Subwoofer Cable Tutorial

The ends of a subwoofer cable have RCA plugs much like this.

The vast majority of home subwoofers can be classified as powered subwoofers that have their own internal amplifiers that drive the speakers. The subwoofer is plugged into a wall outlet or power strip to provide electricity for the amplifier, but the low-level audio signal that the internal amplifier boosts has to come from the receiver of the home audio system. This is where a subwoofer cable comes into the picture.

Instructions

1. Insert the tip of the RCA plug on the end of the subwoofer cable into the subwoofer's input. The input on the subwoofer will be a complementary female RCA jack, usually labeled "line in" or "LFE in." Push the plug firmly into the jack until it won't go any further.

2. Take the other end of the subwoofer cable to the rear panel of your receiver. Locate the subwoofer output. This is a female RCA jack, usually labeled "sub out" or "LFE out."

3. Insert the tip of the RCA plug on the end of the subwoofer cable into the receiver's subwoofer output. Push the plug in firmly until it won't go in any further.

References

• "Home Theater Hacks: 100 Industrial-Strength Tips & Tools"; Brett Mclaughlin; 2004