Subwoofer Not Working But Speakers Are: Reasons, Fixes

Last updated on January 24th, 2025 at 04:02 pm

Subwoofers and speakers are one of the most important components of your home theater system. But, like any electronic device, one of them may cause problems and you may get frustrated with that. Similarly, you may have an issue such as “Subwoofer not working but speakers are”.

A subwoofer may stop working even when speakers are good because of bad subs, poor wiring, bad amp, grounding issues, or other reasons. However, you can identify the problem on your own by following a few simple steps. In addition, you can take the right steps to fix the problem or if it’s not, you might need a new subwoofer.

Now, let’s look at the reasons why the home theater’s subwoofer not working but the speakers are, and the solutions.

Why is your subwoofer not working but the speakers are?

Before we discuss the causes of the issue with the subwoofer, you have to know about the subwoofer and speakers.

So, how subwoofer and speakers are related?

Subwoofers are designed to reproduce low-pitched audio frequencies known as bass. They produce sounds that you can feel as well as hear. On the other hand, speakers are designed to produce sounds across various frequencies and volumes. When they work together in your home theater system, they can create a more immersive, dynamic listening experience.

But, like any electronic device, subs may stop working properly due to a variety of reasons. These include bad subs, wiring issues, faulty amp, grounding issues, and more.

In most cases, issues with “Subwoofer not working but the Speakers are” can be traced back to one of the following common causes.

Loose connection between subwoofer and speakers

If your subwoofer is not working, but the speakers are, then there might be a problem with the connection between the two.

The sub and speakers should be connected through wires. These wires need to be in good condition and properly connected. If there is a loose connection, it can cause the sub to not work.

Also, check out why your subwoofer cuts out when the bass hits.

Subwoofer not receiving a signal from the speakers

Another possibility is that the Subwoofer is not receiving a signal from the speakers. This can happen if the Sub is not plugged into the right port on the speakers or if the woofer is not compatible with the speakers.

Poor wiring

If your subwoofer is not properly wired, it may not work correctly. These wires can become loose over time and cause the sub to not work properly.

all the wiring should be connected properly and routed safely so that it doesn’t interfere with other electronic devices or get damaged.

Check out my article about RCA cable for subwoofers.

Problem with speakers wire

If you are having trouble with the subwoofer not working but the speakers are, it may be a problem with the speaker’s wire.

Check the entire length of wire connections for any defects such as being worn, torn, or damaged. You can also test the wires quickly to see if they work.

Subwoofer inputs are typically connected to the sub’s outputs on the back of receivers or amps. If your woofer is wired to the receiver or amplifier’s speaker outputs, you may have this issue.

Turned off or disconnected subwoofer

A small issue can sometimes turn into a big issue. Sometimes, the Subwoofer might be turned off or disconnected without you realizing it which can result in the sub not working.

Too low subwoofer setting

The problem might be with the settings. The subwoofer might be set too low and you will need to adjust it.

Too low volume or improper stereo setting can be responsible for this problem.

Also, if your woofer is muted, you can’t blame it.

The subwoofer not getting enough power

The next thing to check is whether the Subwoofer is getting power. If the Sub is not plugged into an outlet or if the outlet is not working, then it will not work.

Blown fuse

Another reason why the subwoofer might not be working is because of a blown fuse.

A fuse can be blown if there is a short circuit or if the sub is receiving too much current. This occurs to save your sub from potential damage.

Insufficient voltage

If your subwoofer and amplifier aren’t getting an adequate amount of voltage, it won’t function properly. The sub needs 12 volts and the amps need 10.5-16.5 volts.

If your sub not getting it, you may have poor functioning subs even though good speakers are good.

Poor grounding

If the Subwoofer is not grounded properly, this can cause it to not work. The ground needs to be connected to a metal surface that is in contact with the earth.

If you connected the grounding wire a long time back and never checked it, now it may become weak.

Issues with the audio source

If you are using an external audio source, then it might be the issue. It could be a problem with the sound file itself or with how the audio source is configured.

Problem with the room acoustics

If your subwoofer is not working, but the speakers are, then it might be an issue with the room acoustics.

It might not be able to produce the sound correctly if the room is not set up correctly.

Moreover, the sub should blend nicely with speakers in a room to produce the best quality sound.

Check out the placement of a subwoofer in a room.

Problem with the amplifier or receiver

If the amplifier or receiver is not working properly, it will cause the Subwoofer to not work.

The connection between the subwoofer and amplifier is very important because it provides power to the Subwoofer. If the connection is not good, it will cause the sub to not work.

So, one simple cause can be the amplifier might be turned off or it may not be receiving enough power. The connection may not be tight as well. You need to check the connections and make sure that the amplifier is turned on.

But, if the amplifier is defective, you should fix this.

Moreover, if the subwoofer and amplifier are not compatible, it will cause the woofer to not work.

