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Can you connect a soundbar to a receiver? A soundbar is a single speaker that creates surround sound and can be connected to a receiver. A receiver is a device that amplifies audio and video signals. It is typically used to connect a sound system to an amplifier.
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Why Are You Connecting A Sound Bar To A Receiver?
The key to realizing sound bars is that most feature a built-in amplifier that powers their speakers separately. That is why they are so easy to set up. They are self-contained machines that need sound input from a television. So, the most significant aspect is that you would not ordinarily connect a sound bar to a receiver.
Double Amplifiers
The biggest problem with adding a sound bar to a receiver is that the receiver also has an amplifier built in. There is a chance that the sound bar and the receiver’s amplifiers will conflict with each other.
Why would you buy a sound bar with an extra amplifier if your speaker already has a good one? This is pretty useless, and you’d be better off spending your money on better speakers for your system.
Better speakers, better sound
This is a superior option for many reasons. First, the amplifier in your receiver is usually better than the one in a sound bar. This is not always the case, but it is probably true 90% of the time.
Second, you can upgrade your TV’s audio by hooking it up to a receiver and getting a good speaker set. This is because the speakers can be separated physically, resulting in more distinct audio.
On the other hand, sound bar speakers are physically closer together and rely on electronic processing to simulate further separation of sound.
Smaller bookshelf speakers offer excellent audio quality while taking up no more floor space than a sound bar would. For instance, Klipsch produces excellent speakers and offers suitable alternatives to suit your needs and budget.
Passive sound bars
If you must utilize a sound bar with your receiver, a passive sound bar is a choice. Because passive sound bars lack an amplifier, they must be linked to one – sadly, a receiver.
Surprisingly, passive sound bars tend to be on the pricier end of the sound bar pricing spectrum despite the lack of an amplifier. This is because they are more concerned with the quality of the speakers and other equipment.
Even though they are positioned on the higher-fidelity side of sound bars, you can acquire good quality speakers for the same price as a soundbar. And it will be better off since the sound separation can encompass the space better.
Can you Connect a Soundbar to a Receiver?
Both an active and passive soundbar may technically connect to a receiver. On the other hand, active soundbars are not intended to be utilized in this manner. They’re meant to do it all, so to speak, in your home theater setup.
Passive soundbars are designed to work with an existing receiver or amplifier. Your unique scenario will normally determine the kind of soundbar you utilize. Consider your final aim if you already have an operational soundbar and a receiver.
Do you wish to continue using your present equipment? Do you want to buy a soundbar that can be used with a receiver? Or do you wish to improve one day but are content with what you have now?
Connect your existing soundbar to a receiver if your ultimate objective is to utilize your current equipment. If not, I’ll give you some choices.
How to Connect an Active Soundbar to a Receiver
So you want to connect your soundbar to a receiver and utilize it as the primary speaker? Though this is not the norm, there are a few techniques to do it.
Before deciding on a certain approach, check that all of the necessary ports and cables are available and that the devices are compatible with one another.
The following are several methods for connecting TV soundbar and receiver.
1. Using an Optical Cable
This approach can only connect a soundbar to a receiver with a digital optical out port.
To begin, it is usually best to turn the receiver off when connecting to your gadgets. This is done to prevent short-circuiting and other potential problems.
- Connect the optical cable’s one end to the receiver out port.
- Insert the other end of the cable into the soundbar’s optical in port.
- Remember to double-check that the digital encoding standards for the receiver and soundbar are compatible. This will guarantee that there are no weird noises.
- Connect the receiver to your TV or another display device.
- Turn on the electricity.
- Adjust the audio settings on the receiver, aiming toward the soundbar.
- Change the settings on the TV to allow audio to be output to the receiver.
- Play.
2. Using an HDMI Cable
You may use this approach instead of. Your receiver lacks a digital optical out connector.
First, ensure that your devices (receiver, soundbar, and television) are ARC compatible (Audio Return Channel).
- Switch off the television, receiver, and soundbar.
- Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI ARC port on the receiver.
- Connect the other end of the cable to the soundbar.
- Connect the HDMI cable from the receiver to the TV.
- Turn your gadgets on.
- Modify the receiver’s configuration to accept HDMI control.
- Turn on the TV’s HDMI control.
- Adjust the TV’s settings so that audio may be sent to the receiver.
An Alternative Method Using HDMI Cable
The receiver does not perform its regular audio operations in this manner.
Essentially, the receiver will manage all of the HDMI connections. The distinction is made when you deactivate the receiver’s audio functionality. However, remember that not all radios enable you to disable the audio functionality.
Instead of depending on the receiver to handle the sound, connect the soundbar directly to the TV using an aux, optical, or RCA cable. The sound will now come from the soundbar, and the receiver will function as an HDMI switcher.
