With the advent of 4K and UHD technology, the picture quality of televisions has improved enormously. With improved image quality, we also need improved audio. For this reason, you may want to connect your TV to an amplifier to maximize audio. In this article, we explain the ways you can connect your smart TV to an amplifier.
There are several ways to connect your TV to an amplifier depending on the connections your TV and amplifier have. You can use analog RCA, digital optical, or HDMI ARC.
NOTE: While you can send sound through the amplifier, we don’t recommend it if you want a theater-like movie experience with your surround sound system. If that’s what you want, you’ll need a receiver.
There are three common methods you can use to connect an amplifier to a TV. See the discussion below:
1. Use the analog stereo output (RCA outputs)
RCA is the most basic way to connect your TV to an external audio system. RCA cables are those red and white or red, white and yellow cables. They are sometimes called phono jacks. This type of connection is for older amplifiers. However, both devices must support the use of RCA cables.
RCA connection outputs send a two-channel stereo output from the TV to the amplifier.
How to connect your Smart TV to your amplifier using an audio cable (cable Analog) Step by Step
Step One: Assemble the Devices
Check for the availability of the following: Analog audio cable (for audio analog, 3.5 mm jack stereo mini-jack, Audio IN (R), Audio IN (L), Audio OUT (R), Audio OUT (L), Audio OUT/Headphone OUT.
You can now use RCA Cables which have RCA plugs on both ends or you can use 3.5mm to RCA cables as most TVs have a 3.5mm port (regular headphone port). 3.5mm jacks are also known as 1/8 stereo jacks.
Step Two: Connect the RCA Cable
Using the analog stereo cables, connect the stereo mini plug (3.5mm) to the audio output of your TV. Using a regular RCA cable, connect it to the TV and the amp, matching the colors as you go.
Step Three: Turn on the devices
Connect the devices to the power outlet and turn them on. You can then select the input on your amplifier.
Step Four: Adjust Your TV’s Settings
Go to your TV’s menu and set the sound to output to play through RCA instead of using the TV’s internal speakers. However, not all televisions require this.
2. Use a cable TV box with RCA, HDMI, etc.
If you have a cable TV box that your TV is already connected to, you can easily connect your amplifier to the box using RCA, HDMI, etc.
This, of course, depends on the ports and connections your cable box offers. Below is an illustration of an example:
3. Use digital optical output
This method is much better than option one, since optical cables are used to provide much better audio signals. To use it, you will need a TV with digital output and an amplifier with digital input.
Option 2: Step-by-step optical digital cable connection
Step One: Gather Your Supplies
Gather your smart TV, audio system, HDMI cable (for VIDEO), coaxial digital cable (for digital audio), and optical digital cable .
Step Two: Connect the Optical Cable
Connect the coaxial digital cable, optical digital cable, or audio cable to the audio-out jack on the TV.
Connect the other end of the cable to the corresponding jacks on the amplifier.
Note: depending on the stereo receiver, the audio input may be labeled TV INPUT or VIDEO INPUT.
Step Three: Turn on the TV
When using the optical digital cable connection, turn on the TV and set the speakers to the audio system. audio following the guidelines set forth in the user manual.
Also, Adjust the TV’s sound to the desired setting of Fixed or Variable if your TV has that option.
Step Four: Turn on the Amplifier
Turn on the amplifier and set it to the appropriate input.
You can also use a DAC or sound processor. For more information, see our article on why you may need a DAC.
4. Use the HDMI-Audio Return Channel (ARC) connection
To take advantage of this feature, your smart TV and audio device must support ARC and must be enabled.
This feature allows the transfer of the audio signal originating from the TV to an HDMI-ARC-equipped amplifier without having to make a separate digital or analog audio connection from the TV to the amplifier.
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The same cable that plugs into the TV’s HDMI input (the one labeled HDMI-ARC) receives and transmits audio between the TV and the audio system.
Option 1: HDMI Connection Using Steo By Step Audio Return Channel (ARC) Feature
Step One: Meet All Requirements
You will need to assemble your smart TV, amplifier, high-quality HDMI cable, and audio system TV-Out ARC connection.
Step Two: Connect an HDMI cable to the HDMI ports labeled ARC
Locate the HDMI ports on the smart TV and amplifier. The port may also be identified in your manual as ARC. Connect the HDMI cable to the TV and then to the amplifier.
Step Three: Set up the speakers on the audio system
You can do this by opening the setup screen .
Step Four: Turn on the Control for HDMI Setup
Do this on both the TV and Amplifier to allow the HDMI cable to run through signals through the devices.
Refer to your operating instruction manual for steps to enable HDMI control.
5. Using Bluetooth
This is a wireless connection option that requires both the TV and the amplifier to support Bluetooth connectivity. Also, the devices must be paired in order to communicate with each other.
How can I get my TV to play sound through my amplifier?
To For your smart TV to play sound through the amplifier, it’s important to understand the type of audio connection your TV offers, such as RCA or HDMI.
Next, determine which audio inputs your amplifier offers. Depending on the generation and cost of the amplifier, you can offer several input options. The connection must be compatible with the one offered by the amplifier.
Determine what type of cables you need for the connection. For example, if your TV has a stereo headphone output (called a stereo 1/8 jack) and your amplifier only has RCA audio inputs, you’ll need to use a “stereo to 1/8 RCA” cable. But not all inputs and outputs are supported.
Once you establish the correct connection, turn off both the TV and the amplifier and plug one end of the cable into the audio output ports on your TV and the other end to the amplifier’s audio input ports.
Turn on the TV, then the amplifier. Operate both devices to test the connection.
How do I connect the speakers to my Smart TV?
Once the amplifier is successfully connected to your Smart TV, you may need to connect your TV to an external speaker to improve your sound experience.
Here are some of the ways you can connect speakers to your Smart TV.
- Use RCA Cables: They only carry stereo sound (2 channels: left and right), not surround sound.
- With 3.5mm analog cables: Use 3.5mm audio jacks. 5mm on the TV connector and RCA connector on the speaker end. This method is ideal for basic multimedia speakers.
- Using an HDMI (ARC) cable: Your TV must support HDMI ports, sometimes marked as HDMI-ARC.
- Using a digital cable optical cable: If your TV has an optical output, connect it from the TV to the receiver, that does support the cables.
- Using an HDMI cable through your speaker through the TV.
What can I use if I don’t have an HMDI cable?
You can also buy an adapter or cable to connect to your TV. normal HDMI input.
If you don’t have Micro HDMI, look for a DisplayPort on your laptop that can handle the same digital video and audio signals as HDMI.
You can get an adapter or DisplayPort/HDMI cable for a few bucks and hook it up without a hitch.
How do I connect my Samsung Smart TV to my sound system?
Here are some Steps you need to follow:
- Take the remote control of your smart TV.
- Press the HOME button.
- Select “Settings”
- On the screen that is displayed, select the “Sound Menu” and then choose the sound output option.
- Select the “Speaker List” you want the your TV will connect.
- You should now be connected and ready to play.
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