Home Audio

Every electronic device that receives or transmits radio waves (including television) comes preassembled with an antenna. The reality, however, is that these built-in antennas can be weak and...

XLR connectors are balanced line connectors. They are also known as Cannon connectors, based upon the last name of their inventor, James Cannon. The most common Cannon connectors, or XLRs, each...

The LED (light emitting diode) is a solid state light source. Although LEDs require a DC power source and cost more than fluorescent lights, LEDs have become popular because of their low...

Using a wire gauge to measure stranded wire gives you an answer about the size of the wire, both in terms of its dimension and its average wire gauge (AWG), an industry measuring standard since...

Speakers can be switched between two stereo amplifiers with an A/B selector switch available at electronics stores. Extra speaker wire is necessary for this set up, but the wiring itself only...

One of the most common ways to wire a potentiometer, or rheostat, is as a volume control. By wiring one of the terminals to ground, it allows this standard variable resistor to have a position...

Grounding a turntable is a way to prevent electrical interference while playing your favorite albums on vinyl. Electrical interference can cause audio distortion while playing, particularly in the...

Improving speaker sound is a favorite pursuit of audiophiles. Even the best speakers will suffer from poor sound quality if the two basic rules of speaker efficiency are ignored--proper speaker...

Outdoor speakers can transform a deck or patio into a vibrant outdoor living area. These speakers are built to stand up to the rigors of climate changes and weather, but they are connected in much...

We don't usually think of speaker wire when we think of Romex cable. Romex is built for in-wall electrical wiring, after all. But Romex is tough, available in multiple gauges, and is relatively...

Although installing a 4-channel amplifier may seem like a daunting task at first, it's actually a straightforward process as long as you plan out the installation. The high volume of wires and...

While many people like the idea of putting speakers in the ceiling to get sound to different rooms in a home or office, they often have no idea how to connect the speakers to the amplifier....

Wiring a home amplifier to a home stereo or surround system is a good way to maximize sound quality. There may be many wires running from the amplifier but the process is still simple. Most...

The most popular element used in the production of electrical wire is copper. Copper is an excellent conductor, and is cost-effective and readily available.

The RCA audio cable is a standard that is universally used for transferring audio signals from one device to the other. It has been around so long that it is available at most places that sell...

Bipolar speakers are audio loudspeakers that have been wired internally to produce sound in at least two directions, typically from the front and back of the speaker cabinet. Bipolar speakers are...

Pulling in that favorite FM station can seem frustrating, but with a great antenna trimmed, and tuned the headaches will soon disappear. An FM antenna will allow you to scan the airwaves for your...

Stereo amps, often called AV receivers, can have multiple input and output connections and can handle six or more speakers. They're capable of stereo output but also can recreate Surround Sound...

Whether it's at home preparing to rock out with a garage band or at a club before playing a gig, correct audio setup is crucial to a good set. One of the most basic tasks associated with setting...

The best FM signal for your stereo radio will always come from having a good FM antenna. A decent FM antenna does not have to be an expensive store-bought or manufactured kind. Instead, it can be...

Wiring your own speaker cabinet gives you the flexibility to use whatever speakers you want and customize the cabinet to your needs. You have to be careful when wiring your speaker cabinet,...

In this article I'm going to walk you through connecting your car audio amp to your home theater system. I had an extra one in my basement and just recently hooked it up to my DJ mixer to see if...

The basic installation procedure for installing home stereo speaker wiring is the same no matter how your system is set up. Common configurations include: 5.1 surround sound (five speakers plus...

Many of us have a stereo, CD player or MP3 player in our home. But these devices would be of little use to us without attached speakers. Sometimes the speakers that are attached to these devices...

Home theater enthusiasts might want to connect a powered subwoofer to speakers for added bass. A subwoofer delivers low-frequency sound that you can feel as well as hear. If your receiver does not...

Amplifiers deliver the power to drive the speakers in a home stereo system. The standard setup involves two matched stereo speakers and an amplifier connected to an audio component, such as a CD...

Speaker wire is measured in AWG (American wire gauge) sizes, the standard measurement of wire for electrical conduction, based on the raw wire diameter less insulation. The thicker the wire gauge,...

There are two types of wires that are normally connected to a home stereo amplifier: speaker wire and audio/video cables to connect other components. In a home theater or stereo amplifier system,...

Setting up a component-based home audio system is fairly straightforward. There are a couple of tips, however, to ensure that you gain as much enjoyment as possible from your audio system. To get...

Amplifiers are the muscle that powers your stereo system by driving the speakers. The components are connected with speaker wire that consists of two strands. Each strand connects to a separate...

Cut a piece of cheap 18ga to the length you need from the formula in the image, strip the ends and twist the conductors together. Find the center and cut only one side of the wire, pull out...

Stereo components connect with special cables attached to a central control unit, which is typically a receiver or amplifier. The cables are color-coded and the jacks for plugging them in should...

AM radio antennas do not have to be outdoor types. You can construct an indoor antenna from some pieces of wood and 22-gauge insulated wire. The antenna can be placed anywhere indoors or on the...

Alligator clips have a variety of uses in the electronics field. This can range from science experiments and connecting batteries to connecting audio or video devices. To use an alligator clip...

You will learn exactly how to hook wire from a speaker to a stereo or receiver safely!

Home theater speakers will provide maximum enjoyment of movies, music and television programs recorded in Surround Sound. The most basic home theater systems consist of five speakers -- two front...

Speaker wire is measured by the American Wire Gauge (AWG) system, used since 1857 for the standardized measurement of wire for electrical conduction. Either solid or stranded core wires are...

RCA cables were originally designed for hooking phonographs up to receivers by their namesake, the Radio Corporation of America. However, over time the cables have proven to be proficient for all...

Speakers are the driving force for any audio application. Whether they are for a home stereo or surround sound system, the right speaker cables will give your speakers the right sound with perfect...

The quality of your FM radio signal is determined by the power of the station and the antennae Height Above Average Terrain (HAAT). Your radio's signal strength is determined by how far you are...

This article will explain how to wire banana plugs commonly used in professional audio.

RCA connectors are versatile and easy to use. They are common in many electronic devices, like CD players and VCRs, and can be used for a variety of video and audio applications. The male end of...

As most people do not have wire stripping tools laying around the house, here you will learn how to remove the outer plastic coating of a wire using a household knife, also known as wire stripping.

A home theater system can almost always be easily installed by the average homeowner. Doing it yourself will save you some money and better familiarize you with your new equipment.

An antenna is essential to good radio reception. But most AM receivers have only an inadequate internal antenna. If your radio has terminals for an external antenna, your AM reception can improve...

In order to run speaker wire through the walls, an individual will need a low-voltage jack and a cover plate, in addition to speaker wire. Run wire down through a wall and back through a hole that...

Placing, aligning and wiring your home theater speakers is vital to recreating the theater experience at home. With a couple of pointers and the right equipment, you can set up your home theater...

Wiring a Banana plug is a very simple task if you are properly equipped. In order to make a good connection follow these simple steps.

If you're caught up short when installing speakers in a car or placing speakers in a home, splicing speaker wire may be a perfect solution. A well-done splice will provide a secure connection and...

Wire comes in many different styles and sizes, but the most important consideration is the amount of current that will be carried by it, and that will determine the type of wire you'll need. The...