How to Connect a Passive Soundbar to a Receiver
Passive soundbars are not as common as active soundbars, but attaching one to a receiver is simple since that is how they were supposed to work.
- Turn off all electronic gadgets.
- Connect one end of the speaker cable to the soundbar and the other to the receiver’s center channel. If the soundbar has a single channel, this is the case.
- If the soundbar is multi-channeled (often four channels: front, left, center, and right), connect it with three different speaker cables. Each cable connects to a different channel.
- Connect your television to the receiver.
- Turn on your devices and start playing.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Soundbar
How are you going to use your soundbar now? Here are some suggestions for improving your home theater’s sound quality with these little speakers.
Choose a Soundbar Based on Your Needs
The adaptability of sound systems, especially soundbars, increases as sound technology advances. With various soundbars, a range of functions is made accessible. Consider your requirements and preferences to get the best one for your situation.
One individual may be interested in establishing a family home theater to view movies. Another individual may be seeking surround sound to listen to digital music. A third option is to use the soundbar with video games to provide additional dimensions and an immersive experience.
You’ll do yourself a favor if you take the time to determine exactly what it is you want out of a soundbar before shopping for one.
Another essential consideration is the size of the space in which you want to install your home theater. Even though soundbars are small, there is a large range of sizes to choose from.
The proportions of your television might also influence the size of the soundbar you choose for aesthetic reasons.
Read more: What Wattage Soundbar Do I Need?
Have the Right Setup for Your Sound Unit
Now that you’ve found the appropriate soundbar, you’ll need to install it to obtain the finest sound quality properly.
Here are some location suggestions to assist you with your setup:
- Place the soundbar in the center of your TV. This results in a more natural and balanced audio experience.
- Don’t use the soundbar to cover the television. Elevate or wall-mount the television.
- If your television is on the wall, you should also put your soundbar. Keep some space between the two devices to provide easy control access.
- If the soundbar is not wall-mounted, ensure it is set at a decent height from the floor. Never set it down on the ground. You’ll receive a clearer sound if the speakers are at the level of your ears while sitting.
- Under no circumstances should you put your little speakers inside a cabinet or enclosed location. When speakers are placed outside, they provide greater sound.
- Also, optimize the room environment. Drapes and floor rugs reduce unnecessary sound reflections and make audio signals seem more genuine.
Add Wireless Speakers
So far, we’ve demonstrated that soundbars (with multiple channels) behave similarly to home theaters. Still, you might be able to improve the surround sound effect and make the experience more real by building an audio system around your soundbar. This will need the installation of wireless speakers.
Consider your three-channel soundbar, which has front left, center, and front right speakers. However, adding two more speakers results in a 5-channel audio system. This may be very impressive while viewing action movies.
There are already soundbars that come with wireless speakers, so think about getting one of those when you buy one. The Nakamichi Shockwave Pro 7.1 4Ch DTS:X with Wireless Sub and 2 Rear Surround Speakers is an excellent choice (Amazon).
A portable subwoofer will also make the bass sound better, making it a great experience to listen to. So keep that in mind while shopping for a soundbar.
Master the Settings
Go through the menu on your soundbar and get acquainted with the many settings and modes available on your device. Experiment with several alternatives to see which are ideal for certain scenarios.
It would be a shame if you wasted the potential of your sound device just because you were unaware of a better setting than what you were accustomed to. So, to find new sound levels for your home theater, employ a trial and error technique.
When using a soundbar, it’s best to disable the TV’s sound altogether and instead adjust the bar’s settings. This is because the TV’s audio is often of lower quality than tiny speakers, interfering with the sound quality generated.
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FAQ
How to connect soundbar to AV receiver?
Connect an HDMI cable from the receiver’s HDMI ARC connector to the soundbar to utilize HDMI ARC. After that, connect the HDMI wire from the receiver to the television. For this solution to function effectively, all devices must support ARC.
Does a sound bar need a receiver?
A soundbar is a small box that has several speakers and the electronics that power them. It links to your TV without the need for a separate receiver. Some feature a wireless subwoofer, and a few have back speakers to make a complete surround-sound system.
Can you use a soundbar with other speakers?
In a nutshell, sure. You may connect your soundbar to additional speakers, but as previously said, there are numerous aspects to consider. Depending on your soundbar type, output device connection, and external speakers, the method may be too complicated for you.
Do soundbars need an amplifier?
The majority of soundbars do not need an amplifier or receiver. The majority of soundbars on the market today, including 4K versions (see our guide), are active. This implies they enhance their input using an external power source. You risk damage using an amplifier or receiver with an active soundbar.
Conclusion
You might be wondering if a soundbar connected to a receiver is the best way to upgrade your home theater system. The answer is yes! A soundbar can enhance your audio setup and make it simpler to adjust the level. Thanks for reading!
