Confused about backs of subwoofers - DVDfile.com forum for DVD, Blu-Ray, and HD-DVD

brttlt · 05-11-2004, 07:53 PM

I'm looking at my HTIB subwoofer and there is a power cord and then 2 (red/black) wires to my receiver. Some of these subs I have looked at online (hsu vtf-2), have what lookes like all different types of plug ins and such. My question is if I buy a new sub, will it work with my exisying receiver, or do I need a new receiver with what looks like 4 or 5 outlets just for the sub?
Help!

brian · 05-11-2004, 08:09 PM

There's two ways that I know of, to connect a subwoofer to a receiver. One is using an LFE output from your receiver to the sub. This uses a single RCA cable.

B: The other is to feed speaker wire from your receiver to your sub, then out your sub to your front speakers.

Assuming your current set-up is like part B, the HSU STF-2 will work fine. It can be used in either of the set-ups mentioned above.

Edit -- I just noticed you mentioned the VTF-2, which I assume works the same way as the STF-2.

brttlt · 05-11-2004, 08:17 PM

that's something I didn't know. I should be wiring from my sub to my front speakers? My current sub only has 2 out lets for wires going from receiver to sub!

brian · 05-11-2004, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brttlt

that's something I didn't know. I should be wiring from my sub to my front speakers? My current sub only has 2 out lets for wires going from receiver to sub!

I'm not too sure about your set-up, to be honest. Perhaps the HTIB-makers do something different.

brttlt · 05-11-2004, 08:51 PM

they do. the back of my sub has just a red/blk for wires to go from sub to receiver, nothing to go to front speakers. also nothing on the back for changing any sound, frequency...
it sounds really good but i think once i start upgrading, the sound will be incredible!

snipsnapsappy · 05-12-2004, 12:32 AM

The HSU will work with just about any setup. As long as the reciever sends out normal speaker wire. The HSU will handle it fine. Almost any sub has the speaker wire in from reciever and speaker wire out to the front speakers.

However, if your reciever has it, and I am guessing it should, the best connection is the subwwofer out from your reciever into the subwoofer, then you will not need to change anything with your front speakers.

You will want to get a new reciever eventually, but I am sure it would be nice to know that it will work now before you get a new reciever.

Iguana Man · 05-12-2004, 11:16 PM

Brttlt - I'm gonna sound harsh, and it's not meant to be that way, ok buddy?

Why in the world are you going to match a great sub like the HSU (or any great sub) to a HTIB setup? I equate this to throwing 3" headers onto an old Ford Pinto. It may sound nice, but overall, your overall performance still sucks.

I know you want to upgrade, hell, we all do from time to time (minute to minute even!

), but I would seriously consider upgrading your receiver first. Then move on to your front 3 speakers, and then the sub.

Why? I guess that's the way I did it, and man was it enjoyable. I'm not saying my way is the best way, but I honestly believe the gradual upgrades in that order will provide the best enjoyment.

Just my 2 cents bud.....

brttlt · 05-13-2004, 02:33 AM

no worries "Iquana Man"---no offense taken!
I'm not sure what I'm going to get first. I started a thread a while back about slowly upgrading my HT from a HTIB and most people suggested to start witht he speakers; which is the way I think I'll go! I think I'll buy 2 front AXIOM M22's to start!

Iguana Man · 05-13-2004, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brttlt

no worries "Iquana Man"---no offense taken!
I'm not sure what I'm going to get first. I started a thread a while back about slowly upgrading my HT from a HTIB and most people suggested to start witht he speakers; which is the way I think I'll go! I think I'll buy 2 front AXIOM M22's to start!

Well 2 M22's is a major upgrade....so go for it and let us know how it turns out!

(plus, you just made Snip cream his jeans! Just kidding Snip!

)

***Chromy*** · 05-22-2004, 06:59 PM

I would agree that spending money on front speakers will be the cheapest way to dramatically improve the sound of your system. I would suggest getting a new front trio (LCR) and then upgrading to a receiver, and THEN getting a subwoofer. Even the smaller Axioms will most likely be able to 'out bass' a HTIAB subwoofer... I think that the frequency response goes down to ~40-50hz which is probably close to the same range that your existing 'subwoofer' extends to.

