Denon AVR 3800H Not Recognizing Subwoofer [Causes & Solution]

In this article, I’ll explain why the Denon AVR 3800H Not Recognizing Subwoofer. The Denon AVR-3800H is a very powerful AV receiver that sounds good and has many features. Now, some people have problems with their subs not being detected by the receiver, so no bass, and it is not a complete audio experience.

It is a maddening problem, particularly for anyone dependent on the receiver to deliver a home theatre experience. Knowing the most frequent causes and fixes is the key to maximizing the benefit of your system.

Denon AVR 3800H Not Recognizing Subwoofer [Causes & Solution]

The Denon AVR-3800H won’t recognize a subwoofer, it is usually a connection issue a setting issue, or a software issue.

Denon AVR 3800H Not Recognizing Subwoofer
Credit: Pro Tech Quest

How To Fix This?

First, check that the sub cable is tight on the sub-pre-out port of the receiver and that the sub is plugged into an active outlet. Check to make sure that the subwoofer is powered on and in the correct input mode (if the subwoofer has one). Go into the receiver’s audio setup to make sure the subwoofer is turned on in the speaker setup.

Running Audyssey calibration again will also make the receiver find the sub and do what it can to optimize it. Also, firmware updates can fix compatibility or detection problems, so it’s a good idea to have the AVR-3800H’s software up to date.

No Sub On AVR-X3800H While Playing Music

No Sub On AVR-X3800H While Playing Music it’s almost a matter of misconfiguration or missetting. When music is played in stereo mode, it will sometimes skip the subwoofer and focus on the left and right channels, especially in Pure Direct or Stereo mode, which can turn off the subwoofer. To enable the subwoofer for music:

  • Go into the receiver’s Speaker Setup settings, and select Bass or Subwoofer Mode.
  • Set this to LFE+Main instead of LFE only.
  • This setting routes low-frequency effects (LFE) to the subwoofer even during stereo playback.

Also, have a look at the Speaker Configurations at Crossover Frequency—I’ve set the crossover point (usually 80 Hz or so) to make sure that the low bass goes through to the subwoofer. Adjusting these parameters in just the right way allows you to have the proper number of bass to play your music with and it adds depth to your listening experience.

Troubleshooting No Subwoofer Output With Denon Receiver

When addressing issues with no subwoofer output in a Denon receiver let’s consider some useful troubleshooting measures to fix the issue.

Troubleshooting No Subwoofer Output With Denon Receiver
Credit: Pro Tech Quest

Check Audio Settings

Go to the audio menu on your Denon receiver and make sure the subwoofer output is on. Adjust the subwoofer settings so they are not too loud but not too quiet.

Inspect Connections

Look at the Denon receiver wires on the sub. Just check that all the cords are plugged in tight and that they are not broken. Consider replacing the cables if necessary.

Power Cycle

Experiment with turning off the Denon receiver and the subwoofer. Shut the two off, disconnect them from the wall, wait a few minutes, and plug them back in. This can sometimes resolve issues related to electronic devices.

Update Firmware

Go to the official site of Denon and look for any firmware updates for your receiver. The sub-output problem in particular can be dealt with, simply by performing the said firmware update, which is supposed to fix certain issues and or bugs.

Reset Settings

You can return the Denon receiver back to factory settings, but this is quite extreme and a last resort. It’ll restore it back to the basic settings and if it is a matter of configuration, it will likely resolve it.

How Do I Reset My Denon Subwoofer?

To reset your Denon subwoofer, follow these steps:

  • Power Off: Turn off your subwoofer completely.
  • Unplug from Power: Unplug it from the wall and let it sit for 10-15 minutes so that all the residual power will drain out of it.
  • Locate the Reset Button: Check the back of the subwoofer and if they have a reset button, press it. On your model, if fitted, hold down for 5-10 seconds to start reset.
  • Reconnect Power and Turn On: It’s the sub, plug it back in, and turn it on.

In case there is no reset button on your Denon subwoofer, or in case these steps don’t work, refer to your model’s manual as there might be a specific reset procedure for your model.

Denon X3600H No Sound From Subwoofer

If your Denon X3600H isn’t producing any sound from the subwoofer, first make sure that you’ve enabled it under Setup Speakers Manual Setup, and that you’ve set front speakers to ‘Small’, which forces bass to the sub. Check the subwoofer cord, see if it is on, and see if it is turned up loud enough.

Under Bass presets, change the setting of Subwoofer Mode to LFE or LFE+Main if equipped with large speakers. Run the Levels Test Tone to see if it makes any sound. If problems continue, use a different cable, perform a factory reset, or call Denon support for additional assistance.

How To Turn On Subwoofer On Denon Receiver?

To turn on the sub on a Denon receiver, you go to the settings menu of the receiver and play with the sub out setting:

  • Go to the Speaker Configuration or Subwoofer menu.
  • And to not have the subwoofer turned off to “No.
How To Turn On Subwoofer On Denon Receiver
Credit: Pro Tech Quest

To further customize the sound, adjust the subwoofer channel volume by:

  • Pressing the OPTION button.
  • Selecting Receiver Options.
  • To Subwoofer and turn it on or off.

To enhance the bass response, do the following in addition:

  • In the Audio menu, play with the Subwoofer Level Adjust.
  • Adjust internal crossovers in the Speakers menu.
  • Turn it up straight to the subwoofer for more bass.

Why Denon AVR-X3700H Subwoofer Not Working?

Let’s get to know why your sub isn’t working through your Denon AVR-X3700H, here’s a troubleshooting step.

Subwoofer Mode

If the fronts are “Large” then maybe the sub. Ste Subwoofer Mode to LFE+Main in Options to keep Subwoofer on.

Input Signal Unless

There are low-frequency effects (LFE) in the input signal, the subwoofer won’t make any noise. Make sure your text or audio track has bass content that’s designed to go to the sub.

Digital Audio Output

Make sure that the digital audio output of the attached device is enabled and configured for DTS or other compatible format that would allow for subwoofer output.

Subwoofer Level

During the setup process, an error message may appear if the subwoofer’s volume is outside the optimal range, typically 72–78 dB. Set volume SW Level Matching and ENTER to calibrate.

Speaker Settings

Certain speaker configurations can disable the subwoofer. Don’t let settings kill the sub though, look in the manual if needed.

Subwoofer Connection

It must be connected to the sub-out or main subwoofer channel jack on the receiver and not a regular RCA jack. This ensures the subwoofer receives the proper audio signal.

These steps should get the subwoofer sound back on your Denon AVR-X3700H.

Why Subwoofer Output Weak On Denon AVR?

Suppose the subwoofer output from your Denon AVR is weak. Here are some of the most frequent causes and how to fix them:

Why Subwoofer Output Weak On Denon AVR
Credit: Pro Tech Quest

Incorrect Settings

Look at Speaker Settings, and see if the Subwoofer is on. Place the crossover frequency to be about 80 Hz so it will send more low frequencies to the sub.

Low Subwoofer Level

Adjust the subwoofer level in the Channel Level menu. Increasing this setting can boost the output.

Audyssey Calibration Issue

Re-run Audyssey calibration with the microphone placed accurately. Former, Audyssey can fit the subwoofer level too low.

Subwoofer Phase and Placement

See if the sub has the phase set to 0° or 180°. Positioning closer to walls or corners can boost bass response.

Content-Type

Some audio formats or content may have less bass. Bass-heavy media, check so it is not a content problem.

Why Desired Sound Does Not Come Out From Denon Subwoofer?

If you are not hearing the expected sound from your Denon subwoofer, it could be for several reasons including:

  • Wrong settings on the receiver (e.g., subwoofer mode or speaker setup),
  • loose or damaged cables
  • an audio source without low-frequency effects (LFE) content
  • Finally, issues with the subwoofer itself.

Make sure to read any troubleshooting suggestions from the manual if you need help with your receiver.

Why There Is No Subwoofer Sound In Stereo Sound Mode For Music?

If you don’t hear anything coming out of your music system’s subwoofer when you have it in stereo mode, then the stereo audio signals send mostly high and mid-range frequencies to the main speakers, and the low-frequency information (bass) is sent out on a separate “subwoofer output” channel, which is typically not switched on except in surround-sound modes.

Thus, assuming your receiver does not have a special setting that feeds a small number of low frequencies to the subwoofer even in stereo, then your sub won’t have anything to play in stereo mode.

Why AVR/Audyssey Doesn’t Detect Subwoofer?

There are a few things you can check if your AVR/Audyssey won’t detect your subwoofer:

Why AVR-Audyssey Doesn't Detect Subwoofer
Credit: Pro Tech Quest

Subwoofer Connection

Make sure your sub is hooked up to the receiver’s specific subwoofer channel, or ‘sub out’ jack. It could be connected to an RCA jack that doesn’t carry audio or low-frequency information.

