Skip to main content

How to wire up (connect) a stereo sound system

Posted by Peter Bultman http://www.decibeldesigns.com on 29th May 2015

Wiring a sound system is simple if you take small steps;

*Location location location!

*Connecting your components

*Enjoy your tunes!

You want to locate your sound system where it's easy to get to and your connecting wires are the shortest. You want your speakers close too. The shorter the wire run and the fatter the wire the happier your system will be. And that's great sound...what you want!

We'll be connecting a simple system; a PS Audio preamplifier, a Cambridge Audio CD player, a

vintage Sony FM tuner, and Great American Sound son of ampzilla amplifier. Top to bottom. The large interconnect cables are Viper by Audioquest.

cabinet by Decibel Designs.

The preamplifier controls everything so your want to put it in a convenient place. The same is true for any top load component like a phonograph player. Place it on top, or on a slide out shelf for ease of access.

First we connect the main output right and left channels on the back of the preamplifier. The color red-is-right is easy to remember. We'll always follow this convention so the electrics don't cross.

The other ends of the leads plug into the input ports on the amplifier.

Next plug your cables into the CD port on the back of the preamplifier (or reciever if you're not using a pre-amp).

And plug the other ends into the CD player output ports.

Then your FM tuner cable set into the back of the preamplifier.

Now connect your speaker wires for the left and right channels. You'll see here we're still keeping red as right and using thick wires so plenty of juice makes to your speakers for the best maximum sound.

Now Enjoy! There's nothing like coming home to a great sound system. It will always make you happy, energize you, and just make your home life better. Not to mention great sound is completely legal!