What to connect speakers to?

I have recently acquired 5 speakers and a sub woofer. I don't really think I need the sub woofer, but I thought I would mention it. The five speakers that I have just have speaker wire coming out of them. I am new to speakers, and audio, but what I have researched so far is that I have to connect the speakers to a receiver. Receivers seem to be a bit pricey, so I was wondering if there is something that is fairly cheap, as I only paid five dollars for the speakers, that has an audio in, and 5 speaker wire ports that I can connect the speakers to. Thanks for any help.

Re: What to connect speakers to?

You need the sub if you want deep bass, and if the 5 speakers are quite small, you need the sub for *any* bass. Is the sub powered? What brand/model are the speakers?

Receivers are the cheapest & best option. How much you need to spend depends if you want new or used, and what you plan to connect to it (TV/DVD/Blu-ray) and if you want the latest & greatest. It sounds like you want ultra-cheap, so look for a used receiver on ebay or craigslist. You should be able to pick an older model up for ~$50 or so, + a bit for shipping. Try to get one with Dolby Digital, at least.

Re: What to connect speakers to?

Thank you for the reply. Yes, the base is powered, as I have to plug it into the wall. The sub also connects with a 3.5 mm headphone audio in I am pretty sure. The only speaker with writing on it is the sub. This is what it says.
Classic
Model NO: SP-700S
ACTIVE SUBWOOFER SYSTEM
POWER SOURCE: AC 120V ~ 60HZ
POWER CONSUMPTION: 75W
SPEAKER IMPEDANCE: 4 ohms

There is also a switch on the back that says 0 degrees Phase 180 degrees, what does this mean? As for the other speakers, there are 4 small square ones, one that is the same width as the square ones, but twice as tall, and then the sub. Thanks for all of your help.

Re: What to connect speakers to?

The "phase" switch just controls whether the driver is pushing out or pulling in given a particular voltage bias. It's basically equivalent to whether you keep wiring polarity consistent with the other speakers + to +, - to -, or reversed. If it's wrong you get less sound output in the frequency range where the speakers overlap output, as the sound waves cancel out a bit.

Are there any other controls on the sub, like a volume knob or crossover setting? Any other jacks/speaker connectors other than the 3.5mm input? (Most subs have RCA jacks, I think yours was from some cheap HTiB system).

BTW it's spelled "bass" not "base" in this context though pronounced "base". English spelling & pronunciation just doesn't make sense sometimes.

Re: What to connect speakers to?

The sub does just have a 3.5 mm and a volume knob, thats it.

Re: What to connect speakers to?

kenwood receiver model kr 4400

would this work?

or is it too old?

and I can't find a picture or info of what inputs it has on the back, so I would have to go look at it first.

thanks.

Re: What to connect speakers to?

The speaker that is "twice as tall" as the others is actually "twice as wide". That is your center channel speaker. It is designed to be placed horizontally on top of your television. Two of the others go to the left and right of the TV, slightly above ear level from your seating position, while the remaining two go behind the main seating position, on the left and right sides, again slightly above ear level. Since bass frequencies are less "directional" than higher frequencies it is harder to tell where the sound from a subwoofer is coming from, so you have more wiggle room when it comes to placing the sub. Most subs have what looks like a standard RCA-style jack for connecting an audio cable to the "subwoofer out" or "low frequency effects" jack on a receiver.

The KR-4400 is a 1970s vintage stereo receiver, not a surround sound receiver of any kind and not at all suitable for home theater.

Not sure what you're definition of "pricey". Granted $5 for even a fairly crummy set of speakers is a hard price to beat, and if you got a powered sub then chances are you didn't get an absolute bottom-of-the barrel set. Even if you spend $150 on a new audio-visual digital surround receiver (and Best Buy has a 500w Sony for that price this week), you'd have a pretty good surround system for $155, which is a heck of a bargain. (Most folks around here would spend that much for a single speaker.) You could save even more by going with used equipment.

Regards,

Joe

Re: What to connect speakers to?

So the receivers that you are recommending, will make surround sound, like the sound switching from speaker to speaker with the action on TV? Also, my main goal is to get a projector, and if I get one with an audio out, I should be able use that with these speakers and receiver also?

Thanks for all of the great help, you don't know how much I appreciate it!

Re: What to connect speakers to?

At minimum, you want something with "Dolby digital" on it, and with 2 digital inputs. I'd try to stay below $70, since new is $150 for that Sony Joe mentioned.

Re: What to connect speakers to?

Not quite. You don't send audio from (or to) a projector. Your sources (DVD/Blu Ray player, cable or satellite box, game system) would connect to the receiver. If you buy an AV receiver you would connect both the audio and video from each to the receiver, then send a single video output to the projector. This simplifies connections and lets you use the AVR as a switch - changing sources on the receiver automatically changes what you see on the projector.

