Can I hook up subwoofer to Pioneer SX-6?

[paulgj]

Hello,

I have an old Pioneer SX-6 receiver that does not have a dedicated subwoofer out although it does have two sets of speaker outs (one set in use by Polk Monitor 30 bookshelfs). I was wondering if it would be possible to add a subwoofer to this setup?

Thanks!

[comfortablycurt]

Welcome to Club Polk!:)

Yes, it is very possible. Most subs out there have speaker level inputs and outputs on the back. How it works is by running your speaker outputs on the receiver into the speaker inputs on the sub, and then you run a second pair of wires from the speaker outputs on the sub, to your speakers.

You wouldn't want to use the second pair of speaker outs for the sub though.

Adding a sub will make those Monitor 30's really come to life. Those are some great sounding little speakers(especially for the money) but they do lack in the low end department.

What kind of budget are you looking at for the sub?

[paulgj]

Thanks for the reply Comfortablycurt. I'm not what you would call a hi-fi nut but would definitely like to complement the Monitor 30's. I would say my budget for a subwoofer would be $200 max.

Also do you happen to know if I can bi-wire these speakers using my current setup?

Thanks!

[comfortablycurt]

Here are a couple subs to consider.

Polk Audio PSW303 about 180 bucks

Polk Audio PSW505 This one's about 240 bucks...so it's a little over your price range, but it's a hell of a sub for the money. It gets great reviews. That's what I'd go with myself...it's a little bit extra money...but your end results would be much more satisfactory.

As far as the bi-wiring goes...I'm not an expert on the subject. Do the Monitor 30's have two pairs of binding posts on the back? If they do...it's probably a possibility...though the improvements would be minimal at best. If you're going to try it, MAKE SURE to remove the jumpers that are between the binding posts. Failure to do so could cause severe damage to your speakers. Someone else will be able to provide more insight into that question though.

[paulgj]

Thanks for those recommendations. I'll be sure to check them out.

Yes, the monitor 30's do have the dual connectors on the back. I guess I'm not sure that making the connections from a second set of speaker outs is the way to go or if there is a specific type of connector intended for dual wiring. For now I'm just playing it safe and using a single speaker wire.

[comfortablycurt]

I'd just stick with the single wiring myself. Bi-wiring those speakers isn't really going to give you any advantages.

[vijayl]

I recommend 505. Later, if u wanna upgrade to rti's u can use the same sub. Thats what I did. Started w/ Monitor 50, CS2 and 505. Now i have rti8, cs2(may be I need csi5) but 505 still complements well.

[cnh]

Got to agree with you'all. And with Curt on those M30s--for the price it's really hard to beat those little guys. I had them hooked up to a Denon AVR 2800 series in stereo with no treble or bass adjustments--just flat/Direct--before I started to use them as rears and they sounded pretty damned good by themselves--even the low end was not that bad. But with a sub--forget-about-it!

PSW505 currently a good price at less than 300 with shipping. If you can't afford that the PSW303 is a nice little sub that can augment the M30s.

Available online....www.jr.com www.onecall.com
cnh