Im sorry about the confusion. I didnt connect the sub power cord to the receiver power, but connected the sub power cord to the same power strip that the receiver was connected to. i tried connecting to a different outlet, but still the same thing. about the wire i am using, it is copper. the gauge is plenty for what it needs. idk anymore. i think either something came loose in the connections in the box somewhere, or the sub just got a ...charge while i was out or Something. any other ideas? thanks you guys for filling me in this far.