If your speakers draw a lot of power and your receiver is having a hard time providing enough power, or if you have more speakers than receiver channels, you may be wondering if adding a second receiver to your setup is a good idea.
However, you won’t get more power by connecting the output of one receiver to the input of another. The best option for more power is to get a receiver with a preamp output and a powerful amplifier. Then simply connect your receiver’s preamp outputs to the power amp inputs. Another option is to step up the separates (learn more about receivers vs. separates).
That being said, if you still want to connect two receivers, make sure your receivers have line-level outputs or line-level outputs. preamplifier . There are many good preamp receivers on the market. These are known as pre-exit receivers. You can also use a tape output or a zone 2 output.
Before we get into the details, let’s take a quick look at the steps for connecting two receivers:
- Connect your input source (CD, Blu-ray, etc)
- Locate the output on the first receiver (preamp, tape or zone 2 output)</strong
- Locating the input on the second receiver
- Use an RCA cable to connect the output of the first receiver to the input of the second receiver.
Steps to connect two receivers together
Here are the simple steps you can follow to connect your two receivers and enhance your entertainment experience in no time:
1. Connect your source
Make sure you have the two receivers in close proximity in your listening room. Plug one of them into an outlet and connect your sources to the input, be it a CD player, Aux, Blu-ray player or whatever.
2. Locate the outlet on the first receiver
Locate the outlet on the back of the device. Most designers usually place the output here and label it “Output”.
This output could be a Preout, Tape Out, or Zone 2 Out.
3. Locate the input on the second receiver
Go to your second receiver and plug it into the wall as well. Unlike the first receiver, you must locate the device input.
Receiver designers and manufacturers often put this on the back as well. Look for the connectors labeled “Input.”
If you’re using zone 2, you can connect it to any non-phono input on the second receiver. AUX is a good option, for example. Note, however, that if a digital source is connected, it cannot power zone 2 because it is analog.
4. Use an RCA cable to connect the receivers
Find a high-quality RCA cable and connect it to the “Output” of the first receiver. After that, connect it to the “Input” on the second device.
That’s all you need to do. However, you should always remember to match the color of the cable tips to the output and input connectors to avoid errors and get the best experience.
Can two receivers be connected to a single set of speakers?
Now you know how to connect two receivers. However, you can also decide to connect them to a single set of speakers. You may consider purchasing a separate speaker set, but it is expensive.
The good news is that you can do this without any difficulty using one of the following methods:
A popular option: speaker switches
Using speaker switches is one of the more convenient methods, but you could damage your audio system if you ignore the basics. To reduce your risk, you should:
- Purchase the correct type of speaker switch. Speaker switches are not made equal, so choosing the right one comes at little cost.
- Ideal speaker switches can turn off the second receiver completely. You can opt for switches that have sensors. They allow the receivers to automatically switch based on what you need at any given time.
- Some speaker switches with sensors are prone to many audio problems. However, they are compatible with many devices and may be all you need to securely connect the speakers to your two receivers.
- Make sure your receivers are not turned on at the same time. Same time. This could cause various problems, such as heavy load outputs to the receivers.
A cheaper alternative: banana plugs
The circuit breakers speakers are common but are more expensive than banana plugs.So since both can help you do the same task, it might be better to use banana plugs instead. It is the best option for people who are on a tight budget.
Banana plugs look like sockets headphone jack and makes it easy to switch the speaker source between your two receivers. You have to bundle additional cables to make switching more efficient.
It’s best to remember that affordability comes at a cost. The banana plug doesn’t solve all the problem of changing the receiver, so you need to get a set of cables to help you get the job done.
Why do you need receivers?
Before connecting your receiver, consider whether it is the correct type. We have two types of receptors. These are:
- A/V Receiver: Has at least 5 channels and is designed to handle your video and audio needs
- Stereo Receivers: They have 2 channels and only handle audio output
These are the main functions of a typical receiver:
- Connect and change audio and video sources: The audio sources in a home theater are connected to your stereo or A/V receiver.
- This allows you to choose your preferred audio sources without any problem.
- However, your video source can only be connected to your A/V receiver. Your display device is also connected to the receiver. So you can select any video source you want to view on the receiver’s remote control.
- In short, you get the best video and sound quality when you switch your video through the receiver.
- Decoding of digital and analog surround formats. The A/V receiver can decode these surround sound formats, making it more valuable than a stereo receiver.
- Amplifies audio signals. Stereo and A/V receivers have the remarkable ability to amplify audio signals. However, the A/V device contains at least five channels, making it suitable for driving your surround sound speaker system. In other words, it supports no less than a typical 5.1 surround sound setup.
- Stereo receivers have two channels of amplification. Note that this means it can only serve your stereo needs, not surround sound.
- Provides radio programming. The receivers have radio tuners. Most A/V receivers also feature satellite radio receivers, giving users the rare opportunity to get lots of exclusive satellite content, such as sports programming.
When should you connect two receivers together?
Based on the explanation above, receivers are essential to properly amplify, route, and manage your audio, input sound from external devices, and more.
However, they have limited amplification channels. A stereo receiver, for example, has 2 channels. So let’s say you have two stereo receivers and several speakers. If you use one receiver, you won’t be able to connect the other speakers.
Therefore, many people choose to connect with a second speaker to create more channels of amplification.
The good news is that the process of connecting the receivers is simple if you understand the steps.
Can you daisy chain a receiver?
Yes. To do this, use an HDMI cable to connect your source, such as a Blu-ray player, to your receiver. Then use a different HDMI cable to complete the connection from the receiver to your HDTV.
Can I use a second receiver as an amplifier?
You can use any AV receiver as an external amplifier for up to two channels through the preamplifier. outputs from another unit, even if it doesn’t have multi-channel inputs. You can use any analog source input (left and right channel jacks) as an aux (but not phono).
Can you connect home receivers?
Bridging home receivers will usually require you to make custom patch cables. However, an amplifier’s bridge switch will do the conversion internally. If you are using home theater receivers, you should note that they do not have jumper switches.
Summary
You can follow the simple steps above to connect power to your two receivers if you need to get more out of your home theater system. You can also use a speaker switch or banana plug to connect these receivers to your unique set of speakers.
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