How to connect a subwoofer to a stereo amp with no sub out
Use the subwoofer’s speaker-level (high-level) inputs. Run speaker wire from the amp’s speaker terminals to the sub, alongside the wires to your main speakers. Check first that the sub has inputs labeled SPEAKER LEVEL or HIGH LEVEL.
Yes. They connect directly.
What you need
- Speaker wire Look for: 16 AWG for most home speakers under 50 ft (see the gauge calculator)
Connect it like this
- Stereo amp (no sub out)Speaker terminals out
- Speaker wire
- Powered subwoofer (speaker-level inputs)Speaker terminals in
What to know
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Cost
- About $10–$30 if you buy everything new
- Sound
- Full quality
- Lag
- None noticeable
- Extra power
- No
Why this works
Both devices have Speaker terminals, so one Speaker wire carries the sound.
Your gear a little different? Answer a couple of questions about your own ports.
Check my exact setup