Frankensystem is killing me!

[Scot Moore]

Let me start by saying I have yet to spend any serious money on my home audio system (aside from cables etc), having been gifted all of its components over the past few years. I am currently using a pair of Sony SS-RX707s with a pair of Bose 201 Series IIIs out of my Sony STR DE-598 receiver. Recently I came across a Yamaha YST-SW205 subwoofer, and decided to see if it will work on my system.

So far I have not been able to get any sound from the subwoofer, although it has been able to provide power to my speakers when I run them from the receiver through the sub terminals. Curiously, the reciever was able to power my speakers through the sub even after I unplugged the sub.

So my question: is this set up even possible and if so, what am I doing wrong? If it's not possible, can anyone recommend a sub woofer that would be compatible with my receiver and won't cost me an arm and a leg?

 

[lovinthehd]

You're just using the high level (speaker level) inputs on the sub, the sub isn't powering the speakers (the sub just gets signal via this connection). The sub should work connected that way, perhaps there's an issue with the sub's amp. I take it that this is a used sub?

Try connecting an rca cable from the subwoofer pre-out on the back of the avr into one of the rca inputs on the sub. If it still doesn't work then I'd say the sub has amp issues....

 

[Scot Moore]

Yes it is used. I forgot to mention I do have the RCA connection going between receiver and sub. Would amp issues be something easiy fixed or am I looking at finding another sub?

 

[lovinthehd]

Yes it is used. I forgot to mention I do have the RCA connection going between receiver and sub. Would amp issues be something easiy fixed or am I looking at finding another sub?

You shouldn't have both types of connections at the same time....altho I don't think that is what is preventing it from working (but try using just one for the heck of it). Doubtful the amp is worth the cost of a repair bill. If budget is a concern I'd look at the Dayton subs at parts-express.com.

ps In your shoes I'd still take it apart and see if it isn't something obvious like a broken connection....

 

[-Jim-]

Hi Scot,

Welcome to the forum. I don't know if you have them but it's always a good idea to grab the manuals for your gear. Here's where your receiver is :https://esupport.sony.com/CA/p/model-home.pl?mdl=STRDE598

And your Sub: http://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio-visual/speaker-systems/subwoofers/yst-sw205_black__u/

You will get better performance by connecting your speakers to the Sony Receiver and using the RCA connection to your Sub.

Please make your connections with everything powered off and "unplugged". Then plug them in with the volume turned down. Don't forget there is an On/Off switch on the rear of the Sub. According to the manual (page 8) you also need to press the Auto/Standby button once to turn it on (The power indicator lights up green.) Then adjust you volume for the sub.

You can do the above with the High Level connections you have made (I'd unplug the RCA Cable first) just to test if the Sub works. Good luck with your system.