Can You Connect 2 Subwoofers To A Vizio Soundbar? 3 Methods!

Can you connect 2 subwoofers to a Vizio soundbar? You’re not the only one who doesn’t know that your Vizio soundbar could have more punch with an extra subwoofer. Many audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts are trying to improve their soundscapes. In this article, I’m going to tell you about the possibilities and limitations of doubling down on that bass with Vizio soundbars.

Can You Connect 2 Subwoofers to a Vizio Soundbar? (Key Takeaways)

In short, I should say yes, you can, but some creative measures are needed because Vizio soundbars aren’t designed for that out of the box. There are three methods to accomplish this: using an HDMI splitter, audio extraction and duplication, or direct wiring. The complexity of each method is different, and some may affect your warranty. This means that you must ensure compatibility, your technical insight, and warranty implications before going through with any of them.

Understanding Soundbar Compatibility

Overview of Soundbar and Subwoofer Connectivity

There are diverse ways to connect soundbars and subwoofers, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or direct cable connections. Producing a richer, more immersive audio experience requires the seamless integration of the soundbar and subwoofer. One of the most important considerations is compatibility because some soundbars are only connected to the subwoofer packaged with them, and it is not possible to connect additional or external subwoofers.

Vizio Soundbar Capabilities

The innovation and user-friendliness that come with Vizio’s home audio devices are what make it a reputable brand. Every Vizio soundbar comes with a subwoofer to further enhance the audio experience. Plug-and-play ease is the main advantage of these soundbars, bringing enhanced audio with minimal setup for users. However, the weak point of this soundbar is adding a second subwoofer. Vizio soundbars primarily do not support an additional subwoofer and are designed to operate only with their own subwoofer.

The Vizio soundbar model has a significant influence on the compatibility and ability to connect a second subwoofer. Some models with a flexible design make it possible to include an additional subwoofer. However, understanding the limitations and possibilities of your specific Vizio soundbar model can be achieved by reading the product specifications and user manual.

Can You Connect 2 Subwoofers to a Vizio Soundbar?

Using one of these three methods explained below, you can successfully connect 2 subwoofers to your Vizio soundbar, further enhancing your Vizio soundbar setup!

Using an HDMI splitter is one method to connect 2 subwoofers to your soundbar

Method 1: Using an HDMI Splitter

An HDMI splitter orchestrates Vizio soundbar bass, harmonizing signals for a richer audio experience, seamlessly accommodating an additional subwoofer.

Using an HDMI splitter allows you to amplify your Vizio soundbar’s bass. In fact, audio/video signals are split by this clever device, and an additional subwoofer connection could be made without sacrificing sound quality, meaning that you’ll have an awesome subwoofer setup!

Step-by-Step Guide

Identify Compatible Equipment: Make sure your Vizio soundbar and the additional subwoofer are equipped with HDMI connectivity options or can be adapted to them. An HDMI splitter, an HDMI audio extractor (if your second subwoofer or its amplifier doesn’t have HDMI input), and appropriate cables are required for setup.
Connect the HDMI Splitter: The HDMI source (which could be a Blu-ray player, game console, or streaming device) must be plugged into the input port of your HDMI splitter. After that, utilize an HDMI cable to connect one of the splitter’s output ports to your Vizio soundbar.
Set Up the Audio Extractor (If Needed): Sometimes the second subwoofer or its amplifier lack an HDMI input. If this is the case for you, try to connect the second output of the HDMI splitter to an HDMI audio extractor. In the end, you’ll be able to connect your subwoofer or amplifier to the audio output of the extractor.
Adjust Settings: Adjust the audio settings to check if your soundbar and possibly the audio extractor are optimized for your setup. It might be necessary to select the correct soundbar inputs and configure the extractor to output the sound format best suited for your subwoofer.
Test & Tweak: Try adjusting the settings to your preferences by playing audio through your system and listening to the output sound coming from both subwoofers. Volume, phase, or crossover settings can be adjusted to suit your taste.

So, now you know the answer to “can you connect 2 subwoofers to a Vizio soundbar?” question. By implementing this method, your system’s bass capabilities will effectively expand while maintaining the original audio quality.

