Can I install a second subwoofer on my 5.1 speaker system ?

Answer 1

Yes you most certainly can. Because you use a subwoofer preout to send the signal to the subwoofer you don't lose much output power by splitting the signal. Just buy a RCA female to 2 RCA male splitter and run cables into both subwoofers. The signals will then be amplified at each subwoofer(provided they are active subs).

If you have subwoofers that have "Auto-on" functionality, you may notice that they don't turn on as easily as they did before when receiving a input signal. This is due to the splitting and you may have to turn the subwoofer channel level up a few notches to get the sub to properly turn on upon receiving a significant enough signal. If you can turn the "Auto-on" off, then that would eliminate this potential problem altogether from the equation. But you only need to do that if you do have problems with both subs not turning on automatically.

Other than that, just try to place the subs in a complementary position. The best part about having two subs is that you can take advantage of room characteristics for a smoother frequency response. Normally with one sub your room will have certain peaks and nulls that result in certain tones being too loud and others being too quiet. By placing your subs in complementary locations you can choose locations that minimize or eliminate these room acoustic effects. Don't be afraid to experiment with the location of the subwoofers, each location will yield vastly different results.

Lastly, it will be important that with two subwoofer each should have a phase control. Phase of a low frequency wave is critical when there are two speakers producing low frequencies. Ideally, you want them to add together at the listening position for a +6dB boost in potential output power. However, if the phase is not set correctly, they could actually subtract at certain frequencies. You should play test tones and adjust the phase knob on one or both of the subs until you find the setting that maximizes output at the listening position.

Enjoy your system

Answer 2

I don't see why not, amplified subwoofer only receive a line signal from the receiver (no power). Get an RCA line splitter (Y-cable) and try it with a friend's sub before you buy.

Answer 3

Yes you can... since these subs are powered it won't affect your receiver -- The powered subwoofers are normally connected to a PRE-AMP section of the receiver (the receiver doesn't do all the power heavy work, the amp in your sub is) .

Answer 4

Yes just get a shielded splitter from Radio shack or other audio store.

Answer 5

If it has two out-puts for subs sure. But if it doesn't you will lose sound. And it's a possibility that you can prematurely blow your system. So yea