If you are looking for a smooth bass response, then having more than one subwoofer in your audio system is the way to go.
You might need to learn how to connect 2 subwoofers to one receiver if you want to enjoy your listening experience. If that is the case, then you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, you will learn how to connect 2 subwoofers to one receiver. You will also learn how to add multiple subwoofers to one receiver, as well as the advantages of having additional subwoofers.
Factors to Consider when Connecting Subwoofers to Receiver
Hooking up two subwoofers to one receiver is relatively easy, but there are some things you need to consider to ensure you carry out the process properly.
Inspect the Subwoofer
Before proceeding with the connection, ensure your subwoofers do not have damaged inputs, otherwise, the connection will not work.
If you notice that the inputs on your subwoofers are bad, the best thing to do is replace them. While it is rare for subwoofer inputs to be repaired, you may still be able to do so.
Confirm the Receiver Outputs
Some receivers come with one preamp output. If that is the case, remember that you cannot connect two subwoofers at the same time. If your preamp outputs show “pre-out,” “sub-out,” or “LFE,” then you are good to go.
Turn Off the Receiver when Working
As you plug and unplug cables, make sure that the receiver is off. When it is on, electricity will run through it, which can be harmful to you and the device.
How to Connect 2 Subwoofers to One Receiver
There are several ways to connect 2 subwoofers to one receiver:
Running RCA Cables for Each Sub
This is for sound system receivers with more than one subwoofer out. If this is the case, then you should have no problem making the connection.
All you have to do is run two separate cables for each sub. Take the cables and run them from each sub out on the receiver to the RCA inputs on the two subwoofers.
If you have a sound system with one sub out, you have to try other options.
Subwoofer Splitter
This is another way to connect two subwoofers. Use an RCA Y splitter, as it comes with a splitting cable.
The splitter takes a signal and splits it into two, directing the signals to both ends of the RCA cable. Technically, the receiver still only supports one subwoofer, but the RCA splitter makes the dual connection possible.
To use the RCA splitter cable, plug one end into the sub out on the receiver. Now, you have two outputs, which you can use to connect the inputs of two subwoofers by running the splitter cable.
With this method, you need to have your subwoofers close enough so the cable will be sufficient. Alternatively, you can buy longer cords. Keep in mind that subwoofers are most efficient when there is a distance between them.
Daisy-Chaining
Daisy-chaining is optimal to connect two or more subwoofers. To use this method, connect the receiver to the input of the first subwoofer. Then, use the low-level output on the first subwoofer to connect the second subwoofer’s input.
This method works well with two subwoofers, but if one of the subs has an RCA Line-Out and RCA Line in, you can choose to use more than two. All you have to do is chain them by connecting the input of the next subwoofer to its output, the input of the next, its output, and so on.
Connecting Wirelessly
This is the least used method on this list, as you don’t have to connect the subs manually. All you need is a wireless subwoofer adapter, which will transmit signals to the appropriate subs.
Keep in mind that adapters differ, so double-check the specifications of the one you want to purchase and ensure it is compatible with your subwoofer.
Benefits of Using 2 Subwoofers
Many people are comfortable using single subwoofers or none, which is fine. The listening experience will be basic and decent. But two or more subwoofers are needed if you are looking for more power output. Here are some benefits of using additional subwoofers:
Higher Range and Frequency Responses
This is a feature you will not find with single subwoofers, as they have a lower range and minimal frequency, so the sound will get worse as you shift away from the sound source.
With a second subwoofer, you will see a minimum increase of 3db in low-frequency output. This decibel increase doubles the level of the previous sound, fitting perfectly in bigger rooms.
Smoother Bass Response
Two subwoofers can boost the sound quality of bass while reducing distortion. This way, you can listen to clean bass sounds at all volume levels.
As you use your sound system, the sound waves from the bass speakers move all around the room. They bounce off the walls or even get absorbed before they reach you.
The higher the frequency, the shorter its waves. Subwoofers are in charge of lower frequencies with longer waves. When these are released in a room, they collide with each other in some spots, thereby canceling themselves. These spots are called null.
Within this null, you most likely won’t hear any bass, which would seem like you don’t have a subwoofer installed.
These waves won’t cancel themselves in other areas but double, creating a peak, a stronger bass sound.
Unfortunately, you might find yourself sitting within one of these nulls or peaks, and a single subwoofer won’t be able to rectify it.
A second subwoofer can help control these waves, thereby creating more spots with enjoyable sound and fewer peaks and nulls.
Less Localizable
Localization means you can tell the direction a sound is coming from. This should not occur, especially when you are using subwoofers, because they are supposed to make the bass sound seem like it’s surrounding you and not just from one direction.
A second subwoofer helps to reduce the chance of localization because the bass would be coming from another source.
Better Spacing
It is easier to fit two subwoofers in your room than one giant one. You can easily place two smaller subs in the room wherever you want, especially if you have a wireless setup.
Less Stress on Your Sound System
Like they say, “two heads are better than one.” Having a second subwoofer connected to your audio system reduces the workload on the first.
If a sound system only has one sub, it would be in charge of the LFE (low-frequency effects) channel. This means all the bass in a track would be handled by that single subwoofer.
Continuous usage can put a strain on the subwoofer, especially if you are one for high volumes. Using a second one would redistribute the load among the two devices.
Not only does this help the subwoofer last longer, but a second subwoofer also helps to produce a cleaner sound due to less distortion and chuffing.
Having two subwoofers also means you do not have to turn up the volume as high as you would with a single sub.
Using Different Sizes and Brands of Subwoofers
Although you can use various brands of subwoofers, make sure they match, at least in terms of type and size. If you use different sizes or types, you might end up with one being more powerful than the other, which could affect the smooth bass you are looking for.
While this isn’t always the case, the chances of the bass not being as clean as possible are high, so try to match the subwoofer as best you can.
Conclusion
Ultimately, that is all you need to know on how to connect 2 subwoofers to one receiver. As you can see, it is not as complicated as you might think, and you have several methods to choose from. You can even go as far as to connect more than two subwoofers if you require it.
Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of subwoofers, how to connect them to a receiver, and the benefits of having more than one. As you try to connect the subwoofers, consider the tips discussed in this article and follow them.
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