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Adding Extra Sub/Advice?

post #1 of 10
2/7/09 at 4:17pm
Thread Starter 
Hi all..First off, I have an Onkyo HT-S4100 HTiB, and would like to add another sub, just as a test, and hopefully improve my "low end". The main reason for wanting to do this is room configuration...I have an 8" sub that came w/ the package and between the size (8" speaker) and not being able to place it in the best spot, I'm hoping this will be the "ticket". My question (and probably a dumb one) is...The sub I want to add is a "no-name" sub, I assume a good one as my brother was very knowledgeable (yet not rich) about all of this stuff. My question(s): I don't want to do any harm to anything, and since the speakers are different diameters (also ohms probably, couldn't tell) is that going to be a problem? Another thing is that the sub has spring posts, as does the reciever, so connections would be a snap. Would I be able to connect the xtra sub using "Speaker Set B"?. If so, this whole thing would be a piece of cake. I'm dying to hear it hooked up to this stuff. I've heard that sub before, and it sounds decent..I think it would give me what I'm looking for (and I wouldn't have to SPEND more money!)
Any thoughts, as usual, are sincerely appreciated...Thanks
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post #2 of 10
2/7/09 at 4:21pm

Re: Adding Extra Sub/Advice?

Is the 2nd sub a powered sub??? You probably need to give out a little more info as your current sub is probably hooked up to the LFE/SUBWOOFER output connection on your receiver. I'm sure the experts on here can guide you in the right direction after a little bit more info.
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post #3 of 10
2/7/09 at 4:46pm

Re: Adding Extra Sub/Advice?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Skunk
Hi all..First off, I have an Onkyo HT-S4100 HTiB, and would like to add another sub, just as a test, and hopefully improve my "low end". The main reason for wanting to do this is room configuration...I have an 8" sub that came w/ the package and between the size (8" speaker) and not being able to place it in the best spot, I'm hoping this will be the "ticket". My question (and probably a dumb one) is...The sub I want to add is a "no-name" sub, I assume a good one as my brother was very knowledgeable (yet not rich) about all of this stuff. My question(s): I don't want to do any harm to anything, and since the speakers are different diameters (also ohms probably, couldn't tell) is that going to be a problem? Another thing is that the sub has spring posts, as does the reciever, so connections would be a snap. Would I be able to connect the xtra sub using "Speaker Set B"?. If so, this whole thing would be a piece of cake. I'm dying to hear it hooked up to this stuff. I've heard that sub before, and it sounds decent..I think it would give me what I'm looking for (and I wouldn't have to SPEND more money!)
Any thoughts, as usual, are sincerely appreciated...Thanks
Reply
post #4 of 10
2/8/09 at 4:46pm
Thread Starter 

Re: Adding Extra Sub/Advice?

Quote:
Originally Posted by ccoady
Is the 2nd sub a powered sub??? You probably need to give out a little more info as your current sub is probably hooked up to the LFE/SUBWOOFER output connection on your receiver. I'm sure the experts on here can guide you in the right direction after a little bit more info.
Sorry...yeah, it's a powered sub, and again, I've heard it before and it's a decent sub, much better than the one that came with the HTiB. I've been learning as I go with this Home Theatre stuff and would have done things differently had I known what I do know...like piecing together sperate components etc. Oh Well. I just want to get the best sound from what I have now and I'm pretty sure I'd be blown away by the difference I get woth that other sub...
Connections and possibly damaging anything are my biggest concern...I know that these questions probably seem kind of dumb, but BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY! I'm wondering also if I can just use "Speaker set B" to add that sub?
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post #5 of 10
2/8/09 at 4:51pm
Thread Starter 

Re: Adding Extra Sub/Advice?

Oh...and yes, the sub that came with the HTiB IS connected to the LFE out...thats why I was wondering about using "Speaker B" for connecting that extra sub...plus, it would be easy...no connection/plug hassles or additional purchases..
thanks...
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post #6 of 10
2/8/09 at 5:00pm
Thread Starter 

Re: Adding Extra Sub/Advice?

BTW..I'm disabled, so it's difficult for me to look right now (it's packed away) but the "extra sub" has a lot of settings/switches on it, so it's not just a straight connection with zero adjustabilty (like my Onkyo htib sub)...if that makes sense! Again, it's by no means a "high dollar" sub, but It was my brothers and he knew his stuff. (he would have LOVED forums like this) so it's worth it to me to try and hook that sucker up!

thanks..
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post #7 of 10
2/8/09 at 6:50pm

Re: Adding Extra Sub/Advice?

No, you can't use "speaker set B". That's for connecting speakers in another room, and it's incompatible with surround.

Does the new sub have line level inputs (RCA jacks)? Personally I'd just connect the new sub and not use the old one, at least initially.
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post #8 of 10
2/9/09 at 6:05am
Thread Starter 

Re: Adding Extra Sub/Advice?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Stephen Tu
No, you can't use "speaker set B". That's for connecting speakers in another room, and it's incompatible with surround.

Does the new sub have line level inputs (RCA jacks)? Personally I'd just connect the new sub and not use the old one, at least initially.
Yeah, thanks...I thought that might be overkill, but it was tempting to try. I think you're right..I'll just try the other sub (after disconnecting the first). I don't know if it has RCA's or not, don't think so, but there's ways to work aroung that. I'm assuming I can just use a cord with one (an RCA) on one end for the reciever and yank the other plug off and use the wires for the sub. (making sure of correct polarity of course) The Onkyo sub is "ok"...but I'd sure like to power up that other one..I know it's gonna be better!
Thanks for the reply..
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post #9 of 10
2/9/09 at 11:30am

Re: Adding Extra Sub/Advice?

Quote:
I'm assuming I can just use a cord with one (an RCA) on one end for the reciever and yank the other plug off and use the wires for the sub. (making sure of correct polarity of course)

No, don't do that! If it doesn't have RCA input (very unlikely IMO), only speaker level inputs, you want speaker-level connection not line-level RCA connection. Hook it up to your main speaker A outs. Then hook up your main speakers to the speaker out terminals on the sub.
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post #10 of 10
2/10/09 at 7:08pm
Thread Starter 

Re: Adding Extra Sub/Advice?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Stephen Tu
No, don't do that! If it doesn't have RCA input (very unlikely IMO), only speaker level inputs, you want speaker-level connection not line-level RCA connection. Hook it up to your main speaker A outs. Then hook up your main speakers to the speaker out terminals on the sub.
Wow...thanks. I'm glad I posted the qiestion. It makes sense now that I think of it....I'm sure glad I didn't go ahead and try it like I was going to. Also...I was finally able to get at one of those subs and yes, it does have some RCA IN's on it. In fact, it has just about every kind of adjustments (dials/switches)a person would want,I would think. As I'm sure anybody can tell I'm new to a lot of this..I'm not completely clueless, but I'm trying to catch up with all of this! (Especially home theatre!) Thanks for the help, it's appreciated.
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