How to Connect an Equalizer to a Home Theater System

An equalizer can improve the sound quality of your home theater system.

Home component stereo systems are comprised of several components, each designed for a specific purpose. These units have lost popularity over time as more consumers flock to newer systems sold with all of the components integrated into one unit. Some people are reluctant to buy these more sophisticated systems because, when one component goes out, it cannot be replaced, which means repairs are usually more expensive. If you’ve decided to piece together a home entertainment system using the components you have at hand, including an equalizer, you should be able to accomplish the task in under an hour.

Things You'll Need

• Stereo amplifier
• Equalizer
• RCA cable

Instructions

1. Check the back of your stereo for recording input and output jacks. If you have a cassette deck, it might be plugged into these jacks.

2. Connect the RCA wires to the input and output jacks on the back on the equalizer. If the jacks are already in use, unplug that device and connect the equalizer. Once you’ve connected the equalizer, you can hook up the other device to the jacks on the back of the equalizer. Be sure the "Out" jack from the cassette deck is connected to the "In" jack on the equalizer.

3. Plug the wires from the equalizer into the amplifier in the same manner.

4. Once all of the cables are connected, double-check your wiring; then, make sure the "Tape Monitor Button" on the amplifier is switched on. Turning it off will disable the equalizer. You can still monitor your recording device or cassette deck using the monitor switch on the equalizer.

Tips & Warnings

• On some older amplifiers, the “In” and “Out” jacks are reversed. If the instructions provided above don’t work, try switching the two RCA cables on the back of the amplifier.

• Do not run the speaker outputs to the equalizer, as the high power output could damage your equalizer.

References

• Panasonic: Home Theater FAQs
• HomeAudioEqualizer.net: Home Theater FAQ

Resources

• Internet Sound Institute: What Is An Equalizer?