Connect amplifier - how it works

There are a number of things you need to consider to properly connect an audio amplifier. This practical tip gives you tips on the correct wiring, as well as special information on speaker impedance and the correct assignment of input devices to the menu items in the amplifier.

Connect the amplifier correctly

Most hi-fi systems contain an audio amplifier. This is also known as the "final stage". The connections are usually on the back and are used as follows:

• Connect your speakers to the outputs marked "Out", "Speakers" or "Monitor". We will introduce you to the various speaker connections and their advantages and disadvantages in a further practical tip. In the photo, simple speaker lines are used as an output.
• Make sure that the loudspeakers are viewed from the perspective of the listener: The "Left" loudspeaker is at the front left of the listener.
• Be sure to follow your insurer's impedance information. You can find this either at the loudspeaker connection or in the instructions for use. Your speakers should have exactly this impedance. If necessary, the impedance may also be higher.
• You can control the overall impedance of your speakers by connecting multiple speakers in series or in parallel.
• The inputs are in the "In" area. Here you connect devices such as CD, DVD or BluRay players, records, radio and the like. Sometimes the inputs are unfortunately not marked as "In". Then they are simply labeled as "Aux", "CD", "Tape" and so on.
• The inputs are mostly cinch, jack, or XLR. In two practical tips we explain the differences between jack and cinch and between jack and XLR.
• Names like "Aux", "CD", etc. are just names. You can also connect your laptop, television, or MP3 player to any of these inputs. You may need adapter cables from jack to cinch or speaker cables to cinch.
• You can even connect your electric piano, electric guitar and bass to the inputs. You will get a better sound if you use a guitar amplifier, the output of which you in turn connect to the input of the amplifier.
• You just have to remember which device you have connected to which input. Many users stick a tape of masking tape or masking tape on the front of the device. Here you can label which device is connected to which input.
• Attention: If your turntable only has a phono output, you cannot simply connect it to a cinch or jack input via an adapter cable. You need a much more sensitive phono amplifier.
• Some amplifiers have digital inputs. With the optical S / PFID input, make sure that the cable is not kinked. Connect the digital Toslink output of your audio device via cinch cable to the mostly orange Toslink input of your amplifier.
• Another practical tip will tell you how to adjust the sound of your connected amplifier optimally.

Now that your amplifier is properly connected, you should make sure that you place your dipole and surround speakers optimally and adjust both the equalizer and the subwoofer taking into account your room sound.