How do I get sound from a Truth passive speaker wired to the powered speaker?
Answer
When a Truth passive speaker is silent while the powered speaker works, the cause is usually the left/right speaker-position switch, reversed or loose speaker terminals, or a source playing only one channel.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Make wiring changes only with power off to avoid shorting the amplifier output.
- Driving a passive speaker from the wrong type of output can damage equipment; use only the dedicated speaker terminals meant for the slave cabinet.
Follow these steps
Power off and reseat the speaker wires
Turn the speakers off, then confirm red goes to + and black to − on both the powered speaker’s slave output and the passive speaker’s input, with no stray strands touching.
You should see: Terminals are firm and correctly polarized.
Set the LEFT/RIGHT position switch
On the back of the powered speaker, set the L/R or Speaker Position switch to match the side where that powered speaker physically sits in the room.
You should see: Channel routing matches the speaker placement.
Test with a known stereo source
Play a stereo track or instrument output known to use both left and right channels at moderate volume and listen to the passive speaker.
You should see: Sound appears from the slave speaker, or it remains silent despite correct wiring.
Swap ends to isolate a failed output
If still silent, temporarily reverse which cable end is on the passive speaker only if the connectors match, or test the passive speaker on another known-good amplifier channel to see whether the speaker or the powered unit’s slave output has failed.
You should see: You learn whether the passive speaker works and whether the powered unit’s slave output is dead.
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Extra tips
What to look for: LEFT/RIGHT or speaker-position markings on the powered Truth speaker and continuity of red/black wiring to the passive speaker
Before you change anything: Power off the speakers before reseating bare speaker wire. Note which speaker is powered and which is passive. Avoid letting stray wire strands short + and − terminals. Keep volume low during the first test after rewiring.