Buying SUB without LFE input

[stumped2]

My last sub just died and want to replace it. However, many subs don't have the LFE input. Since I already have the existing single cable in place, I would like to just replace the sub and keep life simple. Do I need to buy a sub with an LFE input or can I just use one of the L/R input connections for my LFE cable?
Old sub was a JBL SUB135. Amplifier board failed and can't find a replacement part. The speaker and cabinet are in excellent shape but now unusable.
I have an Onkyo TX-SR505 A/V amplifier.

Thanks for any help

 

[Jeff R.]

If the manual does not specify to either plug a single cable into either the right or left input, then I would by a splitter and go into both.

 

[Steve81]

Do I need to buy a sub with an LFE input or can I just use one of the L/R input connections for my LFE cable?

You can just use a subwoofer with L/R inputs. A specific "LFE" input is not required.

Old sub was a JBL SUB135. Amplifier board failed and can't find a replacement part. The speaker and cabinet are in excellent shape but now unusable.

Any budget in mind for a replacement? How big is the room it is in?

 

[stumped2]

But I would need to buy a splitter to do that, right?
Low budget...just want to get some bass out of my system since now I have none

 

[markw]

As the others have said, any left/right input will work fine. Maybe a "Y" splitter is wanted but probably isn't necessary.

The only thing you need to remember is to set the crossover on the sub to it's highest setting so all control is ceded to the receiver's bass management.

 

[Steve81]

Low budget...just want to get some bass out of my system since now I have none

Can you define "low budget"? That can mean different things to different people.

 

[j_garcia]

Since a sub is mono and the sub preamp output is also mono, it technically does not matter which "side" R or L input you use. Some subs may do better using both inputs via a splitter, but in most cases, it is not necessary, so any sub with a line level input in your price range (since that is practically all of them) will have this.

 

[ratso]

But I would need to buy a splitter to do that, right?
Low budget...just want to get some bass out of my system since now I have none

"rca y splitter" on amazon - first page, 97 cents.

 

[markw]

plus shipping

"rca y splitter" on amazon - first page, 97 cents.

Check out a well stocked dollar store for this.

But, unless you just feel better using it, it's not necessary.

 

[dk10438]

personally I've done both, used a splitter and just a single channel and I can attest that it doesn't make a difference

 

[Ed Mullen]

The RCA inputs are almost always summed internally, so it doesn't matter which input you use for a single/mono signal.

If a Y splitter is used, the input voltage is doubled and the subwoofer will play 6 dB louder (vs. a single input). A Y splitter doesn't increase subwoofer power or performance - it just makes the subwoofer play louder for a given input voltage from the pre/pro.