Audio Systems: speaker connection, rca outputs, pre amplifier


Question
QUESTION: Dear Mr Cleggsan; thanks for your advice previously, I have transformer on the way. My level of knowledge in electronics is woefully inadequate. My project is designed to require learning. I hope it is not impossible to incorporate Tannoy sub into present setup. My intention has been to attach xlr plugs to speaker bi-wire at one end, leaving present connections [bare wire] at other, or banana plugs. From my research I believe this would just constitute an unbalanced connection between balanced and unbalanced components and therefore do-able. With what audio effect I am not sure. Resistances and the confusion between 110v. components and 240v introduce further unknowns. The Tannoy has line in connectors seperate from what I understand to be connectors for balanced components such as amplifiers and speakers. I am under the impression that if wired correctly, leaving the ground unconnected in an xlr connector is not fatal, nor, on short cable, destructive of audio signal. But as you say, I am confused at the moment by the whole setup. If you could  further advise me on these matters, I would have less chance of blowing up the equipment. Surely the Tannoy is incorporateable into unspecialised home systems? I thought that the pre-amplifier was that part of an amplifier to do with input and output. Thanks very much for your interest in this matter,up to this point, Chris McDonald

ANSWER: Still, you are greatly confused about the connections for the input, the speakers and the power.

But, I must know what preamp or receiver you are using in your system.  That is the 64,000 lb question.  It is the key to which inputs on the Tannoy you are going to use.  Most home type high fidelity receivers or preamps use rca outputs and you, therefore, do not use the XLR connectors.  The XLR connectors are for commercial and professional equipment like a mixer or recording studio monitor system.  If the feeding preamp or receiver does not have XLR outputs than you should not be using the XLR input plugs.  Period.

The whole question of balanced and unbalanced is not relevant when using rca or mini plug stereo inputs.  Hopefully, you are using a consumer preamp or receiver to take the input from your music source; then all you need are rca input cables.

Please give me your model number for all the equipment in the system so I can unravel the confusion.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Mr Cleggsan; the pyle pro amp 2 by 75w amp has model no.pca3, with 2 rca input lines, and 4 spring loaded speaker out lines. The amp is connected to a computer via a headphones out y adaptor into pair rca connectors, into amp. Speakers out connected to pair of Orb speakers. Working so far. Only one input into amp I'm afraid. Subwoofer is Tannoy ts10 110 v. I believe there are two ways of connecting a subwoofer in most cases. Possibly none in this case, seemingly. Would you recommend the purchase of a more suitable amp/ receiver? Or preamp? Hope I have provided adequate information, thanks for your trouble, Chris McDonald.

Answer
Yes, I know the pyle amp you gave before, but that is just an amplifier to power the speakers.  It is not a control amp.

If you are feeding from a pc you must look at the pc output to see what output options you have on the audio board.  

But, if you want to feed the Tannoy from the Pyle only I suggest - as way back in the beginning - a hi-lo adaptor which will take a tap off the speaker outputs of the Pyle, reduce them in voltage level, match them into the rca inputs of the Tannoy.

Something like this will do the job:

http://www.installer.com/item/display_item.php?it=sni-15

I am wondering why you didn't just go to the computer store where you can purchase a 2.1 powered speaker system for lots less than the money you have tied up in the Pyle and the Tannoy (which is expensive!).

On your way?

Best wishes.