Line-level converter from mains to sub?

[Blue Ninja]

Hello all,

 

I have a Yamaha R-N303BL stereo receiver I'm using in a room, with the intention of using the B outputs for outdoor speakers. I also have a subwoofer (K100-SW) for that room that I'd like to join in on the fun. The receiver has no sub output (obviously, since it's stereo, not home theater), but it does have line-out, and I figured that would be fine with the LFE/Line-In on the sub (which does not have powered speaker inputs). However, I had not considered that line-out was volume-independent - so the sub volume remains the same regardless of selected volume on the receiver. D'oh!

 

I have seen suggestions of using the B output on a line-level converter, but I plan to use the B outputs for outdoors. I would rather not swap out for a surround receiver for a room with only speakers just to tie in the sub, and I'd rather not swap out the subwoofer for one with L/R powered speaker inputs that then chain off to the L/R speakers, if possible. Would it be viable to connect a line-level converter to the A speaker posts in parallel with the L/R speakers, and use that to connect to the line-level input on the sub? I have seen some on Amazon that are described as being for older radios to hook into a new receiver or something like that, so I'm not sure they're designed to handle this type of scenario - I don't want to let out any of the magic smoke that makes electronics work!

 

So, is there a viable way to run the line-level input sub off the receiver's speaker posts alongside the L/R speakers, or do I need to exchange the sub for one with L/R speaker inputs & outputs?

 

Thanks for any suggestions!

[tubetwister]

Yes, very simple. Get a sub with speaker level inputs, such as the highly regarded BIC PL-200. It has awesome reviews. $249 for a 12 inch powered sub!

[CECAA850]

Use the RCA line outputs on your amps to send a full signal out and then let your sub amp do crossover duties.