To achieve the best sounds, your equalizer must be connected to an integrated amp to control audio frequencies. There are many ways to do this but care is needed as wrong connections can lead to muffled sounds.
Our engineers did the testing to provide the best ways to do this task.
How to Connect an Equalizer to an Integrated Amplifier
Connecting multiple components of your audio system is needed for good sound output. In some systems, you have a separate source and power amp. Sources include record players, CD players, DVD players, tapes, or others.
The preamp allows switching of sources and control over volume, balance, and equalization. The power amp enhances the level of the audio that is sent to the speakers. An integrated amplifier contains both the preamp and power amp.
Nowadays, integrated amplifiers are more commonly used than having multiple components in a stereo system. It usually has many ports so you can connect a different source component for each one.
To achieve the best sound quality, connecting equalizer to your integrated amplifier is the key. It is a pretty straightforward process even without the tape loop function that most equalizers depend on.
Before starting the process, our experts suggest knowing the room specs to properly control the equalizer. It is also wise to identify how many components you are going to connect. These are some simple considerations necessary for optimal results.
#1: With a Receiver
Having the preamp out or preamp in connections attached to the equalizer is more recommended than connecting it through the tape monitor. Here are the steps to do that.
First, get one pair of RCA cables to connect equalizer to the receiver. Use one end and easily connect it to the preamp’s out port while the other end will be connected to the right and left ports.
If you get confused with the cables, remember to color code the RCA cables. White jack RCA cables will go with white RCA plugs, while the red jack does to the red plug.
The second pair of RCA cables will be used for the connection of the amplifier and the receiver. Connect one end to the amplifier inputs and the other to the receiver. If your only source is a CD or DVD player [1], then you can easily set up the connection.
Now that all the necessary connections are done for your audio chain, the signal can travel from the receiver to equalizer to amplifier, then vice versa.
Lastly, adjust your graphic equalizer to improve your sounds. Turn on the components then adjust the multiple equalizer knobs to manipulate the sounds. You can manipulate the equalizer to suit all the different frequencies.
(If you are searching for a great amp that offers better versatility, we have the most reliable 5-channel amplifiers listed here)
#2: Without a Receiver
Sometimes, receivers are not compatible with the preamp in connections and other appropriate inputs so there is a need to directly connect the equalizer to the integrated amp.
You will also need two pairs of RCA cables here. Look at the rear ends of both the two units, then look for their respective preamp out and in. Remember to use cables long enough to reach the two devices.
One pair of RCA cables should be connected from the integrated amp’s preamp output plugs to the equalizer’s input port. The second pair of RCA cable should be attached to the equalizer’s output port to the amplifier’s preamp input port. This creates the necessary connections for it to work.
Lastly, test the system by plugging it into the power outlet. Regulate your equalizer until you reach your desired sounds.
#3: With a Preamp
A preamp processes audio signals from your source like a DVD player, then passes them to the speaker’s powered amplifier.
To set up this audio chain, start with connecting the first pair of RCA cables on the preamp’s “Out To EQ” to its “EQ loop”. Then connect the second pair of RCA cables from the “Out To Amplifier” to the input ports of the power amp.
After that, connect the devices to a power source to test it.
Connecting an Integrated Amplifier to a Car
Car sounds can be further improved when you connect an integrated amp and equalizer. Equalizers allow you control the frequency output while the integrated amp allows you to control the volume.
Before starting, you need to identify how many components you want to connect in your car. Similar to previous methods, easily connect the first pair of cables from the integrated amp’s preamp out to the input of the equalizer.
Then, attach the other pair from the equalizer’s output to the built-in amplifier’s preamp input. This can be easily done if your only source of audio is the CD or DVD player. Though you can DIY this, it is still best to hire a professional to connect equalizer to an integrated amp of the car’s stereo.
(For a great amp without breaking your bank, here are some of the best affordable car amps that you can find)
Conclusion
To improve your audio room sounds, identify your room specs then add an equalizer and integrated amplifier. This can be done even without the tape loop function that equalizers need
Our experts outlined the best methods on how to connect an equalizer to an integrated amplifier. It can be done with or without a receiver, or with a preamp.
If you are in search of great amps, you can also check the list below:
