New Soundbar purchase and PSW10

Zildjian01

Hi. First time poster. Need some help with the hook up of the sub and soundbar. I will be using an Onkyo TX SR-573 once it is delivered.

I am used to using the LFE connection, but this sub doesn't have a LFE connection. The directions diagram is confusing to me. It shows me to use speaker wire from the "speaker level input/right and left" from the sub to the Left and Right Front speaker connection on the receiver. However, I will already have a connection in those speaker outputs from the Right and Left Front from the SoundBar. My question is, being a semi HT newbi, how is it possible/ok to put two speaker inputs into the same output with the wires touching? I think the receiver has 5 way binding posts. Does that mean I use banana plugs for one connection and say bare or spade for the other (from sub) connection?

Hope that makes sense

Chris

jakelm

Just use the left and right phono jack input on the sub. Go from the sub pre\out on the reciever, get a "y" connector and hook up the RCA input on the sub. Set the reciver xover to 80hz. Then adjust the sub out on reciever and gain on sub.

okiepolkie

Actually, if I'm not mistaken, the Polk way to hook up the sub will work better for surroundbar. The speaker inputs going to the subwoofer will not be used for power. They are only used as a signal so the subwoofer can get the bass signals from the main channels.

If you have any questions with hookup, give Polk CS a call. In every instance I've dealt with them, they have been very helpful.

dorokusai

Zildjian - If the Onkyo has a LFE output, just do what Jake mentioned previously...use the line level inputs on the subwoofer. The line level inputs can be used in the same way as an LFE. If you adjust the subwoofer crossover on the AVR, make sure you turn up the filter/crossover on the sub, all the way up. A Y adapter isn't neccesary but you can certainly use one.

If you would like more information.... polkcs@polkaudio.com or 800.377.7655 Opt. 1

jakelm

I think he says that the sub doesnt have the LFE. If the reciever does, then just hook up the reciever sub pre out to the left or right RCA input on the sub. For better results ,get a Y adapter for the left and right on the sub.

dorokusai

Thanks Jake...I misread that earlier.

jakelm

Most subs have a left and right RCA input and a LFE input. The LFE input on most subs is a non xover input (bypass). Meaning , when using this input the only xover working is the recievers xover. On the PSW10 there is no LFE input , only left and right. This left and right input uses the subs built in xover. So for best results, if your using the recivers xover (sub pre out ,lets say 80hz), its better to just turn the subs xover on the plate amp all the way up to the highest hz setting. That way you are not fighting xover to xover.

jakelm

Be carefull you are turning the xover up and not the gain..lol

Zildjian01

Thanks for the replys so far. yes the Onkyo does have a LFE. LOL.. I guess I am just reading the directions (shouldn't have) and as jakelm meantions Polk says to hook it up with the speaker level input. So...you know, I will try both and see what sounds better. I didn't think of using the L/R on the sub with the LFE on the receiver. Thanks for the idea.

Doro...when you say, "turn the cross over all the way up", what do you mean? Does that mean I should go to the 160 level and not near the 80 level?

Jakelm...as Polk says...using the "speaker level input Left" from the sub... I am running wire from the sub L input to the Front L on the receiver. And the same on the soundbar. Left front on soundbar to left front on receiver. Do I need to make sure the wires entering the Left front on the receiver don't touch...or does it not matter?

Chris

jakelm

First, yes turn it up to 160

Second , just use the RCA input to sub and hook your soundbar up to the reciever speaker outputs. Dont hook the soundbar to the sub. Makes life much easier. If you decide to go the other way and hook the soubs bar to the sub. You will have to run speaker wire from the left and right channel of the reciever to the left and right speaker input on the sub, then the speaker out on the sub to the sounbar. Then you will have to ajdust the xover on the sub to coordinate with the sound bar. Before you know it, you will have a head ache and wires going everywhere.

aaharvel

try all possible methods and trust your ears. imo bypassing the sub's x-over sounds horrible. I stagger both crossovers in my system, using the sub pre-out, but yours may benefit differently.