Not sure if my level of expertise is so low I should be posting somewhere less esoteric but......
Well, I signed up for a site to peruse next year when I assemble a totally new (to me) home theater array but, for now, have a VERY simple need (ignorance) of some hookup help for a subwoofer. I currently have an old (but good) desktop computer that has a couple of old AR speakers attached to the motherboard via a 3.5mm stereo cable; one speaker hard wired to the other through the standard speaker press-to-connect clips. They have been serviceable forever with some YouTube videos as I don't spend a lot of time focusing on the acoustics (some attention but mostly background music). Buuttt... recently I have acquired the bug for something a little better (you know, kind of like 'new car' itch) and have just ordered a pair of AudioEngine HD3 speakers to replace the ARs. I have never hooked up a subwoofer before and have that 'ignorance is panic' feeling that there is something I need to know - but don't. There is no outputs from the ARs, only the wire clips for the second speaker. Although the HD3 has bluetooth capability, I prefer hard wiring. In the HD3 reviews, one fellow said he used the USB connection for the HD3s. That is totally foreign to me. How can the USB detect the speakers? Anyway, I'm looking for some thoughts about expanding the audio to include a subwoofer. After the sticker shock of the HD3s, I think I can stand another $200 for a small SW (subwoofer) with a 12-15" square footprint that I can put under the computer table. As the computer setup is a crowded mess of total chaos (I work better cluttered: a self imposed pressure), the acoustics are less than pristine. I'm VERY big on reliablility over clarity but feel a beautiful bass tone would soothe my furrowed brow (I'm a big fan of Choir, Choir, Choir - and all choir music). Would much appreciate any connection/wiring directions and recommendations as to a good quality SW to add to the new HD3s (the AE S8 SW is beyond my financial reach at this time). When I get the HD3s, do I hook the SW directly to them or use a sort of stereo cable splitter to connect the motherboard output to the HD3s -and- the SW - or what? If you have worked your way through this, you're a brave fellow and may be just the one to help me out here. At any rate, thanks for reading and sharing any thoughts you may have for me.