Alternatively you could connect the video from each device to the projector independently (assuming it has enough inputs) and then connect only their audio outputs to the receiver. In such an arrangement video and audio sources would be selected independently. (Although you could still accomplish it with one button if you get a good universal remote.)

Regards,

Joe

Re: What to connect speakers to?

Really, a projector won't have anything to do with the audio in a home theater system, so yes, it shouldn't be a problem. Think of the A/V receiver as the "heart" of the system. You take all of your sources (cable/satellite TV, DVD or Blu-Ray) and plug their respective audio and video feeds into the receiver. Then, you channel the audio out of the reciever into all your speakers, and you channel a single video signal into the projector (or TV).

You then switch between the various sources within the A/V receiver. The audio signal never even passes through the projector.

All of that being said, you should probably consider your eventual objective(s) when shopping to make sure that whatever you get will accomodate everything you plan to use. For example - is HDTV and/or Blu-Ray a consideration? If so, then HDMI support in the receiver would be recommended. There are some other considerations (room size, budget, etc.) but I'm not sure if you've decided for yourself what's best for your situation.

Jason

Ah, I see that Joe beat me to the punch. Ditto everything that he said! :-)

Re: What to connect speakers to?

Again, thank you for all of your help. I will list what I have taken from all of your comments, and I would really appreciate it if you could confirm them.

So, I can get a receiver that has RCA inputs for Left,Right,Video (red,white,yellow). I would connect my DVD player, and my gamecube, and maybe even my ipod just for background music there. It could also have a place where I could screw in a coaxial cable so that I can connect the cable that we have which come straight from the wall. (If this is not a very common feature, or would cost a lot extra, I could run the cable through a set-top box, or an old VCR which would also then go into the RCA inputs.) I could also connect my computer through these inputs I believe. That is about it on the input side.

Now for output, I could have a place where I could connect 5 sets of speaker wire, and a 3.5mm audio out for my sub. And this would be surround sound so it would sound different than coming straight out of the TV? It would also have an output for video which I could connect to my projector. My question is what form would this be? (s-video, RCA, coaxial)??

Then, finally, could you recommend a receiver that can do this. (if what stated above is all correct.)

If I missed anything, don't be afraid to say it.
Again thank you for helping me creating a masterpiece!
I really appreciate it.

Re: What to connect speakers to?

Although receivers have RCA audio/composite video "AV" inputs for older equipment, for something like a DVD player you do *not* want to use the red/white/yellow AV plugs as they are not the best connection and don't give digital discrete channel surround sound. For DVD you want to use component (green/blue/red RCA plugs) or HDMI for video, and a digital connection for the sound (optical / coax / HDMI). So at the least you are looking for digital audio inputs as I mentioned above, video can be routed straight to the TV or projector if it has enough inputs.

This feature doesn't exist. They don't make receivers with built-in TV tuners. For a projector, the best source for TV is an HD-DVR. Plan on getting an HD-Tivo, or renting a cable/satellite company DVR, depending if your programming source is over-the-air, satellite, or cable, or some combo. Another possibility is computer with DTV tuner card for OTA. Old VCR would only work with cable TV systems that still provide an analog feed, and the picture would be terrible compared to modern digital HD options; not recommended at all.

Yes it would have surround sound output if your source has surround. Video output is whatever your video sources feed in, typically you connect HDMI(or DVI) + component to the projector. Composite only if you have legacy stuff you really want to watch (old VCR). Some more expensive receivers have the ability to convert one type of source to another (so composite->HDMI), so that you only have to run a single cable, but unless you get a really high end one typically your video quality is better off just running all the types you are using to the projector.

You don't connect coax RF since projectors typically don't have tuners; coax only goes to your TV tuner device, which is DVR or cable/satellite box.


You have to state a budget. If you are planning on keeping this thing for long term (5 maybe 10 years), and building a real nice home theater system around it with a front projector/HDTV/Blu-ray, you need a modern new one since front projectors are often fairly limited on inputs. These would include HDMI switching capabilities, and ability to handle audio over HDMI. You'd need to spend at least $250-350, typical models are Onkyo 507, Yamaha 465, Pioneer 819, Sony DH700.

If you are looking for something dirt-cheap that you will upgrade later when necessary, like I said look for a used $50 Dolby digital one.

Re: What to connect speakers to?

So, first of all, I would get better quality by connecting things straight to the projector than going through a receiver?

If my DVD player does not have green,blue,red RCA outputs, would I have to buy a different one. My other option would use the DVD player on my computer, and I don't know if I could then use the surround sound system. I do have a pretty good sound card, but I was thinking I could just use the audio out to plug into the receiver.

