Stereo -> Active sub = sounds horrible

Datenshi · 18-10-2009, 1:48 AM

Hello there, I've modded a subwoofer that came from a dvdset, so i can use it standalone, but i tried sending a speaker wire from my stereo to the built in amp(sub) and it just sounds incredibly loud and distorted. When i tried with my mp3 player on low volume it sounds pretty good. But my intention was to use it in the stereo, any thoughts? Could it be a higher current coming out of the stereo or the amp in the stereo is knocking the sub out? I'm not very good with audio equipment

Welwynnick · 18-10-2009, 8:29 AM

Sounds like you're connecting a high-level speaker outlet from the amp to the low-level line input on the sub.

You need either high-to-high or low-to-low.

Either that, or you simply need to turn the gain down on the sub.

Nick

Mark.Yudkin · 18-10-2009, 8:36 AM

You need an active sub with stereo high level (aka speaker) inputs. Most subs from all-in-one sets do not offer this functionality, but support only a low level (RCA) connection. Such subs do not work in a stereo environment, as they weren't meant to.

Datenshi · 19-10-2009, 4:57 AM

yeah that's whats happening, got some help from another guy on another forum and he told me i could put a couple of resistors on the speaker cables to lower its voltage to an acceptable level. 10k ohm resistor wasn't enough for my stereo but it worked fine with an mp3 player, might have to increase to maybe 20k ohm for the stereo..i'll try it later.