Subwoofer Connection Problem

[loracle]

Please help, I'm a newbie!
I have just purchased a used Kenwood KRF-V7030D (5 x 100W) receiver system with speakers. Since I don’t want to spend too much money I also purchased a brand new Sony SA-WM250 active subwoofer. Well, I hooked everything up (receiver, front speakers, dvd/cd player and subwoofer) and couldn't get the subwoofer to work properly. There's hardly any sound at all (from the receiver rca subwoofer preout to the rca line level connection on the subwoofer). Disconnecting this setup and connecting the sub speaker level connections to the B speaker connections on the receiver--everything worked okay. The user manual that came with the sub even mentions that if the sound is real low when the rca line level connections are used, one should switch to the speaker level connection setup. A Radio Shack technician says that the rca line level connection is much better and that the speaker level connection does NOT make use of the sub's amp. I'm real confused. By the way, I connected the sub to a friend's Sony (5 x 110W) receiver using the rca line level connections and it worked fine. So what gives? Is my receiver not powerful enough or should I go get another subwoofer? Suggestions are most welcome. Thanks.

 

[Sheep]

Please help, I'm a newbie!
I have just purchased a used Kenwood KRF-V7030D (5 x 100W) receiver system with speakers. Since I don’t want to spend too much money I also purchased a brand new Sony SA-WM250 active subwoofer. Well, I hooked everything up (receiver, front speakers, dvd/cd player and subwoofer) and couldn't get the subwoofer to work properly. There's hardly any sound at all (from the receiver rca subwoofer preout to the rca line level connection on the subwoofer). Disconnecting this setup and connecting the sub speaker level connections to the B speaker connections on the receiver--everything worked okay. The user manual that came with the sub even mentions that if the sound is real low when the rca line level connections are used, one should switch to the speaker level connection setup. A Radio Shack technician says that the rca line level connection is much better and that the speaker level connection does NOT make use of the sub's amp. I'm real confused. By the way, I connected the sub to a friend's Sony (5 x 110W) receiver using the rca line level connections and it worked fine. So what gives? Is my receiver not powerful enough or should I go get another subwoofer? Suggestions are most welcome. Thanks.

Your receiver does not power the subwoofer. Go shoot that Ratshack employee right in the knee cap.

Did you check the volume of the subwoofer? Did you check your receivers manual so see if the volume is down in the setup menu? Did you check to make sure the subwoofer is in fact turned on in the menu?

If it worked with the B section I think the subwoofer is turned off in the setup menu. Consult your manual to find out how to turn it on. If you get confused, I will guide you through it.

SheepStar

 

[loracle]

Thanks for the response. Yes, I checked every possible thing (including all the things mentioned in your response to no avail). So could I possibly have a bad subwoofer preout connection on the receiver? And what am I losing if I stay with the receiver speaker (B) level connection to the sub's speaker level connection? Any loss in sound quality, power, etc? Are there any other sub's in the $100-$200 range better than the Sony SA-WM250? I have a medium size (approx. 12' x 15') living room and just need some bass--nothing nerve wrecking. Thanks once again.

 

[Sheep]

Thanks for the response. Yes, I checked every possible thing (including all the things mentioned in your response to no avail). So could I possibly have a bad subwoofer preout connection on the receiver? And what am I losing if I stay with the receiver speaker (B) level connection to the sub's speaker level connection? Any loss in sound quality, power, etc? Are there any other sub's in the $100-$200 range better than the Sony SA-WM250? I have a medium size (approx. 12' x 15') living room and just need some bass--nothing nerve wrecking. Thanks once again.

Theres no downside performance wise to using the highlevel inputs. You will however have to run your mains large, and use the crossver on your subwoofer to get the right blend with your mains.

If you like how the sub sounds when its working, theres no need to upgrade. IN that range, I would look at the BIC H100, and Candence XSUB. Those 2 subwoofers are quite abit better then the sony, but the are around 250 - 300 bucks.

SheepStar

 

[loracle]

Thanks for the info. Went home last night and fiddled around with the receiver's settings--connected sub to receiver via rca line-level connection and changed front speaker settings to small/normal and guess what, the sub worked albeit not sounding the best. The front speakers set at large without the sub sounds much better, so I did some research and decided to purchase the BIC H100 sub--got it for $190.00 (brand new w/full manufacturer's warranty) on ebay. Hope the sound from the sub won't make my wife 'kick' me out of the house when I get it and hook it up Thanks once again.

 

[Sheep]

Thanks for the info. Went home last night and fiddled around with the receiver's settings--connected sub to receiver via rca line-level connection and changed front speaker settings to small/normal and guess what, the sub worked albeit not sounding the best. The front speakers set at large without the sub sounds much better, so I did some research and decided to purchase the BIC H100 sub--got it for $190.00 (brand new w/full manufacturer's warranty) on ebay. Hope the sound from the sub won't make my wife 'kick' me out of the house when I get it and hook it up Thanks once again.

Oh, you went and bought a new sub? Cool!

Well, that will definately make a difference.

Report back and tell us what you think.

SheepStar

 

[loracle]

Yep, bought a new sub and will return the Sony back to RadioShack. I'll keep you posted as to how the BIC H100 sounds when I get it. Thanks.