If you have an amplifier or stereo unit, then the problem might be with the inputs. Even if you try everything to solve the issue, input malfunction will still cause the issue.

In addition, try to detect if there is any damage to the cable of the stereo unit and amp.

Faulty or damaged subwoofer

If the subwoofer has a technical or physical fault, it may not work properly. This is why it’s important to always check for any damage before using it.

It may be damaged due to a power surge, water damage, or physical impact. Sometimes, it have have an internal issue with its components such as the voice coil, amplifier, or cone.

Issue with speaker

If the speaker is damaged or not working properly, it can cause the subwoofer to stop working.

Speaker may cause problems when the outer foam or protective layer starts to deteriorate. This can also prevent the speaker from functioning properly and cause it to produce distorted or muffled sounds.

Always check the condition of your speakers before using them.

Also, check out the seized subwoofer troubleshooting.

Solutions to a Subwoofer not working but Speakers are

Having a subwoofer that doesn’t work can be frustrating. You turn it on, but nothing happens. It’s not coming through it and your music sounds all wrong.

But fear not! There are some things you can do before giving up and buying a new one (although we’re sure you won’t have to).

Before, we start, please stop now! Don’t try to test and fix the components of your home theatre or sub yourself if you don’t have any previous experience in handling electric devices. In that case, contact a professional.

Here are the solutions to a subwoofer that’s not working but the speakers are.

1. Check the power wire.

If you’re a subwoofer user looking for solutions to your sub that’s not working, there are many things to check.

The first thing is the power wire because it is generally the culprit.

You also need to inspect the electric plug. To do so, connect it to some other electric device.

2. Check all connections and speaker wires.

Check any wires and connections connecting to receivers, amplifiers, or speakers, starting with the subwoofer.

Inspect all the connections to ensure that everything is plugged-in correctly.

If you’re using an AV receiver, check to make sure that the woofer is set to “on” and that the volume is properly adjusted.

Try playing a different source of audio to see if the issue is with the audio file itself.

Check that all cables are properly connected and plugged in according to their designated spots.

If you have a car sub, all you need to do is check if the wires are working properly.

3. Connect subwoofer and speakers properly in a home theater system

if you have just bought the new subwoofer or you have found that the connection isn’t ok, you may need to know how to connect the subwoofer and speakers properly.

The first step is to identify which ports on the subwoofer are for the speaker and which are for power.

Typically, the input ports on the sub will be labeled with an “audio in” or “speaker in” designation.

Once you have identified the correct ports, connect your subwoofer and speaker cables to the corresponding outputs on your receiver or amplifier.

How do you connect the subwoofer and speakers properly?

Here is how you can connect speakers and a subwoofer in a home theater system so that the sub will work and play audio properly:

1. Connect the left speaker output to the right speaker input on your subwoofer, using a standard RCA cable or speaker wire.

2. Connect the right speaker output to the left speaker input on your subwoofer, using a standard RCA cable or speaker wire.

3. Connect the subwoofer to your amplifier or AV receiver via an input labeled ‘subwoofer’ on the back panel.

4. Set the crossover frequency on your amplifier or receiver so that it sends low frequencies to the sub and high frequencies to the other speakers. This is typically done using a control called ‘subwoofer level’, or simply ‘crossover frequency’ or ‘crossover’.

5. If you’re using a 2-channel or stereo receiver that doesn’t have a subwoofer output, connect the left and right speaker outputs to the inputs on your subwoofer, then connect the subwoofer to an AC outlet.

Now, the subwoofer should be working and you should be able to hear low-frequency sounds coming from it.

Know about the best subwoofer Hz.

4. Check all the control settings

Check all the control knobs on your amplifier and subwoofer, including the volume, gain, and bass knobs.

It’s possible that someone has turned the knobs down low without you noticing.

If your amplifier and subwoofer have a mute button, make sure it is not turned on.

5. Check the volume levels

If you’re still having trouble getting your subwoofer to work, it might be because the volume levels are set too low.

Start by turning up the volume on your subwoofer. Then, make sure that all other speakers and settings are at the appropriate levels so that they are not drowned out by the subwoofer.

If you have an AV receiver, check the settings to make sure that the sub is set to “on” and that the volume is properly adjusted.

6. Restart the system

Sometimes, all you need to do is restart your sub or amplifier. This will reset the system and hopefully fix the issue.

7. Try a different source of audio.

If you’re playing audio from a DVD player or streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music, try switching to a different source and see if the issue is with the audio file itself.

You may need to try a different audio file or format to get the sound working properly.

8. Test another speaker in the same spot.

If the sub is not working, but you can hear sound from other speakers in your home theater system, try connecting a different speaker to the same spot to see if it works.

This can help you determine if there is a problem with the sub itself, or with the connection points or wiring.

