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Learn: Home » How to Connect a Surround Receiver
The receiver is the heart of your audio/video system. Therefore hooking it up is a little like performing open-heart surgery. The bad news is that this can be a nerve-wracking process, and if something goes wrong, you may be left wondering whether it's the receiver that's at fault or you. Now here's the good news: it's probably you.
 This Onkyo receiver offers a plethora of connection options. |
Pick a slow weekend: Rule one is keep your cool. This is going to take awhile. You cannot simply hook up a few cables and start flying. Don't even think of making your family wait for an evening's entertainment while you sweat and cuss. Budget a long weekend to give yourself the necessary time, energy, and patience. You are going to make mistakes — and correct them.
Thumb through the manual: Granted, it's probably boring, badly written, and confusing. But quickly skim through it and get the lay of the land. That way, when problems arise, you'll have a rough idea of where to look for solutions. Give some attention to the hookup diagrams. Record the product's serial number on the back page. Keep a file of manuals for everything you buy — later, you'll be glad you did.
Placement is important: Paying attention to cable positioning now will save hassle later. Pick a spot where the cables connecting other components can reach the receiver. Most interconnect cables are one-meter though you can buy longer ones.
Room to breathe: A receiver contains hot amplifiers and needs space so that heat can escape. Otherwise the receiver fries itself. The top of your rack is the best place for it. If you select a lower spot, give the receiver's top ventilation holes at least four inches of breathing room. Seven or eight inches would not be excessive with a high-current receiver. Allow at least an inch at the sides. A closed rack or equipment closet may require an exhaust fan.