Subwoofer Power

Ensure the subwoofer’s power cord is plugged into a live AC outlet, and that the subwoofer is turned on. Unless it’s passive, which means it has no power cord, then you’ll have to get an active one.

Audyssey Settings

Set the subwoofer’s volume knob to about 50 percent and the crossover (LPF) to its max setting or bypassed position before Audyssey calibration.

Audyssey Status Don’t have Audyssey turned off in the settings menu.

Why Denon AVR-X3800H Not Detecting All Speakers?

in case your Denon AVR-X3800H does not detect all speakers, try this:

Check Connections

Just get all the cables plugged into the correct in/out jacks on the receiver, the speakers, and all of that. Make sure the speaker wire is connected right, and that the strands of the wire are in contact with the metal terminals of the speakers.

Check Settings

Take a look at Settings, and ensure the “Speaker layout” choice isn’t on “No. Also, check the “Amp Assign” menu to make sure it is set up properly.

Check Volume

Master volume is not turned to the lowest level [VOL MIN].

Check for Noise

If the room is too loud, then the sound needs to be turned off or moved to another location.

Restart the Device

Click on the button on the unit until it says “Restart” or you can unplug it and plug it back in to restart.

Reset Network Settings

Simultaneously hold down the main unit’s TUNER PRESET CH and ZONE2 ON/OFF buttons for a minimum of three seconds. Let go of the buttons until the display says “Network Reset.

Why Denon AVR-988 Not Recognizing Subwoofer?

If your Denon AVR-988 will not recognize your subwoofer, first check the connections to make sure that the subwoofer is connected to a Sub Out channel and that the cable is properly plugged in.

Why Denon AVR-988 Not Recognizing Subwoofer
Credit: Pro Tech Quest

Check if the Denon subwoofer is switched on (it has a switch on the back) and plugged into a working AC outlet. In the receiver settings, make sure the subwoofer is turned on, and that the Speaker Size is ‘Small’ so that low frequencies are sent to the subwoofer.

Set the sub to about 50 percent and cross over frequency right. Audyssey calibration can also be run to get the receiver to recognize the subwoofer. Finally, see if there are any firmware updates for your AVR-988, as this might solve the detection problem.

Why Isn’t My Subwoofer Connecting To My Receiver?

If your subwoofer isn’t connecting to your receiver, first ensure the subwoofer cable is securely plugged into the subchannel. And the sub is turned on and plugged into a live AC outlet.

Look at the receiver settings to make sure that it is actually hooked to the subwoofer and that it is turned on and set correctly. Also, check that the input source is streaming something that contains low-frequency effects (LFE). If problems continue, cycle the receiver and subwoofer.

Why Am I Not Getting Sound From My Subwoofer?

If you are not getting sound from your subwoofer, make sure it’s plugged into the receiver’s Sub Out and turned on. Make sure it is plugged into a live AC socket and the subwoofer is turned on in the receiver control.

Set the speaker size to small so it kicks the low stuff to the sub, and then just play with the volume. And the audio source should be sending a signal with low-frequency effects (LFE). If that still doesn’t work, turn the sub off and then back on, then the receiver.

Conclusion

To conclude, if your Denon AVR 3800H Not Recognizing Subwoofer, the reason is typically an issue of connections, setup configurations, or firmware gremlins. Now you can, by adjusting the connections, tweaking something on the speaker setup menu, and using Audyssey calibration.

Make sure the sub is on and plugged into the right jack, but always. Also, update firmware to eliminate any possible detection problems. Do all this, and you can get back the full auditory experience, including that full, fat bass for your home cinema.

People Also Ask

How to test if a sub is working?

Load a bass-heavy sound file and listen out for low-frequency noises. Or, look at the subwoofer’s light switch (if it has one) and run the receiver’s test tone to ensure it’s putting out sound.

What are the sources of reset for AVR?

You can reset an AVR by factory resetting it from the settings menu, pressing a physical reset button (if there is one), or disconnecting it from the power supply for a few minutes and then plugging it back in.

How many speakers can I connect to a Denon receiver?

Most Denon receivers handle 5.1, 7.1, or even 9.2 speaker setups ranging from five to plus speakers and one to two subs (depending on the model).

Is the subwoofer signal mono or stereo?

This is usually a mono subwoofer signal because it carries low-frequency effects (LFE) and does not need stereo separation.

How to turn the bass up on Denon’s receiver?

Turn up the sub-level on the audio settings of the receiver (usually in the Speaker Setup menu). You can also turn down the volume on the subwoofer itself if it has a knob.

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