Advice connecting Subwoofer to TV

[SBS]

Hi, I need your kind advice on best way to connect a subwoofer I bought (Pioneer SW-8MK2) to a current setup connected to my TV: Bookshelf speakers (Pioneer SP-BS22-LR) with Amplifier (Lepai LP-2020A+).

I came across four options on the web:

1. split the output from TV sending one to current setup (amplifier + bookshelf) and the other to subwoofer (as mentioned here).
2. double up the output from the amplifier (as mentioned here).
3. replace the current amplifier with one that has sub out (like this one, for example).
4. buy a stereo or AV receiver (like this one, for example).

I am not sure if the cheaper options (1 and 2 above) are feasible and effective. Would there be any disadvantages in terms of audio quality if it is indeed feasible?

Please note that the sub is powered and has control for crossover. The bookshelf is not powered.

Thank you so much in advance.
SBS

 

[slipperybidness]

Hi, I need your kind advice on best way to connect a subwoofer I bought (Pioneer SW-8MK2) to a current setup connected to my TV: Bookshelf speakers (Pioneer SP-BS22-LR) with Amplifier (Lepai LP-2020A+).

I came across four options on the web:

1. split the output from TV sending one to current setup (amplifier + bookshelf) and the other to subwoofer (as mentioned here).
2. double up the output from the amplifier (as mentioned here).
3. replace the current amplifier with one that has sub out (like this one, for example).
4. buy a stereo or AV receiver (like this one, for example).

I am not sure if the cheaper options (1 and 2 above) are feasible and effective. Would there be any disadvantages in terms of audio quality if it is indeed feasible?

Please note that the sub is powered and has control for crossover. The bookshelf is not powered.

Thank you so much in advance.
SBS

Option 1 is likely the easiest and cheapest.

If it were me, I would go with Option 4. Run everything to the AVR and 1 HDMI cable goes from AVR to TV. Plus, AVR should provide proper bass management.

 

[SBS]

Option 1 is likely the easiest and cheapest.

If it were me, I would go with Option 4. Run everything to the AVR and 1 HDMI cable goes from AVR to TV. Plus, AVR should provide proper bass management.

Thanks so much for quick response. With option 1 (and 2), would the bass be "duplicated" (pardon my lack of knowledge) on to bookshelf speakers as well. Would this affect sound quality?

 

[slipperybidness]

Thanks so much for quick response. With option 1 (and 2), would the bass be "duplicated" (pardon my lack of knowledge) on to bookshelf speakers as well. Would this affect sound quality?

Not really doubling the bass. The BS speakers are only gonna go down to 80Hz or so, maybe a little lower or a little higher, without looking up the specs. The sub is going to fill in from ~100Hz on down. And, the sub should have a crossover setting knob and a gain knob.

In general, "more bass" isn't an issue anyway, you simply "dial it in".

 

[SBS]

Not really doubling the bass. The BS speakers are only gonna go down to 80Hz or so, maybe a little lower or a little higher, without looking up the specs. The sub is going to fill in from ~100Hz on down. And, the sub should have a crossover setting knob and a gain knob.

In general, "more bass" isn't an issue anyway, you simply "dial it in".

Thanks a lot again! I will buy a Belkin speaker/headphone splitter and an RCA cable then. Seems the cheapest option (until I upgrade to 5.1 system).

 

[BMXTRIX]

Option 1 is certainly the way I would do it in your setup.

 

[SBS]

Option 1 is certainly the way I would do it in your setup.

Thanks a lot! I will do so.