Subwoofer question

[rlw]

I'm using my existing KLH 5.1 speaker system with the new Pioneer receiver, but there's a problem with the subwoofer.

The sub I have is a powered subwoofer. Basically, the front left and right speaker output from the receiver go to the subwoofer, which then drives the two speakers.

I had them set up that way with my old Sherwood receiver, and they sounded pretty good. The Pioneer has a separate output for the sub. The Pioneer also has a feature that lets it auto-adjust the speakers to the room. There's a microphone with a 20-foot cable that gets plugged into the front panel. The mike goes into the center of the room at the "sweet spot" listening position, and the receiver emits what sounds like pink noise from each speaker in turn. It also plays what sounds like a bass drum beat from each speaker to gauge the distance of each speaker from the mike. It takes all the feedback, and calculates the "optimum" level of each speaker.

Since there's no dedicated subwoofer in my setup, it never gets the chance to evaluate the sub.

I'm assuming that the L/R inputs to the subwoofer present 8 Ohms to the output side of the receiver. Should I connect the sub output from the receiver to just one input channel of the sub? I'm assuming that either input channel to the sub would still drive it.

I also thought of connecting the two input channels in parallel, but, since that would only present 4 Ohms to the output, I may be endangering the output driver in the receiver. According to the manual, this receiver can handle speakers with nominal impedance from 6-16 Ohms. Perhaps I should connect the inputs in series?

Example:
Rcvr Sub out + <===================> Sub L+
.====> Sub L-
Jumper |
`====> Sub R+
Rcvr Sub out - <===================> Sub R-

So... which would work better, just connecting one input channel of the subwoofer to the receiver's output, or connecting them in series (still staying in the specs for the speaker impedance). There's a manual adjustment/setting for each individual speaker's impedance, including one for the subwoofer.

Suggestions, comments?

Thanks in advance for any help,

RLW

[snodgrass23]

First thing to clear up is whether your sub is powered or passive. If the sub is powered, the output to the sub should be in the form of a line out, so it doesn't have amplification driving it. It will generally be in the form of a single mono rca connection. The speakers would get their power directly from the receiver with amplification.

It may be helpful if you can take a picture of all the connections on the receiver as well as the sub, or find one online for your models.

[nicholc2]

You should run from the subwoofer out of the Pioneer to the sub Mono (L) input of the subwoofer via RCA subwoofer cable. Then hook up the rest of your speakers to the receiver directly. You don't need to run the left/right to the sub since your receiver can power all 5 main channels directly. Make sure you set the speakers to small. Using this config, you can have the best of all worlds and the Pioneer can successfully set up the speakers using its audio processing.

If you want to send me a PM with your contact #, I can give you a call. I have a pioneer receiver as well, so I can help you out if you have any other questions.

[rlw]

Thanks for the replies. After I posted, I took another look at the manual and the back of the receiver. I had mistaken the "B" speaker terminals for the subwoofer output, which is a line-level RCA jack. It turned out that my powered sub has an RCA-in, and uses the left channel as a mono input.

I re-ran the auto speaker adjustment, and it correctly identified all of the speakers and set them to "SMALL". It sounds great now.

Thanks again...

RLW