This article explains how to connect a subwoofer to a receiver or amplifier using LFE cables, RCA cables, or speaker wire connections.

The preferred method for connecting a subwoofer is to connect it to the subwoofer output (labeled SUB OUT or SUBWOOFER) on a receiver using an LFE (Low-Frequency Effects) cable. Virtually all home theater receivers and processors, and some stereo receivers, have this type of subwoofer output.

Surround sound audio (also known as 5.1 channel audio) such as media found on DVDs or cable TV has a special channel output that only has bass content that is best reproduced by a subwoofer. To set this up, you will need to connect the LFE or subwoofer output jack on the receiver/amplifier to the LINE IN or LFE IN jack on the subwoofer. It is usually just one cable with single RCA connectors on both ends.

Sometimes a receiver or amplifier does not have an LFE subwoofer output, and sometimes the subwoofer does not have an LFE input. Instead, the subwoofer may have right and left (R and L) stereo RCA connectors or spring-loaded terminals like those found on the back of standard speakers.