For the next thing I was also purchasing Nero - Nero LiquidTV Introduction. I think this would work and I would also get the tivo option.

The next section I don't really understand to advanced language.

So if the quality staight to the projector is better, I don't have to buy an A/V projector, and my budget for the receiver would be less, and the projector more because it would have to have more inputs. I would buy used for both, so i was thinking 75 bucks for a receiver.

Re: What to connect speakers to?

Shouldn't matter unless you are trying to change signal types (composite -> HDMI) or resolutions (480i -> 1080p) in which case the receiver's video processor comes into play. If you are just using it as a switch there shouldn't be any loss.

That's highly unlikely. Only a few like this, from like 13 years ago.

Sound cards have digital audio outputs these days.


Keep in mind you'd also have to buy a TV tuner card or box like the HDHomeRun, which is another $150+. Plus you'd be limited to over-the-air TV, or unencrypted channels on the cable. What is your cable provider, and do you get/want to record channels like ESPN-HD, or are you OK with just recording local channels (NBC/CBS/Fox/ABC)?

I strongly recommend Tivo-HD as a more powerful, easier to set-up solution, that does dual recording and can get all cable channels. It is pricey though. But over the long run it wouldn't cost much more than the LiquidTV since that only includes Tivo sub for 1 year. Personally if going PC DVR I'd try to use completely free software like Windows media center.

Huh? Do you mean don't have to buy A/V receiver?

Requiring lots of inputs on the projector is going to seriously constrain your buying options on the projector. It is really, really hard to find cheap projectors with multi-component & multi-HDMI. If you buy $75 receiver without component/HDMI switching, you end up spending another $60 for a video switcher anyway! So at least get the Sony STR-DH500 for $150 that Joe mentioned at Best buy, it'll switch video for you. The audio has some minor limitations since it won't handle the Blu-ray latest & greatest, but for the price it's good.

Re: What to connect speakers to?

OK that post really cleared things up, thanks. So, can you reccomend any software for recording tv. Sadly, my computer only has xp which does not have media center. My cable provider is charter communications and it does not use a set-top box. I don't know if it will work like this or not, but I am pretty sure I can buy one. The last thing I was thinking is it would be really great if that I can get a receiver with everything connected to it. Then I can connect it all to the projector by one input. This means I would be able to buy a projector without a remote, saving money. And my last question is what would the receiver connect to the projector with? Thanks. I appreciate it so much. Just want to be educated before I buy.

Re: What to connect speakers to?

If you are OK with local networks and other clearQAM stuff, can try BeyondTV. Also need tuner card with QAM like Hauppage latest cards. Total cost in $250 range, but no fees beyond that. You could also try to get by with just the software included with the Hauppage card, saving you $100 but maybe hard to use. Remember, *clearQAM only*. That means no ability to record non-local HD like ESPNHD, TNTHD, USAHD, etc. Broadcast networks only, and sometimes some expanded basic channels. If you want to record everything you need Charter DVR or TivoHD.

Receiver that will output to projector with only one input will cost much more than you have shown willingness to spend! You aren't going to save that way, projector with missing remote isn't going to save that much money! Receiver connects with component + HDMI, as stated above. Get the Sony.

Get a $60 refurbished Harmony 670 remote, that will control everything, including projector with missing remote.

Re: What to connect speakers to?

Ok I looked at the sony, and it looks nice. This is the picture that I was looking at Other Image Views. I saw that is had the spots for the 5 speaker wires. Now I am going to list all of the things that I want to connect to the receiver, and then could you please tell me what the projector need to have.

These would all be connected to the receiver.

DVD Player
Gamecube
Computer, with Google Image Result for http://www.onecall.com/ImageCache/DVDO_DVDO-HD15-VGA-3-RCA-Cable-2m-6.56-ft_300x250_s.jpg

Thanks.

Re: What to connect speakers to?

For a projector, long term you want one that has at least one HDMI input and one component video input. More inputs always better to give you more hookup options. If it has DVI but not HDMI, make sure it has "DVI-HDCP"; not all do. Without the HDCP some HD sources won't work.

That is the wrong cable for a computer. Computer connection to the projector depends on the outputs of the video card & the inputs on the projector. You can of course replace video card if desired (typically only necessary if want install Blu-ray drive in computer and video card is old). The typical ways are:
HDMI -> HDMI receiver -> HDMI display
DVI-D -> DVI/HDMI cable -> HDMI receiver -> HDMI display
DVI-A -> DVI/VGA adapter -> VGA display
VGA -> VGA display

Re: What to connect speakers to?

