How to Connect an RCA Output to a Speaker-Wire Amp Connection

You can connect an RCA output to a speaker-wire amp connection with a simple adapter.

A variety of different types of connections are used in car-audio electronics. Two of the most common are the RCA connection and speaker-wire connections. The RCA connection utilizes RCA-style plugs and jacks -- it's useful for connecting line-level audio sources. Speaker-wire connections are typically made to amplifiers and utilize screw terminals that clamp down on the bare ends of speaker-wire leads. You can produce an adapter that lets you connect an RCA output to a speaker-wire amp connection.

Things You'll Need

• Speaker wire
• Wire cutters/strippers
• In-line RCA jack
• Soldering iron
• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Cut a 6-inch-long piece of speaker wire with a set of wire cutters. Pull apart the two leads on either end of the speaker wire and remove 1/2 inch of insulation from each of the leads on both ends of the wire, using a set of wire strippers.

2. Solder the positive lead of one end of the speaker wire to the center post of an in-line RCA jack. Solder the negative lead to the outer tab of the in-line RCA jack.

3. Loosen the screw terminals for the speaker-wire inputs on the end panel of your amplifier with a screwdriver. Slide the bare end of the positive lead from the other end of the speaker wire into the "+" terminal and tighten. Slide the bare end of the negative lead from the other end of the speaker wire into the "-" terminal and tighten.

4. To use, plug the RCA output you want to connect into the in-line RCA jack at the end of the speaker wire connected to the amplifier.

References

• "Car Stereo Cookbook"; Mark Rumreich; 2005