The optimal connection for a standard powered subwoofer is to use the RCA (Phono) "sub" or "woofer" line out found on home theater receivers and pre-amps. Some subwoofers offer "High Level inputs" (speaker wire connections) for use with a receiver or pre-amp without a sub RCA connection.

The power is determined by the wattage of the subwoofer in question, where a higher wattage demonstrates a more powerful subwoofer.