How to add a Subwoofer to 2 channel stereo setup?

AON,

Typically an active/powered subwoofer will have both line-level and speaker level inputs, speaker level outputs and sometimes even a line-out.

If the sub has a line-out, you can connect the subwoofer in a "loop" between the pre-amp and power amp by running a pair of interconnects from the pre-amp outputs to the sub line-level inputs, then another pair of interconnects from the sub line-outs to the power amps. In this configuration the low frequencies played by the sub are typically "stripped off" and the output to the power-amp/main speakers no longer contains this low frequency information.

If your sub does not have the line-outs, you can connect it using speaker level inputs. In this setup you may have the opportunity to put the sub in a speaker level "loop" by running speaker cables to the sub, then back out to the main speakers (low frequency information stripped off) or you can simply run speaker cables to the sub and main speakers from the same binding post on your amp.

I would highly recommend you check the manual for the sub to see what options they recommend. If you don't have the manual, you can usually find them on the Sony site for download. If none of their recommendations make sense, post back to the thread and I'll try to provide some more specific instructions....

Enjoy,

TIC

I have a set of Tetra rebels, which are sublime low bass speakers. I remedy this with a Rel sub. The Rel has a line with 3 connections: positive, negative, and ground. I simply wind the positive and ground wire around the amp's right speaker terminal and wind the negative wire around the amp's left speaker terminal. That's it! People dislike subs because there often is a 'hole' in the lower mid section. The Rel has a variable rolloff which adjust quite high, and the Tetras have good lower mid-bass, so it works. Hope this was helpful.

doesn't look like you have a sub. if you don't, look at the rel's. i used a rel strata III with my totem model 1's. to hook up a rel, you actually hook them up straight from your amp along with your speaker cables to your speakers. in this setup, you run your speakers full range, and you tune the subwoofer to you speakers so there is no hole in your sound. rel is an excellent choice and 1 of the best crossover systems.
as for totem arros, lisen to them before you use a sub. i used a pair in my den without a sub and i was impressed. the room was 11x13 and i put the arros in the corners. wonderful sounding. if you are going to play the arros load or for home theater, than i would use a sub and crossover to the sub around 60 - 80 hz. if you like the arros, a little more $$$ and i would recommend the totem hawks. more full range and will play loud. no need for a subwoofer here.

Thanks for your help guys. I guess I know what all that other "stuff" is for on the back of my sub now. I thought I could just use the speaker-level outputs to hook up some speakers. I tried to set up some rear surrounds from the subwoofer's speaker out terminals and nothing happened. It didn't work very well, needless to say. Also, I do have the manual for my sub and guess I should probably read it before setting everything up next time.

After reading your explanations though, I think I can take from here. Well, hopefully.

Reubent, I think I will try both ways just to practice and see if I can hear a difference. And, I'll probably have some fun with it. Hmmm... running speaker wires to both the speakers and the sub from the same binding post is something I would've never thought of, very interesting and ingenious.

Chashmal, I guess your pretty ingenious too. ;-) As for that sub "hole"... yes, it is a problem posing a noticable and rather pesky disturbance in some of my music. It's also bloated and boomy at times with SUBstantial overhang on many an occasion. At least on my sub, and forgive the pun, LOL!

Rbstehno, your half right. I don't have a good sub for music, but it does work fairly well for movies with the deep tone, boom and rumble. And this setup is half, half now for movies and music. I was running everything on a receiver before, then I upgraded my amp and preamp to separates and just need to upgrade the speakers to full-range to finsh a decent mid-fi/hi-fi audio system. And as for the Totem's, I hear you on the Arros, I was thinking the same thing about maybe not needing the sub. I have a fairly small room and will probably position the Arros close to the walls and corners, thus reinforcing the bass. I have heard the Hawks, and they're a very nice and sensual little speaker, but unfortunately I just missed out on a sale of them here for $1,000 or so, listed mabye only a couple of weeks ago or less, if I remember right. I was getting ready to write my email to the seller, when it showed up sold on the classifieds list... after I had looked at the ad about three times, darn.

Anyway guys, thanks again for all your help.

As always,
the Audio Obsessed Novice - in training. ;-)