Connecting sub to receiver w/no sub output

[rkilpatrick]

Hi there. I have a Sony STR-D611 reciever with no sub output. I've been told that you CAN connect a subwoofer to this system AND still have front A & B and surround speakers. Anyone know the secret?

Thanks!!

[Unregistered]

You could probably use the tape out jack. On most receivers, the record outs (tape, video1, etc) are always active. This would send a line level signal out and you would utilize the cross-over on the sub.

[markw]

Using the tape monitor output has one serious disadvantage. Aside from source selection, your receiver would not control the signal to the sub. To adjust it at all, you need to kerfutz with the sub's level control.

Let's hope your sub has speaker level in/out capabilities. If so, use that.

If you have preamp outs, you can use that to drive your sub with a line level signal.

[rkilpatrick]

Thanks for the advice. Since I don't have preamp outs, and sub connection is line level (just 1 RCA input), I guess I'll try the tape monitor. This will drive the sub even if another source (ex. DVD, CD) is selected?

[markw]

Thanks for the advice. Since I don't have preamp outs, and sub connection is line level (just 1 RCA input), I guess I'll try the tape monitor. This will drive the sub even if another source (ex. DVD, CD) is selected?

But don't expect to be able to control the sub's volume thru the receiver.

BTW, if you have just one input on the sub, you have another problem. You will need to somehow hook up both channels to the sub. By merely using a "Y" connector to combine the two channels, the signal may very well mono for the receiver as well.

Paradigm, and probably others sell devices that will combine your two channels for the sub while maintaining the two separate channels for the remainder of the signal path.

Was this sub a gimme or did you just purchase it recently?

[Unregistered]

But don't expect to be able to control the sub's volume thru the receiver.

...and why would he need to? If the receiver doesn't have a sub out, then it certainly doesn't offer bass management or individual channel trims. Just use the sub's volume control and adjust it as close as you can. Once it's set, there is no need to change it.

BTW, if you have just one input on the sub, you have another problem. You will need to somehow hook up both channels to the sub. By merely using a "Y" connector to combine the two channels, the signal may very well mono for the receiver as well.

Yes, just use a y-connector. The sub out on a receiver is mono anyway. You can use a normal l/r analog audio cable connected to a 2 to 1 Y connector if the sub has only a single input (like most).

Paradigm, and probably others sell devices that will combine your two channels for the sub while maintaining the two separate channels for the remainder of the signal path.

There is no remainder of the signal path. It ends at the sub. We are not talking about routing a signal to the sub and then back through the tape loop for recording.

The original poster just wanted ideas on a quick hack to use a sub with a line level input with a receiver that does not have a sub out. The tape out loop is his only choice, unless he decides to use speaker level inputs, which is not what he asked about.

[markw]

Just use the sub's volume control and adjust it as close as you can. Once it's set, there is no need to change it.

wanna bet? If the tape out were after the volume control you might have a valid point. ...but it's not. It's before the volume control.

Yes, just use a y-connector. The sub out on a receiver is mono anyway. You can use a normal l/r analog audio cable connected to a 2 to 1 Y connector if the sub has only a single input (like most)..

maybe, maybe not. A sub out may be mono but tape monitors are two separate channels, which may or may not be still in the circuit. You can easily split one output to two inputs w/o problems but you generally can't combine two outputs into one input.

I do know if you do this at the pre out level, the two power amps receive two idential mono signals, not two distinct channels. But hey' let him try it. "Y" connectors are cheap and he might get lucky.

The original poster just wanted ideas on a quick hack to use a sub with a line level input with a receiver that does not have a sub out. The tape out loop is his only choice, unless he decides to use speaker level inputs, which is not what he asked about.

True, but sometimes when presented with a choice, the correct answer in "none of the above".

If I may add, that's quite an arrogant tone and wrong advice from one who doesn't even bother to register

[zipper]

Good replies Mark. Sub volume does need to change with receiver volume. The drop-in poster doesn't realize that using a sub doesn't require the receiver to have bass management.

[markw]

Good replies Mark. Sub volume does need to change with receiver volume. The drop-in poster doesn't realize that using a sub doesn't require the receiver to have bass management.

I seem to have picked up at least one unregistered heckler. Another snide and totally useless "unregistered" reply was dropped on me in the beginners forum.

I guess they are just jealous of my greatness.

[rkilpatrick]

Admittedly, the sub is part of a pretty cheap home theater system I just purchased that came with a reciever that DOES have a sub line level out, but DOES NOT have A & B front speaker outs like my old receiver does.

So I guess the bottom line is that I want to connect the entire surround system and two other "front" speakers in another room.

Like you said, connecting the sub to the tape out last night did not seem to be the answer.