Common Receiver Issues for Subwoofers

Here are some additional common issues and solutions for troubleshooting powered subwoofers on the receiver's end. If you are experiencing issues with your subwoofer, you should first check to make sure the subwoofer itself is in working condition. To do so, please see articles - Troubleshooting the Internal Amplifier of a Subwoofer & Troubleshooting the Cone Woofer of a Subwoofer

Please Note: This is geared towards "home theater" subwoofers, not the subwoofers that come with our soundbars or computer speakers

If the subwoofer is still not outputting any audio, then it may be likely that the issue is on the receiver's end. Here are some additional troubleshooting steps to assist:

Common Issues

1. Receiver Is Not Setup Correctly
   • Subwoofer is not outputting any audio
     
     • Solution: Make sure that the front speakers, or whole system, are set to "Small" within the receiver settings. If the speakers are set to "Large" or "Full Range", this will send all low frequency content to the front speakers instead of the subwoofer.
     • Solution: Make sure that the subwoofer, or "sub out", channel is enabled/active within the receiver settings.
       
       
2. Hooked Up Incorrectly
   • Subwoofer is not outputting any audio
     • Solution: Check to see where the subwoofer is plugged into on the back of the receiver. It needs to be plugged into a dedicated subwoofer, or "sub out", channel. It's possible it may be plugged into an RCA port that is not sending any audio or low frequency content.
     • Solution: Check the type of cable that is being used to connect the subwoofer to the receiver. This should be a "shielded" subwoofer cable or RCA cable.
       
       See below for 3 pictured examples of subwoofer/RCA cables:
            
       
       
       
3. Crossover Settings are Off
   • If there is an audible gap of no bass between where the front speakers' low end stops and where the subwoofer starts, then the crossover is likely set too low.
     • Solution: We typically recommend that users start with a crossover point of 80Hz for their entire system. This is the standard crossover point that is recommended by THX and should resolve any "bass gap" issues.
       • Note: If controlling the crossover point in the receiver settings, please make sure to set the "Low Pass" knob on the back of the subwoofer to maximum. This point is typically labeled as "LFE" on the knob scale.
         

If you find that your subwoofer's amp, cone woofer and cable connections are all working/correct, then you may need to contact the receiver manufacturer if you still are not getting any audio out of the subwoofer.