9. Update the firmware

If you have a subwoofer that is connected to your computer or other devices, there may be a software or firmware update available that could fix any issues with the sound.

Be sure to check for and install any available updates in order to get your subwoofer working properly again.

10. Check the fuse

Check if your subwoofer or amplifier has a fuse that has blown or is damaged because of a power surge. In that case, you need to replace the fuse.

You can try to find out where the fuse is in your sub in the user manual.

How to test the fuse using a multimeter?

First, turn off the power to your subwoofer.

Then, using a multimeter set to the “ohms” or resistance setting, touch one lead of the multimeter to one end of the fuse.

Touch the multimeter’s other lead to the fuse’s other end.

If the multimeter reading shows no resistance at all, the fuse is likely blown. If you get a low resistance reading on your multimeter, the fuse is still functional.

And, if you find that the fuse in your subwoofer or amplifier is blown, you may need to have it replaced by a professional technician.

11. Ensure proper grounding

If your subwoofer is not properly grounded, it can cause a number of problems, including humming, crackling, and popping sounds. Ensure that it is properly grounded to avoid these issues.

12. Check the voltage

Make sure that the voltage is set to the proper level for your subwoofer. This is because your sub and amp need a certain amount of voltage to work appropriately.

How do you measure the voltage of a subwoofer and amp?

First, turn off the power to the subwoofer.

Then, using a multimeter set to the “volts” setting, touch one lead of the multimeter to the positive terminal of your subwoofer and the other lead to the ground.

Look at the reading on your multimeter. If it’s 12 volts, it’s fine. But, there is a drop in voltage, which indicates that there might be a problem such as the power drop.

You can test the amp using the same method. In that case, the volts should be between  10.5 – 16.5 volts.

A voltage difference of more than 0.5V between the terminal and the battery indicates there may be an issue. However, anything less than that is acceptable.

13. Check the phase.

If your subwoofer is still not working, it’s possible that the phase is off.

To fix this, simply flip the subwoofer phase switch to the opposite position and see if that resolves the issue.

14. Check the subwoofer for any damage or obstructions.

Check the subwoofer itself for any physical damage such as a broken driver, torn or frayed wires, or other signs of wear and tear.

If the cone is torn or the voice coil is damaged, it will need to be replaced.

If you find any physical damage, it’s best to take the sub to a professional for repairs.

15. Inspect the speakers for any fault

If you’re still having problems with your subwoofer at this point, it’s time to inspect the speakers for any damage or fault.

Replace the speakers if necessary.

Inspect the speaker wires for any signs of damage, that might happen as a result of overheating or too many vibrations.

16. Replace the amplifier

Check if the amplifier is faulty and replace it if needed.

To test the amplifier, connect it directly to your audio source, bypassing the subwoofer.

If you are still unable to get sound from this setup, then the amplifier may be faulty and you will need to replace it.

17. Replace the subwoofer

Finally, if your subwoofer is still not working after you have checked all of these things, it may be time to get a replacement.

Subs are not expensive, and you can find good quality ones for a reasonable price.

18. Contact a professional

If you are still having trouble getting your subwoofer to work properly, it may be a good idea to consult the manufacturer’s instructions or reach out to a professional for further assistance.

How to stop a subwoofer from not working but speakers are?

Let’s look at what you can do to prevent the subwoofer from not working while the speakers do.

• Make sure the subwoofer is placed in an open area to allow for proper air circulation.
• Do not block the front or back of the sub with furniture or other objects.
• The subwoofer should be placed on a level surface.
• If possible, place the sub in a corner of the room. This will help to increase the bass response.
• Make sure the sub is properly connected to the receiver or amplifier.
• Be careful not to overload the receiver or amplifier.
• Adjust the volume level of the woofer so that it is balanced with the other speakers in the system.
• Do not place the sub too close to walls or other objects. This can cause resonant problems.
• Refer to the owner’s manual for specific instructions.
• Adjust the volume control on the receiver or amplifier to a moderate level.
• Slowly increase the volume until you reach a comfortable listening level.
• Adjust the crossover frequency control on the receiver or amplifier.
• This control determines the point at which the low frequencies are sent to the subwoofer.
• For most music, use an adequate crossover frequency.
• Experiment with the placement of the subwoofer until you find a position that sounds best.
• Keep in mind that the sub does not have to be placed in the same room as the speakers.
• In some cases, it may sound better if the sub is placed in a different room.

Conclusion

If your speakers are working properly in the home theater but the subwoofer is not, there may be a number of different causes. Whether it’s a problem with the amplifier, connection, or placement, there are a number of things you can try to get your subwoofer working properly again.

However, by following the steps above, you can troubleshoot the issue and get your subwoofer working again.

If all else fails, you might need to replace the subwoofer or consult a professional for assistance.

So don’t delay – take action today and get your home theater back to its full sound and bass-y glory!