PolkAudio Subwoofer PSW10 set up

[domm2]

Hello,
I am trying to set up this subwoofer to work. The back has input LR ports and bare wire output ports. The main objective is to get speakers to work with it. I can not seem to make it work.

I wanted to connect it with a samsung soundbar. It has an ARC HDMI output and I used that port along with an audio extractor to connect it to the subwoofer. I used a RC to Aux cable to connect the subwoofer input port to the audio extractor output port. This resulted in the sound coming out of the sound bar and nothing coming out of the subwoofer. I am now learning this did not work because my soundbar does not have an output. I thought the ARC was an output. Do you know of a soundbar that would be compatible with this sub?

I have connected my phone straight to the input using the RC to AUX cord. This results in bass playing but no words obviously since I have no speakers set up. Next I hooked up these old speakers that have bare copper wire coming straight out of them. I put the wire in the output ports on the sub. Then attempted to play sound. Nothing came out of the speakers. I am not sure if the speakers are broken or not capable because I was sure this would work.

Can someone help me figure out how to get this to work. I am not worried about it being the “correct way” or the “best audio output way” I just want it to work without having to buy a $200 receiver that i wouldnt get much use out of other than this. Do I need different speakers? Do I need different wires? Thank you in advance!

 

[Trebdp83]

Pics of back of soundbar, TV?

 

[domm2]

it wont let me upload any more photos. it says the files are too large for the server to process. even when i take it straight from the camera.

 

[mazersteven]

@lovinthehd

 

[Leemix]

Does the soundbar have any outputs?
(HDMI ARC is a HDMI video output but at the same time an AudioReturnChannel sound input. The sound goes from the TV to the soundbar through that)

Its probably the lower line of speaker connections that are the high level inputs, nothing goes out through the high level outputs unless you get something in through the high level inputs. The sub just passes the high level signal along to the speakers, just taking a miniscule part of the power and using that as the source sound.


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[domm2]

Does the soundbar have any outputs?
(HDMI ARC is a HDMI video output but at the same time an AudioReturnChannel sound input. The sound goes from the TV to the soundbar through that)

Its probably the lower line of speaker connections that are the high level inputs, nothing goes out through the high level outputs unless you get something in through the high level inputs. The sub just passes the high level signal along to the speakers, just taking a miniscule part of the power and using that as the source sound.


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I Guess it does not have an output then. I assumed the ARC could be used as an output. You can tell I know nothingggg about audio LOL

 

[Trebdp83]

Unfortunately, it is what it is and while you could spend money on a gadget to convert audio and get the sub to work in some silly way the optimal setup would be to add an AVR and separate speakers. Even a two channel receiver with some bookshelf speakers and your sub would be a huge improvement over the soundbar. Pawn shops, thrift stores, craigslist and Offer Up may hold some inexpensive options near you.

 

[Leemix]

I Guess it does not have an output then. I assumed the ARC could be used as an output. You can tell I know nothingggg about audio LOL

Some soundbars do have a sub out RCA but many dont or can only use their own bass boxes.


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[domm2]

Unfortunately, it is what it is and while you could spend money on a gadget to convert audio and get the sub to work in some silly way the optimal setup would be to add an AVR and separate speakers. Even a two channel receiver with some bookshelf speakers and your sub would be a huge improvement over the soundbar. Pawn shops, thrift stores, craigslist and Offer Up may hold some inexpensive options near you.

okay yeah that does seem to be the consensus. I jus don’t understand why I need the receiver. In my mind I see no reason Why I can not connect some bookshelf speakers to the sub and it function. That is what confuses me


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[domm2]

Some soundbars do have a sub out RCA but many dont or can only use their own bass boxes.


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ahh okay. thank you for your help!


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[Trebdp83]

The back of that soundbar looks like the Samsung HW-K460 which can connect wirelessly to the Samsung PS-WK450 subwoofer.

 

[lovinthehd]

okay yeah that does seem to be the consensus. I jus don’t understand why I need the receiver. In my mind I see no reason Why I can not connect some bookshelf speakers to the sub and it function. That is what confuses me


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Because the sub doesn't have an amp for the speakers generally, altho some HTIB/soundbars might have a bass box/sub that does contain the amp for the speakers, but not this sub. If you have passive speakers they need their own amp. If you have active speakers they may have a way to connect to your sub. HTIB/soundbars often have proprietary or special use gear/connections rather than typical audio components that can work with a variety of gear.

 

[Kingnoob]

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