My current subwoofer has a single black RCA input. This system has two a L and R. Why does a subwoofer have a left and right? ? null

Question

Serp · Accepted Answer

Hey there, great question as this is confusing when you see an L/R on a subwoofer.

The answer is, some older amps or some amps that are only sending a pre-out signal may still use an L/R input for a sub, and thus would need the two-part cable to run the sub.

However, if you look on the back next to your L input, you'll see an L/LFE. This is the "low frequency effects" input and can receive the entire signal through one cable.

Think of the L/R inputs as redundancy or extra in case you had an amp that needed to send two signals. However, any receiver that has a single sub out channel this wont be a problem and you can use a single cable.

Brad · Answer

Depends on your receiver and if it supports two subwoofers.  If your receiver support L & R and you have two subs, you connect them to the coordinating plug.  Otherwise you only need one cable.

Tunes86 · Answer

Gives you a level of control over the sound it creates

“My current subwoofer has a single black RCA input. This system has two a L and R. Why does a subwoofer have a left and right? ?”

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