Published on November 22, 2017 by Clyde Escolano

Wireless technologies also have enabled audio to be transmitted from an audio source to speakers without cables seamlessly. However, some of us may wonder about this awesome audio functionality. How do these wireless devices connect to a receiver?

Most home theater systems require an AV receiver to pick up transmitted audio signals from its audio source. Read on if you want to know how do wireless speakers connect to a receiver.

There are two common ways on how wireless speakers connect to a receiver.

Bluetooth® Connectivity

Bluetooth® is a very convenient technology that uses radio signals in the 2.4 to 2.485 GHz band range to exchange data wirelessly over a certain distance. The latest Bluetooth® version, Bluetooth 5, allows fast and seamless data transmission within a 240-meter (800 ft) operating range.

Bluetooth® is already integrated into most devices like smartphones, wireless speakers, home theater systems, and headphones. These gadgets are considered audio sources because they’re capable of storing data or audio files.

These Bluetooth-enabled devices can perform two functions in the wireless audio chain. They act as the source and the transmitter at the same time.

You can connect your receiver to wireless speakers and home theater systems by doing the following methods:

By Bluetooth®

A Bluetooth transmitter is used to connect your receiver to your wireless speaker, hi-fi or home theater system.

To obtain a wireless audio connectivity, the transmitter is plugged into the headphone socket of the receiver. The receiver must be turned on by plugging it into a power source. Once the receiver is on, the transmitter then activated and the Bluetooth function of your wireless speaker is enabled. The two devices are then paired via Bluetooth connectivity to enjoy all your music wirelessly.

By using USB cables

If your AV receiver features a USB port and a headphone input:

The headphone output from your source device is connected to the transmitter’s mini-jack input. You may need a 6.35 mm-to-mini-jack adapter for this option.

—> Learn How To Convert Wired to Wireless Speakers

The transmitter is then activated by plugging it into the USB port of the receiver. The receiver and the wireless speaker is then paired via Bluetooth connectivity.

By using RCA cables

If your audio source doesn’t have a headphone output, you can use the RCA audio output located at the back of your receiver. You’ll need to use the RCA-to-mini-jack audio cable to connect your Bluetooth transmitter to the receiver. Then, enable the Bluetooth function of both devices and pair them to enjoy wireless audio/visual experience.

WiFi Connectivity

Some wireless devices offer wireless connectivity without using Bluetooth technology. Most of these devices use WiFi connectivity and require analog or digital outputs.

With the use of RCA audio cables, the audio output of your device is attached to the audio input of your AV receiver. Then on the receiver, select the proper input channel and adjust your audio settings using the audio functions available on the AV receiver.

Once the setup is complete, connect the devices using WiFi connectivity. Then, you can use an app in your audio source to manage your audio tracks and enjoy an uninterrupted wireless streaming.

These methods are usually found in the user manuals of your wireless devices or your AV receiver. Read them carefully so you can set up your devices correctly and enjoy a wireless audio experience.