How can I power a passive subwoofer?
I have a perfectly good passive subwoofer in my current living room surround system. I got a new receiver for Xmas and I now see that the output does not provide power to the sub... so, its not working. Is there any way I can connect this sub to another powered output on the receiver? Can I get an external power source to power it? Or, should I just buy a new subwoofer?
Unfortunately, I am sorry to say the whole series parallel thing has been explained wrong. Parallel will cut your impedance in half, series will double it. And parallel will only cut it in half IF the speakers have the same impedance value. Otherwise if the values are different then it becomes an average. Example: (2) 8 ohm speakers will give 4ohm total impedance in parallel and 16ohms in series. If you have an 8 ohm and a 6 ohm speaker you will have 7 ohms total impedance in parallel and 14ohms in series.
I do not recommend these types of connections. You are not going to get optimum fidelity from these kinds of hook ups. As Eric did state you could purchase a DIYers sub woofer plate amp. This would require you to modify the subs cabinet though, as stated.
Assuming you don't have a "B" speaker selection
I recommend you get an impedance matching speaker switch with volume control. (partsexpress.com)
This will insure you connect everything properly. It will also allow you to fine tune your subs volume and turn it off if you don't want to use it. Unfortunately you are also sending a full range signal to your sub as opposed to a low frequency bass signal. This is ok if your sub has a built in crossover to filter out the bass frequencies for the sub.
If you have a line level (rca jack) LFE ( low frequency effect) output or sub woofer output. i recommend one of the following
1) Buy a new powered sub.
2) Pick up a single channel mono block amp. Audio Source makes some very low cost single channel amps which would work well in this situation. Use this amp to drive your passive sub.You can get them at Parts express also.
If you have an old receiver laying around you could use it also.
More Info:
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