How to Connect a TV to an Amplifier For Great Sound
The best way to get great sound from your TV is by connecting it to an amplifier that can power the speakers. But how do you go about doing this?
Luckily, most TVs come with several audio inputs that are designed to connect to your stereo receiver or home theater system. These include RCA inputs and 3.5mm analog outputs. However, you need to choose which one is best for your situation.
In most cases, you can wire your TV directly to an amplifier for great sound. There are a few different ways to do this, depending on the model of your TV and your amplifier.
1. Use a Digital Connection
The easiest and most straightforward way to hook up a TV to an amplifier is by using a digital audio connection. Your television or sound system may have either optical (TOSLINK) or coaxial digital audio inputs – those are almost always the easiest to connect. This is also the most common choice, as it allows you to send a clean signal from your TV to your sound system.
2. Use a RCA Cable
A RCA audio cable with left and right jacks is a convenient option for connecting your TV to an amplifier. You can usually find these on most TVs or sound systems, and they carry stereo audio only – not surround sound.
3. Use a 3.5mm Analog Cable
Another simple method is to use a 3.5mm audio cable with the TV’s RCA audio jack on the television and the speaker’s RCA audio jack on the amplifier. This is ideal for basic multimedia speakers that do not support surround sound, but it will not provide high quality audio.
4. Use HDMI ARC
If you have an HDMI-enabled television, the easiest way to hook up your speaker system is by using an HDMI-ARC cable. This cable must be 1.4 or higher, and you will need an HDMI-ARC compatible speaker to use it.
5. Use an Optical Cable
An optical cable is a useful choice for connecting your television to an amplifier if you don’t have an HDMI port on the TV or an ARC-enabled speaker system. These cables tend to be thin and discreet, and they offer similar audio performance to HDMI.
6. Use a Coaxial Digital Audio Cable
If your TV is older or does not have an HDMI ARC, you can still connect it to an amplifier for better sound by using a coaxial digital audio cable. These cables are often available in lengths of up to 30 feet.
7. Connect Your TV to a Home Theater Receiver
If you want better sound than the speakers that are built into your television, a home theater receiver is an easy way to upgrade your entertainment experience. You can even connect your TV to a DVD player or gaming console through the receiver’s auxiliary inputs.
But don’t forget to test your connections regularly! A faulty connection can ruin your enjoyment of the music and movie sound you’re watching on your TV.