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For a receiver with a dedicated SUB or SUB/LFE output, connect it to the subwoofer’s LFE or compatible LINE IN jack with one mono RCA cable. If your receiver lacks that output, the right alternative depends on its other outputs and the inputs your subwoofer supports. Check both manuals and the labels on the actual devices before wiring, because Monoprice models do not all have the same connections.
Choose the connection that matches both devices
Match an output on the receiver to an input on the subwoofer that the manuals identify as compatible. The receiver’s available outputs and the subwoofer’s available inputs determine the connection—not the brand name alone.
| Receiver output | Subwoofer input | Cable and connection | When to use it |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUB or SUB/LFE | LFE or compatible left line input | One mono RCA cable | Preferred when both devices support a dedicated subwoofer connection. Monoprice manuals specify this path for applicable models and note that the cable is not included. Monoprice manual, Monoprice manual, Monoprice manual |
| Stereo preamplifier outputs | Left and right line-level RCA inputs | Stereo RCA cable | Use only if the receiver lacks a dedicated subwoofer output and the subwoofer has compatible line-level inputs. Monoprice manual, Monoprice manual, Monoprice manual |
| Speaker outputs | Speaker-level inputs or terminals | Speaker wire | Use only when both manuals support this route. Some Monoprice subwoofers have speaker-level inputs; others may not. Monoprice manual, Monoprice manual, Monoprice manual |
Connect a dedicated SUB/LFE output
- Turn off and unplug the receiver and subwoofer before connecting anything.
- Find the receiver’s jack labeled SUB OUT, SUBWOOFER, or SUB/LFE, and the subwoofer’s LFE or compatible LINE IN jack. Monoprice describes the LFE input on product 14567 as a mono line-level RCA input for a dedicated subwoofer output; that label applies to that model, not every Monoprice subwoofer. Monoprice product manual
- Connect those jacks with one mono RCA cable. If the subwoofer has a single LFE input, use it. If its manual specifies a left line input for this connection, follow that model’s instructions.
- Reconnect power. The cited setup instructions do not include the cable, so make sure you have a compatible cable before starting. Monoprice manual, Monoprice manual, Monoprice manual
If the receiver has no dedicated subwoofer output
Use stereo preamplifier outputs when supported
Look for the receiver’s left and right PRE OUT jacks and confirm that the subwoofer has left and right line-level RCA inputs. If both manuals support this arrangement, connect the stereo preamplifier outputs to the corresponding subwoofer inputs with a stereo RCA cable. Do not assume that ordinary speaker outputs and preamplifier outputs are interchangeable. Monoprice manual, Monoprice manual, Monoprice manual
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If there are no SUB/LFE or preamplifier outputs, check whether the receiver has speaker outputs and the subwoofer has speaker-level inputs. Connect them with speaker wire only if the manuals describe that signal path. Monoprice identifies speaker-level inputs on product 14567 as stereo binding posts for connection to an amplifier’s speaker-level outputs; other models may differ. Monoprice product manual
#1 Best Overall
- 97% pure oxygen-free copper conductor
- Double shielded with copper braiding
- 22 pF per foot capacitance
- 75 ohm impedance
Set the subwoofer after wiring
For the applicable models, Monoprice’s setup guidance is to begin with the subwoofer volume and low-pass filter at minimum, then raise the volume gradually while playing material with substantial low-frequency content. Adjust the low-pass filter for a smooth transition to the main speakers. The manual warns that setting it too high can make bass sound boomy and male voices unnaturally chesty. Controls and their ranges vary, so use the instructions for your exact model rather than treating one setting as universal. Monoprice manual, Monoprice manual
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Buy with Confidence: With Monoprice's Lifetime Warranty on all Cables, you can rest assured we stand behind our products and our customers.
- 97 Percent pure oxygen-free copper conductor
- Double shielded with copper braiding.
- 22 pF per foot capacitance.
- 75 ohm impedance.
Rank #4
- Additionally, the braided jacket gives a premium appearance over that of ordinary plastic jackets.
- The CL2 rating on this cable indicates that the jacket has been treated so that it complies with fire safety regulations, making it safe for use through or within the walls of residential class buildings.
- The plastic cable jacket has been encased within braided nylon, which resists nicks and cuts without reducing cable flexibility.
- The Onix Series Digital Coax Cable supports the following features: Gold plated RCA male connectors. 97 percent pure oxygen-free copper conductor. Double shielded with copper braiding. 22 pF per foot capacitance. 75ohm impedance.
Rank #3
- Buy with Confidence: With Monoprice's Lifetime Warranty on all Cables, you can rest assured we stand behind our products and our customers.
- This cable is ideal for conducting S/PDIF digital audio signals and other high-bandwidth content
- it can also be used for composite video and other line level RCA signals
- Gold plated RCA male connectors Rubber-covered, molded connector housings 97 Percent pure oxygen-free copper conductor
- 22 pF per foot capacitance 75 ohm impedance
Rank #2
- The CL2 rating on this cable indicates that the jacket has been treated so that it complies with fire safety regulations, making it safe for use through or within the walls of residential class buildings.
- The plastic cable jacket has been encased within braided nylon, which resists nicks and cuts without reducing cable flexibility. Additionally, the braided jacket gives a premium appearance over that of ordinary plastic jackets.
- It has the following features: Gold plated RCA male connectors | 97 Percent pure oxygen-free copper conductor | Double shielded with copper braiding
- It has the following features: 22 pF per foot capacitance | 75 ohm impedance
If there is no sound, check the signal path
- Confirm the cable runs from an output on the receiver to an input on the subwoofer—not output to output or input to input.
- Recheck the jack labels and manual for the exact subwoofer and receiver. A model without the input you need cannot use that connection method.
- For an LFE connection, verify that the receiver’s dedicated subwoofer output is connected to the subwoofer’s LFE or manual-approved line input.
- For a preamplifier or speaker-level connection, confirm that both manuals support the selected route and that the cable type matches it.
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