Juke Audio — Connecting a Powered Subwoofer

Application note for connecting a powered subwoofer to a Juke zone amplifier output, covering both speaker-level and line-level subwoofer options.

Overview

Juke provides zone outputs that power speakers directly in each zone. This note explains how to add a powered subwoofer to a Juke zone. If possible, choose a subwoofer with speaker-level inputs — Juke can drive it directly. If your subwoofer only has line-level (RCA) inputs, you can still connect it using an inexpensive adapter wired in parallel with either the left or right speaker in that zone.

Option 1: Subwoofer with Speaker-Level Inputs

Select a powered subwoofer with speaker-level inputs (Crutchfield maintains a list of compatible models). Connect the 4 speaker wires from Juke to the corresponding inputs on the subwoofer, then follow the subwoofer's own instructions to set volume and crossover frequency (or simply adjust by ear). For example, on a Polk Audio PSW10, the speaker-level inputs are the alternating red and black terminals on the bottom row of the input panel.

Option 2: Subwoofer with Line-Level (RCA) Inputs Only

If your subwoofer doesn't have speaker-level inputs, you'll need two inexpensive adapters:

• Rockford Fosgate RFI2SW High-Level RCA Input Plug — converts the Juke speaker-level signal to line-level. Amazon ASIN B009B8EJYU, approx. $9.77.
• BOSS Audio Systems B25N Ground Loop Isolator — eliminates ground-loop noise in the connection. Amazon ASIN B000LP4RMG, approx. $7.80.

Wiring Steps

1. Connect two of the four bare wires from the Rockford Fosgate adapter to two of Juke's speaker terminals for the zone where the subwoofer is located (either channel works). Important: this adapter must be connected in parallel with an actual speaker — if no speaker is connected, Juke detects this and will not provide output on that zone.
2. Plug the corresponding RCA connector from the Rockford Fosgate adapter into the Boss ground loop isolator.
3. Connect the matching color RCA connector from the Boss isolator into the RCA input on the powered subwoofer.

Note: only one channel (left or right) needs to be tapped for the subwoofer feed — the diagram in the original PDF shows both being connected for illustration, but a single channel is sufficient.