Channel stereo refers to the collected audio signal when the sound in different spatial positions is playing. The amount of sound source when recording makes the number of channels. Most people prefer listening to various radio stations with the help of subwoofers. Sometimes the process of setting up the channel stereo and the subwoofer may be challenging.
Full-range speakers are rarely available; hence the ones available end up producing less bass. Most home theatres are often small and end up producing a low bass. Thus, there is a need to use a subwoofer to ensure the information is passed.
Factors to consider when acquiring subwoofers
One can choose a subwoofer so long as it produces some bass, but this is not the case. It’s important to choose the best subwoofer to integrate into your system. Some of the factors to consider to ensure your subwoofer will help include;
- The quality of subwoofer– Most large subwoofers have poor quality drivers. Such poor drivers range from the materials used to a poor magnet or fragile cones. Subwoofers often produce low bass. For linear frequency, its bass driver should have a heavily built magnet with a long throw. The magnet’s diaphragm should be stiff. A different way is by checking on the quality of the amplifier. Most subwoofers use class D amplifiers. Most of them are incapable of controlling their drivers, which results in high distortions. Cheap cabinets affect bass linearity in that one can hear them resonate on playing.
- Size of the subwoofer and the room– The size of the room where the subwoofer is placed determines the bass quality. For small rooms, use small subwoofers, while for larger ones, use larger subwoofers. Room modes intensify energy made by the subwoofer hence decreasing the bass performance.
- Subwoofer placement in the room – Subwoofers are portable, unlike large speakers, and can be moved about anywhere in the room. Its placement determines the particular bass notes to be lost within the room. Subwoofers work with the room modes ensuring a uniform bass.
- Connections – Subwoofers have line connection RCA input or output on your amplifier. Some others have the left and right inputs where two RCA cables can be used. The subwoofer then combines the channels. A Y-combiner adapter can be used where there is only one output in the subwoofer. An amplifier or a preamp might lack these outputs. However, such have specific high-level input like the RELs, which runs the amplifier’s posts.
- Volume, roll-off, and integration with the main speakers. – While interfering with the subwoofer placement, also adjust its volume and roll off. Notes will change, and thus you should gauge volume adjustment at each trial location. It is good to note that a high roll-off will make a congested distended sound.
Connecting your subwoofer into a two-channel stereo
As in the previous explanation, subwoofers do not feature internal amplifiers. They should therefore be mounted to an external amplifier.
Below are steps to follow when connecting your subwoofer into a two-channel stereo.
- Turn everything off
Ensure that both the subwoofer and the amplifier are disconnected from the power source. It happens before connecting your system components.
- Connect the subwoofer to the external amplifier
Decide where to stand your subwoofer before you start the setup process. Use the RCA cables to connect the subwoofer to the external amplifier. The jack on your amplifier is sometimes labeled. The connection of your amplifier’s output with the subwoofer input defines the setup process.
- Check on your subwoofer.
Ensure that you have a clear understanding of the subwoofer you are using. If the subwoofer has a negative and a positive terminal, it’s a single voice call system. It may be a dual voice call subwoofer, hence having two negative and positive terminals. If not sure about certain specifics, always check on the subwoofer guide.
- Connect your amplifier and stereo receiver
Tuners with inbuilt amplifiers make the modern receivers. An audio-visuals receiver allows one to match sound from the TV with the system’s output. Synchronize the system sound by connecting cables from the receiver to the amplifier. Ensure you link the amplifier’s input jack with the pre-out socket.
- Connect the speakers to the receiver
Connect your receiver or amplifier with your speakers to enjoy quality audio. The connection of the amplifier and the speakers is the last step.
Frequently asked questions on subwoofers:
- What is the use of a subwoofer?
It duplicates low frequencies in which speakers are incapable of reaching. The subwoofer works with smaller speakers to produce bass. Drivers in these speakers are not able to reproduce the bass. Most speaker systems have various settings that divert low-frequency content to the system.
Speakers from the satellite are now freed to play without any challenges perfectly.
- Why is it important to adjust the frequency that comes out from the subwoofer?
It is made a regular extension of all speakers. It happens in both frequency and volume. Let’s assume that the subwoofer plays at100 Hz and 40 Hz for the main speakers. Sound is being reproduced between 40Hz and 100Hz. These two frequencies will thus be the ‘peak’ frequencies in the system.
If the speakers play at 100Hz and the subwoofer at 40Hz, a ‘hole’ will be formed. The accuracy of the system will thus be interrupted. Adjusting the frequency maintains the impact and accuracy of the system.
- What are some of the problems with using subwoofers?
It May cause damage to your furniture or the subwoofer once they vibrate on powerful basses. Room modes as well as a common problem associated with subwoofers. Low frequencies are amplified to louder sounds in the room.
Conclusion
It is essential to ensure that both the right and left speakers are appropriately connected. Sometimes polarity problems occur, especially when the connection is poor. Ensure that your receiver terminals and that of your subwoofer are in line. Once the speakers have been hooked up, the connection now becomes complete.
For the perfect performance of your system, you can fine-tune it using controls from your receiver. From here, you can turn on power from the supply source, and the audio starts. Having connected your subwoofer, you can now comfortably enjoy the performance as it flows.
If you enjoyed this video and want to see more content, please remember to like and subscribe! I’ve been reluctant to use a subwoofer with my hifi system for a number of reasons, however recently I’ve had a change of heart. In this video I’ll cover my experience with bass and how adding a high-quality subwoofer made a big impact on my listening enjoyment.
In this video He’ll cover my experience with bass and how adding a high-quality subwoofer made a big impact on my listening enjoyment.
