Bi-amping your speakers

Jumpers connect the two sets of binding posts for regular use (left). For biamping, remove the jumpers (right).

If you've got a seven-channel receiver but you're only using five speakers and a powered subwoofer, you might be able to put those extra two channels to work. Most newer seven-channel receivers let you redirect their rear surround amp channels to send the power to a pair of bi-amp compatible front speakers (these are speakers that have two sets of binding post inputs instead of the usual single pair). You'll enjoy more dynamic, higher quality sound from your bi-amped front speakers — a great feature for anyone who listens to a lot of stereo music.

Connecting your audio components

You've got four main options when making audio connections — HDMI (which carries both audio and video), optical digital, coaxial digital, and analog stereo RCA.

Now, you won't necessarily find all these connection types on every component you own, or on the back of your receiver. (For example, many stereo receivers only offer stereo RCA inputs, since they can't reproduce the surround sound that digital audio connections are often used to deliver.) But in cases where you do have options, choose the highest quality connections you can. Whenever possible, we recommend using a digital connection.