Sony MHC-GX450 The Sony Guide to Home Theater - Page 41

5.1-channel analog audio jacks enable a Super Audio CD player to deliver multi-channel sound to an A/V receiver. ƒ Optical and Coaxial Digital Audio. Digital audio connections generally do a better job of maintaining the sound quality of digital source components, including DIRECTV satellite receivers, HDTV receivers and DVD players. While some music lovers prefer coaxial digital connections, optical connections are immune from electromagnetic interference. Digital audio outputs feed a digital bit stream to your A/V receiver. ƒ Speaker Connections. Some A/V receivers can put out 100 watts or more to drive each speaker. Dedicated speaker wires are used to make this connection. Speaker wire is typically "lamp cord," consisting of two multi-stranded copper conductors running side by side. Spring-loaded or screw-type speaker terminals hold the conductors in position. For the best sound, observe the "polarity" by connecting the "red," "hot" or "plus" terminal on the A/V receiver to the corresponding terminal on each speaker. Speaker cables are usually coded to help you in this process. The "hot" side of the speaker cable will be red, have a stripe or have ridges on the insulation, so you won't need to trace the polarity down the entire length of the cable. In speaker wire, lower gauges offer thicker conductors for better sound, especially over long wire lengths. The Sony Guide to Home Theater 41