Where do you plug in a subwoofer?

A powered subwoofer is plugged into a standard wall outlet for power and fed with audio from your receiver or amplifier, usually via the AVR’s dedicated subwoofer output (LFE); if your gear lacks that, you can use line-level inputs or speaker-level connections, or a wireless link.

How your sub gets connected: main options

There are several established ways to feed a subwoofer from a home audio system. The method you choose depends on your receiver or amplifier and whether you're building a movie-theater setup or a music-focused stereo system.

Here are the main connection methods you'll typically use to feed a sub from your audio system.

• Option 1: Dedicated subwoofer output (LFE) from an AV receiver or processor. Use a single RCA cable to the sub's LFE input.


• Option 2: Line-level stereo inputs from an AVR or pre-out to the sub's L/R inputs. Use two RCAs if the sub has separate L and R inputs; the sub's crossover handles blending with the mains.


• Option 3: Speaker-level inputs from a power amplifier or AVR without a dedicated sub-out. Connect from the amplifier's left/right speaker terminals to the sub's speaker-level inputs; in many setups, the sub also passes through to the main speakers.


• Option 4: Wireless sub connection. A transmitter connects to the AVR’s sub-out or pre-out, and the sub receives audio wirelessly.

For most home theaters, the simplest and most reliable approach is Option 1, using the AVR's sub-out to ensure proper bass management and phase control.

Placement and setup: getting the bass to behave

Where you place the sub in the room shapes how bass rumble lands in your listening position. Start near a front wall or corner to feel the impact, then experiment with other spots. Use your receiver’s bass management and crossover settings to blend the sub with the main speakers, and adjust polarity/phase if you notice boomy or hollow sounds.

Wireless and compatibility notes

Wireless subwoofers offer flexibility but can introduce very small latency. If you choose wireless, pair the transmitter with the sub according to the manufacturer’s instructions and run calibration to balance the sub with the rest of the system. Always check your gear’s manuals for specific input names (LFE, Line In, Speaker In) and recommended cable types.

Summary

In most setups, plug the sub into a power outlet and connect its audio input to the receiver’s sub-out (LFE). If a dedicated sub-out isn’t available, use the sub’s line-level inputs or its speaker-level inputs, or opt for a wireless connection. Calibrate with bass management, crossover, and phase controls to achieve a seamless balance with the other speakers.

Can I plug in a subwoofer to normal audio outputs?

The preferred method works even if a preamp doesn't have special subwoofer or preamp outputs, however, you do need a subwoofer that can accept a “high level” (also called “speaker level”) input. With this method, the subwoofer connects to the back of your amp exactly where you plug in your speakers.

What cable to hook up a subwoofer?

Any single, standard RCA or subwoofer cable should do just fine. However, if the sub is exhibiting a hum with the RCA/sub cable plugged into it, then maybe try using a "shielded" subwoofer cable. One end of the subwoofer/RCA cable will be plugged into the Subwoofer Output on the back of your receiver.

Where do I plug in my subwoofer?

Connect one end of the subwoofer cable to the SUB OUT port on your speakers / amplifier. Connect the other end of the subwoofer cable to the LFE input on your subwoofer. If there are no ports marked LFE then use the white port of the RCA input.

What is the best way to hook up a subwoofer?

The best way to connect a subwoofer is by using a single RCA cable from the receiver's "Subwoofer Out" or "LFE Out" to the subwoofer's "Line In" or "LFE In". If your receiver lacks a dedicated subwoofer output, connect the subwoofer using high-level (speaker wire) inputs, running wires from your receiver's speaker terminals to the subwoofer's speaker-level inputs.
 
This video demonstrates how to connect a subwoofer using an RCA cable: 55sYouthman | Obsessed Home TheaterYouTube · Aug 22, 2021
Method 1: Using RCA cables (Recommended) 
This method is for when your receiver or pre-amp has a dedicated subwoofer output jack. 

1. Locate the ports: Find the "Subwoofer Out" or "LFE Out" on your receiver and the "Line In" or "LFE In" on your subwoofer. These are usually single jacks, sometimes labeled "Left/Right" for line-level inputs, but you only need one. 
2. Connect the cable: Run a single RCA cable from the receiver's output to the subwoofer's input. 
3. Adjust settings: Set the crossover control on the subwoofer to its maximum setting, as the receiver will handle the crossover filtering. 

Method 2: Using speaker wire
This method is for when your receiver doesn't have a subwoofer output jack.
You can watch this video to learn how to connect a subwoofer using speaker wire: 51sAudio ArkitektsYouTube · Apr 19, 2023

1. Locate the ports: Find the "Speaker Level In" on your subwoofer and the "Speaker Out" on your receiver. 
2. Prepare the wires: Run speaker wire from the receiver's left and right speaker outputs to the subwoofer's "Speaker Level In" terminals. 
3. Connect the wires: Connect the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals from the receiver's left channel to the subwoofer's left channel input, and do the same for the right channel. 
4. Connect the main speakers (if applicable): If your subwoofer has "Speaker Level Out" terminals, connect your main speakers to these outputs to ensure the audio signal passes through the subwoofer to the main speakers.