How do you hook up a REL subwoofer
David Perry
Updated on April 16, 2026
Connect. If you are using your subwoofer with a home theater receiver, the connection is simple: Just run an audio interconnect cable like this one from the receiver’s subwoofer output to the subwoofer’s line input (pictured above). If the subwoofer has an input labeled LFE, use that one.
How do I connect my subwoofer to my stereo?
Connect. If you are using your subwoofer with a home theater receiver, the connection is simple: Just run an audio interconnect cable like this one from the receiver’s subwoofer output to the subwoofer’s line input (pictured above). If the subwoofer has an input labeled LFE, use that one.
How do I connect my subwoofer to my amp?
- Turn the amplifier and the subwoofer so the backs are facing you. …
- Locate the plug on your amplifier that is labeled Sub Out, LFE (low frequency effects) Out or Line Out [source: KEF]. …
- Connect the cable that was included with the subwoofer to the amplifier’s terminal.
What is the best way to hook up a subwoofer?
The optimal connection is to use the RCA (Phono) “sub” or “woofer” line out found on home theater receivers and pre-amps. Some subwoofers offer High Level inputs (speaker wire connections), they are there for use with a receiver or pre-amp without a sub RCA connection.How do you hook up a subwoofer without an amp?
Start the installation process by removing your speaker from the mounting dock, giving access to its wiring. Mount your subwoofer in your preferred location. Next, reroute the stereo and power supply cables to the subwoofer and connect them. If your audio system has an outlet for your subwoofer, connect this as well.
How do you hook up a passive subwoofer to a stereo receiver?
You can connect a passive subwoofer to an AV receiver by treating it as a loudspeaker and linking the subwoofer directly to your AV receiver via the speaker connectors. You can also power it with an external amplifier and treat it as a powered subwoofer that connects to the pre-out.
How do I connect my subwoofer to left and right input?
To connect a subwoofer to its receiver, you can use an LFE input cable or an RCA line-in cable (used for left and right input options). Assuming your subwoofer has the option to use an LFE input, this will be your best choice. But, if not, then an RCA input option will work.
Is a subwoofer cable just an RCA cable?
Subwoofer cables contain RCA connectors on both ends. Subwoofer cables produce a deep, intense sound and the quality is far superior to that of typical RCA sound. Subwoofers transmit bass in addition to regular sound signals, so that when you listen to it in your home theater, TV shows and moves can really come alive.How do you connect a subwoofer to a speaker?
- Check the specifications on your receiver. …
- Check the specifications on your subwoofer. …
- Use two speaker wires to connect to the front and back of the sub on the left and right audio channels. …
- Adjust the filter on the subwoofer to clarify the audio. …
- Enjoy the bass.
Some (many) powered subs have high level inputs, so you can just tap into the rear speaker wires. If your car has a factory sub, use its speaker wire instead. If it doesn’t have high level inputs, you can use a basic line out converter that ties into the speaker wires and turns them into a rca output.
Article first time published onWhere do you plug in a subwoofer?
The preferred method of connecting a subwoofer is through the subwoofer output (labeled SUB OUT or SUBWOOFER) of a receiver using an LFE (Low-Frequency Effects) cable. Almost all home theater receivers and processors and some stereo receivers have this type of subwoofer output.
Does a subwoofer need an amplifier?
A subwoofer is just a form of loudspeaker, they all need amplifiers, even if they appear not to, as some have the amplifier built into the enclosure. It is easy to identify the difference as a powered device has a connection for a power supply, as well as for the audio signal.
Will a sub work without an amp?
In nearly all cases, the answer is yes. Unless you have a system in your car or boat that is already powering a subwoofer, you’ll need to find an amplifier that will power your sub. Your head unit will typically provide a low-power signal (RCA output) that can be used for an amplifier to power your subwoofer.
Can I just add a subwoofer to my car?
And it’s actually quite easy, thanks to simple subwoofer upgrades from the aftermarket that can be added to almost any existing car stereo system. Adding a subwoofer to your audio system generally means also having to purchase and install an amplifier to power it.
Should I use both inputs on subwoofer?
Dual input allows the subwoofer an extra sensitivity adjustment. Normally, it would be enough to use a mono LFE subwoofer signal from its processor. … By using both inputs with the same mono signal doubles the subwoofer sensitivity. This means that there is now only half the signal strength to drive it to full output.
Do you need a special cable for subwoofer?
Ways to Connect Subwoofer Most subwoofers require a single long cable with RCA connector. Connect it to the output of the AV receiver preamp and to an LFE (low-frequency effect) port of a subwoofer.
How do I connect my subwoofer to my computer?
Connect the sound cable with black connectors into the Rear Speaker Out port on the back of the computer. Plug the other end of the cable into the black port on the subwoofer, next to the green port. Connect the sound cable with orange connectors into the orange Center or Digital Out port on the back of the computer.
What cables do you need for a subwoofer?
Regardless of what type of connection is available, be it RCA or direct wired, it is highly recommended to use shielded, heavy gauge cabling specifically designed for subwoofers. Such cables provide a cleaner, more noise-free audio signal.
What is the difference between a passive and active subwoofer?
The difference between passive and active subwoofers is that passive subwoofer depends on an external amplifier, while an active subwoofer contains a built-in amplifier. … The passive subwoofer is usually smaller and less bulky than the active subwoofer, although it produces a less intense sound.
What do I need for a passive subwoofer?
Passive subs are called passive because they need to be powered by an external amplifier or Audio/Video (A/V) receiver . This is similar to traditional speakers.
What is the difference between a subwoofer cable and RCA?
An RCA cable connects a subwoofer to a receiver with an audio signal sent to the standard left, right, and center channels with a coaxial connection. A subwoofer cable typically contains the same wiring but has additional shielding added to reduce the speaker hum and provide greater sound clarity.
Can I use a single RCA cable for subwoofer?
Any single, standard RCA or subwoofer cable should do just fine. … The other end of the cable will be plugged into the L/LFE (white) RCA jack on the back of your sub. Any cable designed for subwoofer use should be just fine.
Are all subwoofer cables the same?
Subwoofers do not require any specific form of audio cabling. The specific type of cable needed to connect a subwoofer to an audio system will depend on the audio input jacks built onto the subwoofer itself.
Do RCA cables go to input or output on AMP?
Your amplifier gets its input signals from the receiver’s output typically via RCA cables. RCA cables come in stereo pairs, in various lengths. When running new speaker wires from your amplifier’s output to the speakers, any size wire from 18- to 14-gauge will work fine.
Can you hook subs to a stock stereo?
For us humans, that just means you’ll get phenomenal sound ALL while keeping your factory stereo and controls. … So now you know – it’s definitely possible to install a subwoofer and amplifier to your factory system, and still have it sounding good.
How do you wire up an amp?
Connect the RCA, speaker, and remote turn-on leads to your amp. Feed the RCA cable along the bottom of the doors, then plug it into the back of the amp. Once you’ve done this, plug the speaker and remote turn-on leads into the back of the amp. These wires may be different colors, depending on the manufacturer.