Good news, I have gotten a receiver, and for even less than my speakers, free! It is a Denon AVR-2802. I pretty sure this will service all that I need. I do have one question though. I am looking at the back, which looks exactly like this: http://www.superfi.co.uk/images/avr2802rearlg.jpg and i am pretty sure that the lower right, the black and red things, is where you connect the speaker wire. How do I go about doing that. Thanks a lot!

Re: What to connect speakers to?

Those are typical binding posts. Each speaker's wire consists of two conductors - one for the red post and one for the black post for each channel. You need to make sure that the wire that connects to the red post on the receiver connects to the red post/clamp on the speaker and the same goes for the black post. If the speaker wire is thin enough, then the two conductors may be colored red and black. That makes it easy. If you're using thicker speaker wire (14 gauge is recommended) then you have to look closely at the insulation around each conductor. Only one side will have any writing on it, or possibly a red stripe running along the length. Use this to keep straight which wire goes into which color (it doesn't matter which you choose for red or black, as long as you're consistent).

Simply separate the two conductors over the last couple inches of speaker wire, then strip the last 1/2" of insulation off of each wire. Lightly twist the bare wire together to keep it from fraying out.

Unsrew each binding post all the way. Doing so will reveal a small hole that you can thread each end of bare wire into from the side of each post. Once you have them threaded in, simply screw the binding post back down and it should secure the speaker wire in place.

There are other types of connectors that you can put on the speaker wire that simplify the process (spades, pins, banana plugs) but they only make connection easier, they don't do anything to improve the sound.

Re: What to connect speakers to?

In reading the manual to the receiver which is found here: http://www.usa.denon.com/avr2802_ownersmanual.pdf I cant figure out where to put the speaker wires because there are too many ports, and system a and system b things. I have 5 speakers and a sub woofer. I also have gotten another center speaker, but I don't think it is needed. I was wondering though, if center speakers are interchangable, because the speaker I got is an infinity modulus center speaker. So, could you please look at the manual, and tell me where to hook up my speakers, thanks.

Re: What to connect speakers to?

Use Front A (L/R), Center, surround. Ignore the Front B, "surround back". Sub attaches to the sub "pre-out", you'll need RCA->3.5mm adapter cable.

Re: What to connect speakers to?

What connectors, video cables, and speaker wire do you recommend? I am going to be going through the walls.

Thanks.

Re: What to connect speakers to?

For speaker cable, use an in-wall rated 14 gauge speaker wire - monoprice.com has 100' spools for less than $25 ( 14AWG Loud Speaker Cable)

For a nice, clean install, you can get wallplates with binding post connectors at Lowes or Home Depot. They usually have complete 5.1 wallplates that fit into a standard double-gang wallbox. Monoprice has one, too (2-Gang 5.1 Surround Sound Distribution Wall Plate. As a finishing touch, I like to install banana plugs (1 PAIR OF High-Quality Copper Speaker Banana Plugs) on my speaker wire "patch" cables that run from the receiver to the wallplates, and/or from the wallplates to the speakers.

Video's a bit trickier - your receiver doesn't have HDMI, so you'll need to run component video (3 separate coaxial cables for the video signal) - and that involves quite a bit. For running video through the wall, you'll want a quality RG-6 video cable that will support full HD-resolution (don't go with the thinner, RG-59 cable). Again, there are wallplates available for a nice, finished appearance (3 RCA component Decora Style Wall Plate)

What makes component video cable runs complicated is that you need to terminate the ends of the coaxial cable with RCA connectors, and that requires additional parts and tools. I'm not sure if that's something you're willing to tackle...

Re: What to connect speakers to?

This may sound like a stupid question, but does component video also carry audio? Or do I have to run 5 cables? Thanks.

And when you said that I needed to run three separate wires, could I run something like this? It is wrapped so it is only one cable, thanks.

Re: What to connect speakers to?

Component cables only carry a video signal, no audio, and yes, you can use a bundled cable like that, provided you're able to fish it through the walls.

I don't know that you'll need to run any audio through the walls unless your video sources (DVD/Blu, Cable Box, etc.) are located far away from the receiver. Remember - you'll run video AND audio cables from each source to the receiver (digital audio from DVD/Cable box is carried via a single coaxial/RCA cable, not two), but only a video cable from the receiver to the projector.

Re: What to connect speakers to?

One final question, I know that they make speaker wires that are rated to go through walls, but do they make video cables that specifically say that, or are they all able to go through walls, thanks.

Re: What to connect speakers to?

Yes they do. Anything that is listed as "CL2" or "CL3" is specifically rated for in-wall use.

So I would have to run 5 lines to the projector. The 3 component video cords, a yellow for composite video, and a VGA cord?