How to Build a Home Stereo System
When choosing your own speakers and receiver it is necessary to confirm that the components are compatible. If the receiver does not have stereo outputs or surround sound, then the speakers will not play in stereo. Select your speakers first, and then choose a stereo receiver that has adequate power output to supply the speakers with enough amperage for optimal sound.
Items Needed:
- Stereo receiver or amplifier
- Speaker wire
- Speakers
- Start by choosing the size, weight and output level of the speakers. Output is measured in watts to determine the volume and range of the speakers audio. Small speakers, such as Bose brand have as much output as a comparable larger speaker. The amperage of the speakers determines the amount of amplifier output necessary for the receiver.
- Select how many speakers to install. A stereo setup plays two separate sounds on a left and right channel through two speaker inputs on the receiver. Technically, if you set up a stereo, not to be confused with a surround sound system, the minimum speakers you need are two. More speakers can be added on either the left or the right channel in stereo. Some stereo receivers have separate inputs for a center speaker. In contrast, a surround sound receiver separately outputs a minimum of five speakers to produce sound at the back and front as well as the left and right, and the middle. The subwoofer is optional for both systems.
- Choose an audio receiver that has enough power to play the speakers at their optimal performance level. Check the wattage of the speakers against the output wattage on the receiver usually found in the user’s manual or on the back or bottom of the receiver. The receiver should have at least two speaker inputs for each left and right channel. Since your speakers most likely require speaker wire hook-ups, make sure the receiver has manual speaker wire receptors instead of VGA speaker inputs. For true stereo sound, be sure the receiver has a stereo amplifier setting to control the output of both channels. Most new receivers have at least five channels for surround sound output, but have settings to adjust for stereo output.
- Use speaker wire to connect each speaker separately according to the inputs on the back of the receiver.