Many people find the idea of connecting wireless speakers quite daunting but it need not be so. It is a fairly simple task. It also only has to be done once and then you can enjoy the freedom of wireless speakers with no hassle, no wires, and no clutter. We look at how to connect wireless speakers to a receiver.
There are two main technologies that are used for wireless speakers, Bluetooth and WiFi. Both have pros and cons but when set up correctly, either option works well. We will take you through both options.
Bluetooth
This is probably the most common option. Bluetooth is nothing new and many of us have some experience in connecting a mobile device to a headset, car kit, or other gadgets. The process is quite simple.
This first step is to confirm your receiver has integrated Bluetooth. Many of them do but there are some models the do not have the feature. If this is the case, have no fear. Theaudio.blog has the solution. All you need is a simple and inexpensive Bluetooth transmitter. But more on that later.
Integrated Bluetooth
While some receivers claim to be Bluetooth enabled, this might mean that they only have a Bluetooth receiver. This allows you to connect mobile devices or other gadgets. To connect to wireless speakers, the receiver needs to have a Bluetooth transmitter.
The first step is to ensure that Bluetooth is active on the speakers and visible and that it is activated on the receiver. In many cases, the devices will “see” each other and connect automatically. What could be easier than that?
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If this does not happen you will have to go into the Bluetooth settings and search for new devices and then instruct the receiver to connect or pair with the speakers. The user manual or website for the manufacturer should guide you through this quick and easy task.
Once you believe you have paired with the speakers simply play a soundtrack or any music to confirm the connection was successful.
If you intend to use the speakers for watching movies and TV, it is advisable that both the speakers and the receiver support the aptX LL Bluetooth codec.
Here are the Best Outdoor Alexa Speakers of 2021.
Receivers without Bluetooth
Some models do not have a Bluetooth transmitter but it is fortunately very easy to overcome this challenge. All you need to do is invest in a Bluetooth transmitter. This will give the device the ability to transmit Bluetooth and allow you to connect wireless speakers.
They are not expensive and will give you all the advantages of integrated Bluetooth. In most cases, they connect to the receiver’s headphone port. This is normally a 3.5mm headphone jack. If not you can get an adapter that will allow you to convert from 6.5mm to 3.5mm adapter. Others use RCA, coax, or optical ports. Once on, the connection process is pretty much the same as above.
Just remember that distance is a limitation of Bluetooth technology. The average is roughly 30 feet maximum although some can work over a longer distance.
Here is the solution if you want to Connect Multiple Bluetooth Speakers.
WiFi
A slightly more recent innovation, although it has been available for a while, is WiFi connectivity. In this case, you need to have both a receiver and speakers that are WiFi-enabled. These are starting to become more popular and you will start seeing more of them in the market. They offer a bit more freedom, reliability, and quality than Bluetooth, in most cases.
As more homes and spaces become WiFi-enabled, we are able to connect multiple devices to the network. This has many advantages. One is that it allows for simple control over multiple devices and gadgets connected to the WiFi network. Your receiver and speakers, if compatible, can form part of this smart solution.
One important factor to note is that not all WiFi-enabled receivers and speakers are compatible. This is because the manufacturers use proprietary technology to ensure you stick to their brand. So before you rush out and spend money on a receiver or WiFi-enabled speakers, look into this.
Assuming all components support the same format of wireless connectivity, connecting is fairly easy. Again, you might need to go into the settings on the receiver to establish the connection.
Alternatives
Many of the top receivers feature Google Chromecast, Airplay, or other technologies. HEOS is another format supported by some manufacturers.
These can also be used to connect wireless speakers to the system. The setup is relatively intuitive and should guide you through the process. Again, the receiver, as well as the speakers, need to have this technology.
The other option is to invest in a complete wireless system that works over Bluetooth or WiFi. These systems are designed to work together and are practically plug and play. This makes the setup a breeze. The receiver, as well as the speakers, are preconfigured to “talk” to each other.
Final thoughts
When using older equipment with the latest gadgets there might be compatibility issues. This complicates things slightly but there is almost always a way around things. The solutions are inexpensive and easy to set up. Once done you can enjoy the benefits and freedom wireless speakers offer.
