Subwoofer speaker help?

I need some help finishing my speaker/subwoofer setup?

• I'm planning on buying a 15" subwoofer and enclosure, subwoofer amplifier, and bookshelf speakers. Both the sub and its amp are 500W RMS and 4Ω (amp can also go to 8Ω), and the speakers are 100W and 8Ω. Is there a way (most likely via receiver) that I can get an audio signal to both the speakers and the subwoofer, and keep the impedances consistent?

• Answer:

  Well, there are ways that you can do this, but I would strongly suggest that you don't use the amplifier for both the subwoofer and bookshelf speakers. Mostly because your going to start to run into problems with levels. You might find that your bookshelf speakers are overpowering your subwoofer. (or vice versa) Instead, get a receiver. That way you can always buy 3/ 5 more speakers and do a 5.1/ 7.1 setup. With the receiver you will be able to independently control the subwoofer, left and right speakers. You will also not have to worry about getting a passive, post amp crossover. You didn't mention if the amplifier was 1 channel, or 2 channel or up so I just assumed that it was a mono block amp and went from there. Good luck ;)