that you can use to power it, that would be fine....or if you can buy a $20 used receiver, that would work too. But that's about the best you should do for it.

You should be able to use the JVC with your AVR. Since it's powered, I assume it has a RCA in jack that you would plug into the sub-out. If it takes a wire connection, you'd just cut off one end of the RCA wire...or you can buy a cable that only has the RCA plug on one end.

If you are willing, perhaps the best route is to get a new sub, even a cheap one should be quite a bit more capable than those two. On the bottom end there's something like the BIC F12 or Dayton Audio SUB-1200. The BIC usually hovers around $180 but will go on sale here and there, the Dayton is usually around $130. Probably the next step up would be the NXG NX-BAS-500 or Mordaunt Short Aviano 7 which are $270 and $290.