You can connect 2 subwoofers to a Vizio soundbar using an audio extractor

Method 2: Audio Extraction and Duplication

If you explore the audio extraction and duplication method, it could lead you to a game-changer in your Vizio soundbar setup. In order to split between the soundbar and a second subwoofer, you should intercept the source’s audio. Also, this method depends on an audio extractor and, if necessary, a digital-to-analog converter for seamless integration.

Gather Necessary Equipment: An audio extractor is required for matching your source’s output (HDMI, optical, etc.), cables for connection, and a digital-to-analog converter if you have analog input on your second subwoofer.
Connect the Audio Extractor: The audio extractor’s position must be between the audio source and the soundbar. Using an HDMI audio extractor, connect the source device to the extractor’s input and the extractor’s output to your soundbar’s HDMI input.
Split the Audio Signal: To route the audio signal to your second subwoofer, use the audio extractor’s additional audio output (optical, RCA, or 3.5mm, depending on the model). The digital-to-analog converter is necessary when connecting a digital sound source to a subwoofer or its amplifier that only supports analog input.
Configure Audio Settings: Ensure the audio output settings on your source device are adjusted for compatibility with both the soundbar and the subwoofer. Multi-output audio or a specific audio format may need to be chosen or enabled for this process.
Fine-Tune Your Setup: With both subwoofers, adjust the volume and crossover settings to harmoniously blend the bass. The soundbar and second subwoofer need to be synchronized to prevent any echo or delay.

This method enabled the integration of a second subwoofer into my setup, resulting in a significantly enhanced depth and richness of the sound. This feature allows for more direct control over the audio signal path, resulting in a customized listening experience.

Method 3: Can You Connect 2 Subwoofers to a Vizio Soundbar Using Direct Wiring and Modification?

Yup! You can definitely accomplish that going through the steps below!

For the ultimate sound experience with my Vizio soundbar, I chose to venture into direct wiring and modification, embracing the challenge. This method is suitable for technologically proficient individuals who can connect an extra subwoofer directly to a soundbar’s audio output. Beyond standard connectivity, this setup is offered with a custom, integrated audio solution that comes with potential warranty implications.

Step-by-Step Guide

Assess Compatibility and Risks: Ensure that a direct connection between the soundbar and the additional subwoofer is physically and electrically feasible before proceeding. The warranty of your soundbar will be void if you open your soundbar up for modification.
Gather Necessary Tools and Materials: With the right tools and materials, you can carry out the process. Necessary items include electronics tools such as screwdrivers and a soldering iron, appropriate audio cables, typically speaker wires, and potentially connectors or an external crossover, contingent upon your specific configuration.
Open the Soundbar (If Required): To access the internal speaker outputs of your soundbar, carefully open its casing according to the instructions provided in your model’s guides or manuals.
Identify and Connect to Audio Outputs: Find the location of the soundbar’s speaker outputs. They could be easily identifiable or may necessitate consulting documentation. Additional wires can be soldered or securely attached to these outputs on the soundbar, leading out of the soundbar to your second subwoofer. If supported by your soundbar and subwoofer, an external crossover could be integrated for managing frequency distribution.
Secure and Test Your Connections: New connections should be secured and insulated to prevent short circuits. Close the soundbar, connect new wires to your additional subwoofer, and power on the system for testing. Both subwoofers and the soundbar require volume and crossover setting adjustments to achieve a balanced output.

This method, requiring the most technical expertise, enabled me to create a personalized audio setup, maximizing the capabilities of my Vizio soundbar and both subwoofers. The sound experience, with its unparalleled satisfaction from tailoring the audio system to my preferences, was deeply immersive.

Conclusion

Can you connect 2 subwoofers to a Vizio soundbar? As mentioned above, you can with the 3 methods explained! With an additional subwoofer, the Vizio soundbar can be enhanced, albeit not a simple process. Users can significantly enrich their audio setup by employing inventive methods such as HDMI splitting, audio extraction, or direct wiring. These methods allow for a deeper and more immersive sound experience, transcending typical limitations.