Analog interconnects
Carry an analog music signal between components. RCA and XLR are common connectors; use the type supported by both devices. A PHONO input is for a cartridge signal, not a normal line-level output.
CONNECTIONS & SYSTEM SETUP
Make the system work as one
The right connections, sensible cable lengths and careful placement help every component do its job without noise or unnecessary complexity.
Source
Analog interconnect
Amplifier
Speaker cable
Speakers
On this page
CARRY THE SIGNAL
What each cable does
Digital connections
Carry digital music data to a DAC. Shown here: USB-B, optical (TOSLINK) and coaxial RCA. USB-A and USB-C also occur. Match the labelled ports and check the manual—a familiar plug shape does not guarantee the same signal.
Speaker cable
Carries the amplifier’s output to passive speakers. Connect + to + and − to − at both ends. Use suitable cable thickness and secure bare-wire, banana or spade connections approved for the terminals.
KEEP THE SYSTEM QUIET
Power, grounding and routing
Start with clean practice
- Keep signal and power cables separated where practical.
- Cross them at right angles when they must meet.
- Connect a turntable’s separate ground wire as its manual directs. This is not a substitute for mains safety earth.
If you hear hum or buzz
- Switch off before changing connections, then check one connection at a time.
- Simplify the system to isolate the cause.
- Avoid buying accessories before identifying the problem.
A REPEATABLE PROCESS
Set up in this order
Before connecting: switch equipment off and follow each manufacturer’s instructions. Keep loose wire strands from touching neighbouring terminals. Never remove or bypass a mains safety-earth connection to cure hum.
- 01
Place the speakers
Begin with the room and listening position, then adjust distance from walls and toe-in.
- 02
Connect the sources
Check what is already built in. A turntable’s PHONO output needs a compatible phono input or phono stage. If its built-in phono stage is switched to LINE, connect it to a line input such as AUX—not PHONO. Digital outputs need a compatible DAC input.
- 03
Connect amplifier and speakers
Observe polarity and make sure bare conductors cannot touch adjacent terminals.
- 04
Power up at low volume
Confirm each source works before making placement or level adjustments.
CHOOSING WITH INTENTION
Questions worth answering first
- 01
Where can the speakers and components sit in your room?
- 02
Which connections does each component need?
- 03
Can the cables reach comfortably without pulling or crossing busy walkways?
- 04
Is there any hum or buzz you want the setup to solve?