Chromy

05-11-2004, 07:53 PM	#1 (permalink)
brttlt Actor Join Date: May 2003	Confused about backs of subwoofers I'm looking at my HTIB subwoofer and there is a power cord and then 2 (red/black) wires to my receiver. Some of these subs I have looked at online (hsu vtf-2), have what lookes like all different types of plug ins and such. My question is if I buy a new sub, will it work with my exisying receiver, or do I need a new receiver with what looks like 4 or 5 outlets just for the sub? Help! __________________ "Knights, I bid you welcome to your new home. Let us ride to Camelot..."

05-11-2004, 08:09 PM	#2 (permalink)
brian Digital Jesűs Emeritus Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Wisconsin	There's two ways that I know of, to connect a subwoofer to a receiver. One is using an LFE output from your receiver to the sub. This uses a single RCA cable. B: The other is to feed speaker wire from your receiver to your sub, then out your sub to your front speakers. Assuming your current set-up is like part B, the HSU STF-2 will work fine. It can be used in either of the set-ups mentioned above. Edit -- I just noticed you mentioned the VTF-2, which I assume works the same way as the STF-2. __________________ Why? fin.

05-11-2004, 08:17 PM	#3 (permalink)
brttlt Actor Join Date: May 2003	that's something I didn't know. I should be wiring from my sub to my front speakers? My current sub only has 2 out lets for wires going from receiver to sub! __________________ "Knights, I bid you welcome to your new home. Let us ride to Camelot..."

05-11-2004, 08:51 PM	#5 (permalink)
brttlt Actor Join Date: May 2003	they do. the back of my sub has just a red/blk for wires to go from sub to receiver, nothing to go to front speakers. also nothing on the back for changing any sound, frequency... it sounds really good but i think once i start upgrading, the sound will be incredible! __________________ "Knights, I bid you welcome to your new home. Let us ride to Camelot..."

05-12-2004, 12:32 AM	#6 (permalink)
snipsnapsappy Actor Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Shell Beach, CA, USA	The HSU will work with just about any setup. As long as the reciever sends out normal speaker wire. The HSU will handle it fine. Almost any sub has the speaker wire in from reciever and speaker wire out to the front speakers. However, if your reciever has it, and I am guessing it should, the best connection is the subwwofer out from your reciever into the subwoofer, then you will not need to change anything with your front speakers. You will want to get a new reciever eventually, but I am sure it would be nice to know that it will work now before you get a new reciever. __________________ I balked, now the proud owner of both formats. I am now bi-partisan. I enjoy what both red and blue have to offer. My Theater MySpace

05-12-2004, 11:16 PM	#7 (permalink)
Iguana Man Ex-BadHumor Man Join Date: May 2002 Location: New Jersey, USA	Brttlt - I'm gonna sound harsh, and it's not meant to be that way, ok buddy? Why in the world are you going to match a great sub like the HSU (or any great sub) to a HTIB setup? I equate this to throwing 3" headers onto an old Ford Pinto. It may sound nice, but overall, your overall performance still sucks. I know you want to upgrade, hell, we all do from time to time (minute to minute even! ), but I would seriously consider upgrading your receiver first. Then move on to your front 3 speakers, and then the sub. Why? I guess that's the way I did it, and man was it enjoyable. I'm not saying my way is the best way, but I honestly believe the gradual upgrades in that order will provide the best enjoyment. Just my 2 cents bud..... __________________ Get outside and have fun! Nacho Website Focus

05-13-2004, 02:33 AM	#8 (permalink)
brttlt Actor Join Date: May 2003	no worries "Iquana Man"---no offense taken! I'm not sure what I'm going to get first. I started a thread a while back about slowly upgrading my HT from a HTIB and most people suggested to start witht he speakers; which is the way I think I'll go! I think I'll buy 2 front AXIOM M22's to start! __________________ "Knights, I bid you welcome to your new home. Let us ride to Camelot..."

05-22-2004, 06:59 PM	#10 (permalink)
*Chromy* Producer/Admin Coffee Boy Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Greater Seattle Area, WA	I would agree that spending money on front speakers will be the cheapest way to dramatically improve the sound of your system. I would suggest getting a new front trio (LCR) and then upgrading to a receiver, and THEN getting a subwoofer. Even the smaller Axioms will most likely be able to 'out bass' a HTIAB subwoofer... I think that the frequency response goes down to ~40-50hz which is probably close to the same range that your existing 'subwoofer' extends to. Chromy __________________ I'm like a lightbulb... without a continual input of fresh power, I grow dim My Home Theater!

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