Wiring a stereo system is that last exciting step before you finally get to listen to all those components that you've put together. With all the connections on your receiver or preamplifier it can be a bit intimidating and confusing; however, with some basic knowledge it's really quite straightforward and doesn't need to take long.
Instructions
1. Make sure that all your components are off, particularly your receiver/amplifier. This sounds obvious, but is a good reminder just in case.
2. Connect your audio sources. Anything that you intend to listen to on your stereo system is an audio source (CD Player, DVD player, MP3 player or satellite radio tuner). Use the receiver connections marked for the device in question whenever possible.
3. Use either digital or RCA cable to connect the inputs. Although you're dealing with 2-channel stereo here, if you intend to add additional surround speakers later, be sure to use digital cable for any sources that transmit a digital surround signal, like a DVD Player. Digital cable comes in coaxial and optical and both require a simple terminal to terminal connection from input source to receiver or preamplifier. RCA cable is classic red and white cable that requires a left/right to left/right connection from source to receiver or preamplifier. Note some input sources like an iPod or satellite radio receiver may require a special Y RCA cable that might require separate purchase.
4. If you're using an external amplifier(s), connect the line outs on your preamplifier or receiver to the inputs on your amplifier using RCA cable.
5. Connect the powered subwoofer. Use a subwoofer cable to connect the sub to the "Sub Out" jack on your receiver, amp or preamp. Note that an "LFE Out" jack while similar to a "Sub Out" jack is designed for surround formats and may not send any bass to the subwoofer in 2-channel stereo. If you don't have such a jack or are using a passive subwoofer, wire the subwoofer using the speaker outputs on your receiver or amplifier, as described in the next step. Then wire the speakers using the speaker outputs on the subwoofer.
6. Connect the speakers. Use the speaker outputs on your receiver or amplifier to connect the left and right speakers. You can connect the speaker wire directly into the receiver's and speakers' spring clips or clamps or use connectors such as banana plugs. Make sure that you properly connect positive terminals together and negative terminals together.
7. Bi/Triwire speakers. Many speakers come with additional terminals to biwire (4) or triwire (6). You can purchase specific cables for a neat job or just add additional speaker wires. Biwiring is not necessary, but can provide better sound. First, take off the metal bridges that connects terminals of the same polarity on your speakers. For the left speaker, attach two separate speaker cable strands to the positive left speaker output terminal on your receiver/amplifier. One of the cables goes to the positive high terminal on the speaker, and one to the positive low. Connect the other two strands of cable to the left speaker negative terminal on the receiver/amplifier and then to negative high and negative low on the left speaker. Repeat for right speaker.
Tags: your receiver, receiver amplifier, left speaker, your receiver amplifier, left right