Using a cheap sub

[YoMoma777]

Got a question. I have an old sub built back in '02. It`s a Phillips SW3600/17s that was part of my old 5.1 syatem I had at one time.
I just purchased a new Sherwood RX-4105 (I know im cheap) to just push two bookshelf speakers to be used in a bathroom. My wife, daughter and I all love to listen to music as we shower.
But now I`m wishing I bought a stereo that can use a sub to help out my bookshelf speakers hit the lower notes. Thats where the Phillips sub comes in.
Would this sub be sufficient to use with a different stereo I might purchase? What Im meaning is this sub was probably meant for 5.1 stereo use with movies, but I want to use it for just 2 channels and a sub for just music. This powered Phillips sub should work ok, right? At least till I can afford a "real" powered sub that would sound better.

 

[fuzz092888]

As far as I can tell it's the sherwood that would hold you back from using the sub. Unless I'm mistaken there are no subwoofer pre-outs on the sherwood, just two pairs of stereo speaker outputs for bare wire.

 

[j_garcia]

If the sub has speaker level inputs, then you can still use it with any receiver. You will not have bass management that way, so you will have to dial things in yourself though.

 

[fuzz092888]

Don't believe it does, if it's the one I saw when I googled it, it has a single RCA input on the back.

 

[YoMoma777]

No, this receiver won't run a sub. I got new bookshelf speakers on order. If they don't produce the sound I want, I may return the receiver for a receiver that does have a sub output.
Sherwood had an advertsed 2.1 receiver. This should have a sub output, correct?

 

[j_garcia]

Most stereo receivers have a sub pre-out, but there's only one on the market that I've seen that has bass management to go with it and it isn't cheap.

 

[markw]

That 4105 receiver isn't a bad unit. It may be more cost effective to replace the sub with one that accepts speaker level inputs. Most do and the starting price might be lower than you think.

I've used that receiver in cheapo sereo systems, one with two small Polk bookshelf speakers and a $100 Polk sub and, for a total system price of $280, it was quite impressive.

 

[YoMoma777]

I've used that receiver in cheapo sereo systems, one with two small Polk bookshelf speakers and a $100 Polk sub and, for a total system price of $280, it was quite impressive.

How can a sub be used when only 2 speakers operate at any time with this receiver?
Your idea has peaked my intrest.

 

[afterlife2]

Not sure if this is a good option, but the price is good.
Electronics Expo has the Definitive Technology ProSub 60 150 Watt Subwoofer for $229 - $123 off with coupon code BENSBARGAINS + $20 shipping = $126 shipped. Features a frequency response of 24Hz to 150Hz, an 8" woofer size and a power rating of 150 watts. [Compare]

Definitive Technology Pro Sub 60 8\" Powered Subwoofer"

 

[markw]

That sub you have, no.

How can a sub be used when only 2 speakers operate at any time with this receiver?
Your idea has peaked my intrest.

But most subs have speaker-level inputs, and many have speaker-level outputs as well. Any of those scenarios will work for you.

You connect the receiver to the subs speaker inputs, and the sub's speaker outputs to your main speakers. That's how I connected the sub to my friend's 4105/Polk system.

Or, you can connect the sub in parallel with your mains. It puts no additional stress on the amp using either method.

 

[Seth=L]

To even discuss the almighty Outlaw 2.1 receiver in this thread makes no sense, the subwoofer he's talking about came with a HTIAB and sports a 6.5" woofer. OPs money would be better spent on larger bookshelf speakers (which it sounds like they did) that will outperform this little Philips powered woofer or by a Dayton Audio powered subwoofer that has high level inputs. There's no sense in spending extra money on receivers to get this cheap HTIAB woofer integrated into this system. At this level (listening to music in the shower) I'm thinking bass management can take a back seat.

 

[Seth=L]

Not sure if this is a good option, but the price is good.
Electronics Expo has the Definitive Technology ProSub 60 150 Watt Subwoofer for $229 - $123 off with coupon code BENSBARGAINS + $20 shipping = $126 shipped. Features a frequency response of 24Hz to 150Hz, an 8" woofer size and a power rating of 150 watts. [Compare]

Definitive Technology Pro Sub 60 8\" Powered Subwoofer"

That subwoofer sucks, port noise, does not achieve anything close to the advertised FR. I used to own it and the 10" version, both of them sucked.

 

[afterlife2]

That subwoofer sucks, port noise, does not achieve anything close to the advertised FR. I used to own it and the 10" version, both of them sucked.

Noted.

How about this these? Amazon.com: Velodyne VX-11: Electronics
or
Dayton Audio SUB-1200 12" 120 Watt Powered Subwoofer 300-629

 

[markw]

Question to OP.

Assuming you've chosen to keep the 4105 and the current speakers and you're pursuing the thought of buying a sub, how much are you (reasonably) willing to spend on a sub? Perhaps then some decent suggestions could be made.

Again this is for a bathroom, right? It almost seems like overkill.

 

[ACsGreens]

um..

wait wait wait wait wait, when WE shower? Guess that saves water.... Just Messin..hope you get your system in order.