How To Connect Ceiling Speakers To Receiver
By Robert Jones · 2021-09-13
The majority of the people are inclined towards ceiling speakers. The reason
## Getting Your Ceiling Speakers Hooked Up to a Receiver Right, so you've decided to take the plunge and get some ceiling speakers. Good on ya. They're a cracking way to get sound through a room without having big boxes everywhere. I've put countless systems in over the years, from simple kitchens to full-blown multi-room setups. And the main question I always get is, "How do I even connect these things?". It’s simpler than you might think, honestly. Just takes a bit of planning and a bit of know-how. ### Why Ceiling Speakers, Anyway? Before we get stuck into the wiring, let's just touch on *why* these are so popular. For a start, they're discreet. Properly installed, they just blend into the decor. You get your music, your podcasts, whatever, without speakers taking up floor space or cluttering shelves. Great for smaller rooms, or kitchens, or even bathrooms if you get the right waterproof ones. I’ve had a pair in my own kitchen for nearly a decade now, and they’re still going strong. Just make sure you’re not putting a massive passive sub up there, it won’t end well. ### What You'll Need Alright, let's get our bits and bobs together. You won't need an engineering degree, just some basic tools and the right bits of kit. * **Ceiling Speakers:** Obviously. Make sure they're passive speakers, though. Active ones have their own amps and are a different kettle of fish altogether. * **An AV Receiver or Amplifier:** This is the brains of the operation. It powers the speakers and lets you select your audio sources. A decent stereo amp will do, but if you want surround sound or multiple zones, you’ll need an AV receiver. * **Speaker Cable:** Don't skimp on this. Seriously. It's the highway for your audio signal. Get good quality, oxygen-free copper cable. I usually go for 14 or 16 gauge for most domestic runs. If you’re running it over really long distances, like from a rack in the utility room to a speaker in the living room, you might want to consider 12 gauge to minimise signal loss. * **Wire Strippers:** For getting the insulation off the cable ends. Essential. * **Small Screwdriver:** For tightening connections on the speaker terminals and receiver. And probably for prying open a beer bottle after all your hard work. * **Tape Measure and Pencil:** For marking out where your speakers are going and planning cable runs. * **Drill/Hole Saw:** To cut the holes in your ceiling. Measure twice, cut once, eh? That