Newbie needs help with Sony STR-LV500

[MadM@]

I've been tasked with setting up a 5.1 system for a friend.. they have an existing set of speakers from an old sony cinema system and they want to connect a new setup using a Sony STR-LV500...
The problem I have is that all the speakers connect fine except the sub. The av amp has what looks like a RCA (phono) output, but the sub uses speaker wire like the rest of the speakers. Is this something to do with passive and active subs? in that, the amp will not work with this speaker wire sub?
Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[markw]

"Is this something to do with passive and active subs?" - Bingo.

This is a passive sub. That means it needs an amplifier for it to work from a real receiver's "LFE" or "Sub Out" jacks.

Sumptin' tells me that other speakers in the system hooked up to this sub, right? If so, that's how you're gonna have to hook it up here.

But anyhow, here's some random thoughts on the subject...

Either that, or simply get an inexpensive powered sub. It may not be great shakes (get it? great shakes? ) but it wll be better than that sub.

But, be aware that some systems like that use the sub to severely limit the frequencies going to the other speakers so while the other speakers might work, there's no guarantee how good they will sound or for how long they will survive.

 

[MadM@]

This is a passive sub. That means it needs an amplifier for it to work from a real receiver's "LFE" or "Sub Out" jacks.

Sumptin' tells me that other speakers in the system hooked up to this sub, right? If so, that's how you're gonna have to hook it up here..

The other 5 speakers connect using speaker wire, with special connectors that came with the sony av amp... like the previous system the speakers were used on. But also on the old system the sub connected in the same way. The new Sony (STR-LV500) amp however has this phono type output for subwoofer.... which is what I couldn't see how the speaker wire from the sub would connect too.. I take it there's insn't a work around? (I wish I had some pics of the back to show) Link below for the Tech Spec:
http://www.sony.co.uk/PageView.do?site=odw_en_GB&page=ProductTechnicalFeatures&section=en_GB_Products&productmodel=/Audio/HiFi+Components/HFC+Receiver/STR-LV500&productcategory=/Audio/HiFi+Components/HFC+Receiver&productsku=STRLV500.CEK

 

[markw]

dunno what to say.

No, there is no workaround. That phono out on the new unit means that you need a powered subwoofer, plain and simple. As it is, there ain't no way in he!! that sub will work with the new unit.

 

[Takeereasy]

MarkW is right. The sub is passive so your options are limited. First off you can not run an RCA sytle cable from that receiver to this sub. That RCA output on the amp goes into the RCA input on a powered sub. Since this is a Sony Dream system I have a question. Do the speaker terminals on the back of the amp take plain bare wire, or are the wires from the speakers terminated with some kind of plugs? If the wires are bare then you can run a pair from the front speakers to the speaker out section of the sub. Then run wire from the amp's front left and right output into the amp or receiver in section on the sub. This will improve bass a little. Buying a cheap powered sub is still a way better alternative than hooking up this passive sub, and will let you use the RCA output on the amp.

 

[MadM@]

thanks all.

MarkW is right. The sub is passive so your options are limited. First off you can not run an RCA sytle cable from that receiver to this sub. That RCA output on the amp goes into the RCA input on a powered sub. Since this is a Sony Dream system I have a question. Do the speaker terminals on the back of the amp take plain bare wire, or are the wires from the speakers terminated with some kind of plugs? If the wires are bare then you can run a pair from the front speakers to the speaker out section of the sub. Then run wire from the amp's front left and right output into the amp or receiver in section on the sub. This will improve bass a little. Buying a cheap powered sub is still a way better alternative than hooking up this passive sub, and will let you use the RCA output on the amp.

1st of all, thanks everyone for your quick response. I now understand what I'm doing.. with your help. And re: the speakers, they are terminated with plugs.. custom ones that came with the amp/receiver.. so I'll have to get a powered sub, as you said.

 

[Graham Heywood]

Sony STR-LV500 / DAV-SC8 Speaker connectors

Hi,

Does anyone know where to get the special spaeker connectors for a Sony STR-LV500 / DAV-SC8 ?, Sony want £15.49 for a set for the STR-LV500, I only need 1 !