Passive Subwoofer to Onkyo 505 receiver??

[inblue77chicago]

Is it possible to connect a passive in wall subwoofer to a Onkyo 505 receiver. The sub obviously has the speaker wire connections on it but the receiver has the rca jack connection for the subwoofer. Ive been told 3 diffrent things by Onkyo's tech support. One guy told me that there is no way to do it and if i tried it could damage the receiver. Another told me to use speaker wire from the sub to the center channel speaker connection of the receiver and the third told me to use speaker wire from the sub to the front speaker connection on the reciever. Will any of these work or do i need a seperate amplifier? Is it worth getting a seperate amplifier just for the sub hook up or should i just simply return the passive sub and get a powered one? I like the clean look of an in wall sub thats why i went with it. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Seth=L]

Does it have two sets of high level inputs (left and right) and two sets of high level outputs (left and right), or does it have just a single connector? If it has high level inputs and outputs, it will work fine. If it has only one input you could use an outboard amplifier. If you happened have an amplifier you could very well do that.

I would likely advise returning it for an active subwoofer if the cost will not increase too much. Does the subwoofer need to be in-wall? If so you might start looking for cost effective amplifier solutions because powered in-wall subwoofer might be substantially more expensive.

 

[inblue77chicago]

it is a single connection with simply a positive and negative.

 

[Seth=L]

it is a single connection with simply a positive and negative.

You need to use a power amplifier, you can use the receiver's x-over (make sure you set all your speakers to small).

 

[inblue77chicago]

is it worth purchasing the powered amp or am i better off returning the passive sub and just buying a powered sub?

 

[Seth=L]

is it worth purchasing the powered amp or am i better off returning the passive sub and just buying a powered sub?

As I said before, that depends. Do you need the subwoofer to be in-wall? How much was the subwoofer you purchased?

 

[inblue77chicago]

the sub was only $100. I am having my basement finished and will have a 40 inch sony lcd behind the bar. I planned on using the Sony speakers for the center channel and the 2 in wall speakers for the fronts. My goal was not to achieve surround sound but to have a nice set up to use my ipod etc although the tv will sound through the 2 in wall speakers and sub. I figured having the in wall sub would like nice with the in wall speakers but i guess i could get by with just having a powered sub sit behind the bar. Didnt plan on having to purchase a powered amp since the company i bought the sub from said it would connect directly to the Onkyo receiver.

 

[Seth=L]

The company apparently just wanted the sale, and said nevermind about the extra stuff you might need that they may or may not sell.

I would take a look at the Onix X-Sub from www.av123.com

It's compact and comes in a variety of finishes. It should look nice if it can be seen and is small enough to hide.

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