I've been trying to merge two sound systems I have. One consists of a typical 5.1 receiver with speakers and sub woofer. The other is a 5.1 computer setup consisting of a creative Extigy that connects to a sub woofer via 3 mini-plug cables. The satellites then connect to the sub woofer via discrete connections.

I've decided that I like the computer speakers better and would like to hook them to my 5.1 receiver. The satellites are no problem because they have standard speaker hookups but I can't get the sub to work. My receiver has the standard RCA sub out but then only inputs on the sub are the mini-plug jacks that are responsible for 2 channels of audio (FR/FL, C.SUB, RR,RL). There is also a jack label aux. on the back of the sub.

Here are the things I have tried tried so far, obviously unsuccessfully:

- RCA to mini-plug cable.

- Y RCA splitter to mini-plug cable, like what you would use to hook your iPod to your system. I tried both left and right channels on this.

- Repeating the above steps but plugging the mini into the port labeled aux.

Any ideas?

8/16/2007 7:28:37 PM

bttt for suggestions.

8/17/2007 5:56:35 PM

Quote :

"- Y RCA splitter to mini-plug cable, like what you would use to hook your iPod to your system. I tried both left and right channels on this."

Assuming by left and right you meant center and sub, this step should work. If it doesn't, you've either described the setup wrong or something is busted. Just to be clear:

RCA ===----
\_________________==|=|D mini stereo 1/8"
/
RCA ===----

is what you used. The mini goes to the C/SUB input on the sub, and you tried both of the RCAs on the reciever's sub output.

[Edited on August 18, 2007 at 8:56 PM. Reason : ]

[Edited on August 18, 2007 at 8:56 PM. Reason : TWW sucks at formatting]

8/18/2007 8:55:33 PM

That is exactly what I meant and it did not work. When I press the test setup button on my receiver that tests each channel individually and I press my ear to the sub I can hear faint rumblings but can not hear anything during normal use. The sub still works when hooked to the sound card.

8/19/2007 11:49:43 PM

Is bass redirection turned on?

8/20/2007 1:14:15 AM

I don't know what that feature is. It has a small wired remote that you can use to adjust volume/levels.

8/20/2007 2:23:31 AM

^ look in the creative sound properties panel. Also, make sure you're testing with a 5.1 source and not stereo music.

8/20/2007 2:54:12 AM

^ he's hooking his computer gear up to his real theater setup. Computer is not in the equation anymore, to my understanding.

8/20/2007 6:13:17 PM

^Correct. I'm not using a computer at all anymore. I just want to hook my computer sub to the receiver.

8/21/2007 1:27:26 PM

I understand now. I thought you were running computer sound to the receiver and then out through the speakers.

8/21/2007 1:52:59 PM

stupid question, but is the gain and subwoofer out on the receiver on/turned up?

8/22/2007 4:39:18 PM

Yes, it is. Its not a stupid question because I've done much dumber before.

8/22/2007 8:19:20 PM