Question re subwoofer cable

kormak

I recently purchased a Pioneer VSX-818V Amp Receiver, which I have a mixture of ceiling and small speakers running out from it. > http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Home/AV-Receivers/Pioneer+Receivers/VSX-818V-K

All working fine, bar I have a subwoofer which I want to output also. It's cables are just regular 2-way speaker cables.
My subwoofer output from the amp is a single rca phono output.
Can someone tell me what the easiest way to get these hooked up is?

I have already tried cutting a single phono and separating the internal copper to one speaker cable and the other internal metalic wire to the other speaker cable. This didn't work!!
I was thinking about buying a single RCS y-link cable like this one, cutting the dual phono cables at one end and connecting my speaker cable, but I'm not sure this will work either!!

Can anyone advice on this?

ps. I have the subwoofer output set to full blast on the receiver's settings. I've also tested the subwoofer out of another channel and it works but sounds VERY LOW?!

stimpson

You need an active sub - ie. one with a built in amp. The line level output is really low and the amp in an active sub will amplify this and provide your sound. My Reciever has both speaker and line level subwoofer outputs so I can use either. You don't seem to be so lucky.

You won't get much audio from any of the other outputs as the low frequency signals aren't sent to those speakers - just to the sub.

kormak

stimpson wrote: »

You need an active sub - ie. one with a built in amp. The line level output is really low and the amp in an active sub will amplify this and provide your sound. My Reciever has both speaker and line level subwoofer outputs so I can use either. You don't seem to be so lucky.

You won't get much audio from any of the other outputs as the low frequency signals aren't sent to those speakers - just to the sub.

Really?! I thought the amp would be powerful enough for a passive sub (But I'm no expert on these things! :-/ )
I picked up a surround set for €20, all speakers working but the amp is knackered.
Looks like I'll have to get back on the ball for an active sub. ;-(

kormak

ps. how come this subwoofer worked on it's previous receiver without issue?
It was an LG 5.1 home cinema system. What's the difference between that one and mine?

stimpson

The previous Reciever had speaker level output for the sub and would have done the amplification.

b318isp

Looking at the picture in the link, you do not have a subwoofer output at all! This is a bit strange.

There are fronts, rears and centres and sprung terminals for a second set of speakers (B).

I can't see a subwoofer line level output or driven connection anywhere. Where did you get the amp?

kormak

b318isp wrote: »

Looking at the picture in the link, you do not have a subwoofer output at all! This is a bit strange.

There are fronts, rears and centres and sprung terminals for a second set of speakers (B).

I can't see a subwoofer line level output or driven connection anywhere. Where did you get the amp?

Is there not 2 subwoofer outs on the back?
1 subwoofer out for the Dolby 5.1 and 1 subwoofer pre-out in the video area at the back.
I bought this on adverts.ie second hand. Decent skin I bought it off and I know he had it setup, so I can msg him.
One of my mates also has the model below this one, so I can check his setup when I get chatting to him.

b318isp

The 5.1 is a line in - "DVD 5.1CH input".

However, I now see the video subwoofer preout. So as Stimpson said, you will need an active subwoofer - which is not unusual for a seperates HT amp. You cannot use your own subwoofer without some form of amplification.