HK avr 8000

[justcallme61]

I recently just got one of these receivers for free, and I'm new to all of this, so I'm hoping someone could help me out. I got all of my speakers set up through the speaker lines, but there is only one for subwoofers and it is some other kind of cable. I don't remember what it's called, but I have never even seen a subwoofer with that kind of connection, so the question is, how do I hook it up? Also, I don't have a remote for it, so would I be able to buy some kind of universal one to program it to just use for volume and source? Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Seth=L]

A Logitech remote should control pretty much all of the functions that the stock remote would. You could also purchase the original remote control.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Harman-Kardon-AVR-8000-Remote-Control-/320521311216?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aa08f13f0

The connection you refer to is a line level connection. Any active subwoofer will have this connection. Pretty much all modern subwoofers you can buy from any assortment of stores or in the online marketplace will be active subwoofers.

If the receiver works without a hitch that is one killer receiver to get for free, it's a powerhouse.

 

[M Code]

The AVR8000 was a kick-butt THX Ultra AVR, with many features. My suggestion would be if you haven't done it yet, go to www.harmankardon.com and download the Operation Guide.

Just my $0.01..

 

[justcallme61]

I have another question. I was talking to someone today about it to see if they knew, and he said the sub would have to be "self powered". Is this true? What I mean is, does the receiver just send the signal or is it actually powering the sub too? I found a computer sub to see if that would work because it is powered and I couldn't get that to work. I don't understand why it's so difficult (you all probably think it's a breeze ) to hook up a subwoofer, but everything else is so simple. Basically, my sad setup is I spliced my subwoofer with the center speaker....I don't think that's even providing any extra bass, but it is in dire need of it. It sounds amazing other than the lack of bass

 

[T2T]

I have another question. I was talking to someone today about it to see if they knew, and he said the sub would have to be "self powered". Is this true? What I mean is, does the receiver just send the signal or is it actually powering the sub too? I found a computer sub to see if that would work because it is powered and I couldn't get that to work. I don't understand why it's so difficult (you all probably think it's a breeze ) to hook up a subwoofer, but everything else is so simple. Basically, my sad setup is I spliced my subwoofer with the center speaker....I don't think that's even providing any extra bass, but it is in dire need of it. It sounds amazing other than the lack of bass

Correct. The sub has to have its own amplifier power. Only a signal is sent through the connector to the subwoofer. The receiver will not act as an amplifier for a passive (or, non-powered) subwoofer.

 

[justcallme61]

Ok. So.....I now have 2 powered subs, 1 for a computer to try first, then I got another Yamaha powered one. The first problem was it was a 1/8'' connector for the input, so I went to Radioshack to get a 1/8 to phono converter. No go. Still doesn't work. I'm completely at a loss here. What could I possibly be doing wrong here? Should it matter that I have the speakers hooked up to the speaker level connectors and the sub to the line level? Do I need to somehow figure out how to connect the speakers to all the direct inputs now too? If I post pictures of the back of the subs and could someone maybe give me a step by step direction in complete dummy terms? I've never been so confused by an audio system in my life. Car audio is a breeze for me but this is ridiculous. Thanks for the help so far

 

[Seth=L]

The computer subwoofer is not designed to work with home audio equipment, so let's put that one out of mind.

I will assume you tried this with the Yamaha subwoofer (which I will assume is a home subwoofer with a standard RCA connection for input) as well so we can move on to receiver setup and configuration. Do you by chance have the manual for this receiver? If you do not have the paper manual you can access the PDF version of the manual here.

http://www.harmankardon.com/resources/Brands/harmankardon/Products/ProductRelatedDocuments/en-US/OwnersManual/AVR 8000 OM FINAL (REV. 12-18-01).pdf

On pages 21 - 22 it is explained how to setup the speakers and subwoofer to your uses. If you want to subwoofer to engage for all modes (stereo or discrete surround) then you should select SUB LFE+L/R for the subwoofer setup option. The default setting is probably SUB (LFE) which will only engage the subwoofer if the receiver is decoding Dolby Digital 5.1 or some other discrete surround sound format. On the other hand if you are listening to a CD or the radio the subwoofer will not be active with the SUB (LFE) selected. SUB LFE+L/R will allow you to use the subwoofer with CDs and radio as well.

 

[justcallme61]

Thanks for the reply. I'm just going to assume that the yamaha is for computer too. I guess that would explain why they don't work. But can I ask WHY they don't work? Another probably stupid question, how will I know what a "home theater sub" looks like? I really don't need anything all that great, I just need ANYTHING that provides some bass. Also, I'm guessing you need the remote to change the settings you are talking about. I haven't gotten a chance to get a remote yet, but I found one that will work with it, apparently. Logitech Harmony 300 I believe it was. Does anyone have any experience with this by any chance? As long as it can change the source, volume, and menu options it's good enough for me. Sorry for all the questions

 

[Seth=L]

I don't know about either of your subs, without model numbers I can't say what they are. It's not so much what they look like, it's the connectivity.

For example, this is technically a home audio type subwoofer. This is not a good home subwoofer, but it's example none the less. You will notice there is an RCA connection on the rear that should look similar to the connection from your receiver.

<center>
<br /><br />
<br /><br />
</center>


Here is another example of a home subwoofer with a few extra features more commonly seen on home subwoofers. These features include: high level inputs (the binding post connections allow those without dedicated subwoofer outputs on their receivers to be able to have some of the advantages of a subwoofer), level control (to adjust the output of the subwoofer to match the level of the speakers. When you adjust the volume output on the receiver it will in turn increase the output of the subwoofer by increasing the voltage on the subwoofer output terminal on the receiver), low pass crossover (to blend the frequency cut off from your speakers so the subwoofer will start where they stop to cover the entire frequency spectrum). This particular subwoofer has both stereo and mono (LFE-Low Frequency Effects) subwoofer inputs. Your receiver's subwoofer output is mono so you would probably be best off to connect a subwoofer like the one below to the LFE input. Other subwoofers may have just the stereo inputs and you may either connect to just the left or right input (the signal will be converted to mono anyway so it doesn't matter) or get a y-adapter that will take the single mono cable and split it into two separate leads. I've found this to be pointless in nearly all applications though.

<center>
<br /><br />
<br /><br />
</center>

Most often setup procedures can be handled on the front panel of the receiver, it's uncommon that they do not allow this. It may be more time consuming, but you won't know unless you attempt to do it. Read through the manual and see what you find.

 

[justcallme61]

Thanks so much for the help. But yea, I'm almost positive you need the remote for those settings. I think I've read a few different places about that, there's no menu or settings button, or anything of the sort, on the receiver. It just has the different modes and stuff. I think I should be able to figure it out from here, thanks again for the help.

 

[Chicagorep]

Have you gone into the menu and activated the sub out? If it's off no sound will be sent to the sub. Do you know anyone that can help you through your set up?