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Powered speakers setup; resistance & volume controls?

  • 26-08-2019 8:59pm
    #1
    Fogmatic
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,003 ✭✭✭


    Before setting up a pair of powered/active bookshelf speakers with our new home stereo system (details below), I've been trying to check out the basic rules for not risking damage to either (and maximising sound quality). Can anybody tell me? In plain English, where it'll do?


    I searched on the same thing a few years ago at great length but can't find my notes. I've just searched again at great length, and most results were about computer output, car stereos, home theatre or multi-room systems, or fields way over my head like proper hi-fi or professional DJ and PA systems. (Most of the rest were consumer marketing and too simplistic to help).


    Do I remember right that the total ohms/resistance/impedance of the speakers needs to be lower than that of the source? Something to do with not overworking a source amplifier? The stereo system's specifications (amplifier section) say; Aux: (0.5V)20k(ohm symbol). Those of the speakers say; Input impedance is 20k(ohm symbol), balanced bridging, and 10k(ohm symbol) unbalanced. (My smattering of audio terms doesn't yet extend to balanced/unbalanced!). The instructions for the TV they used to be connected to don't mention resistance (unless "Audio Output Power (WRMS.) (10% THD" is any help).


    Also, I can't remember the setup sequence with 2 volume controls (though I expect it starts with both at minimum). I turned the speakers' volume knob to down to the power off point for disconnection from the TV, and can't remember what position it was in (though it does have an indicating mark on the knob, which might be for some recommended level). Or which volume to adjust first, or when to power on what. (No guidance on that in the instructions for either TV, stereo or speakers). The speakers were connected to the TV via the headphone socket for 3 years with no problems (that I know of), so I presume it'll be the same with the stereo (and that likewise I won't have to use the volume control on the speakers after setting up). The stereo's built-in speakers also disconnect when the headphone connection is in use, as the TV's do. But I prefer not to just presume when it comes to electronics.


    The speakers are specified as expecting a 'line' signal. I still haven't found out exactly what that is, but gather it's not as amplified as the other type of speaker input, which is called 'speaker'? And guess headphone connections must be the line type signals? (Another confusion in searches was that I'd assumed 'headphone jack' meant the plug, when it also seems to mean the socket).

    Re sound quality, this isn't hi-fi, but we're still more interested in hearing what was meant to be heard in our vinyl/cassette/CD sources (as far as we can) than in any overall adjustment of bass/treble (we both have good hearing - so far!).

    Stereo system; Teac LP-R500 CD recorder with turntable/cassette player. Speakers; Mackie CR3 Creative Reference Studio Monitors.

    l


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