How to Connect a Onkyo TX-8211 Subwoofer

Connect the Onkyo using 18-gauge speaker wire.

The Onkyo TX-8211 is a 200-watt stereo receiver with four inputs for connecting speakers. This is a basic audio receiver that does not have a dedicated jack for a subwoofer, as full-featured audio-video receivers do. You can still connect a subwoofer to the TX-8211 using a length of heavy-gauge speaker wire hooked up directly to the terminals on the back of the sub, rather than using a 1/4-inch subwoofer cable. Use at least 18-gauge speaker wire and place the sub within 10 feet of the Onkyo TX-8211 to maximize signal strength.

Things You'll Need

• 18-gauge speaker wire
• Wire strippers

Instructions

1. Cut a speaker wire long enough to connect from the TX-8211 to the subwoofer. Remove 1/2 an inch of insulation from the two wires on each end.

2. Connect the two wires on one end of the speaker wire to the positive (red) and negative (black) terminals on the back of the Onkyo labeled "Speakers B," using the set of "L" (left) terminals. The colored wire connects to the red terminal, and the plain wire connects to to the black terminal.

3. Press the "Power" button on the front left side of the Onkyo control panel and turn on the subwoofer.

4. Press the "A" and "B" speaker buttons on the front of the Onkyo. The B speaker button must be activated to send a signal to the subwoofer.

References

• Onkyo: TX-8211 Features and Specifications
• Audioholics: Speaker Cable Gauge Guidelines and Recommendations