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Resolved Question

How to connect 1980 ONKYO receiver to 1990 speakers

Aug 21, 2011 11:40AM PDT

Several years ago I disconnected and garaged this equipment and now I want to put it back in use--but what wire to use to connect
-ONKYO receiver, TX-4500 MKII
-Realistic minimus 7W, 40W, input 8 OHMS

I need a shopping list and retailer suggestions. I'm an old woman now and I want to get good sound again without amusing young salespeople with my lack of knowledge and antique equipment.

The receiver and the speakers will be along a 12' wall. Connection tips are welcome.

Thanks!!!

Discussion is locked

magpaynetwork has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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Just ask for standard stereo speaker wire
Aug 21, 2011 2:18PM PDT

Your system does not require anything exotic. Even a quick trip to home depot or radio shack could bring back the correct wire. 18 or 16 gauge (AWG) would suffice if you locate the receiver in the middle of that 12' long wall, assuming it's approximately 6' to each speaker. More info:

http://www.audioholics.com/education/cables/speaker-cable-gauge

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what to get for connectors?
Aug 22, 2011 2:34AM PDT

I am used to USB cables now, so I don't know what to get to attach the wire (thanks for that info!) to back of receiver and speakers. I forgot what was there before. I need some kind of "ends" on the wire, don't I?

The back of the speakers have a red and a black up-down switch-like deal. I don't know what things are called, so I can't search for how they work. Advice for this?

The back of the receiver has black and red "knobs" that tighten down for each of 3 pairs of speakers.

Which brings up the question of "How do I know to connect wires to A or B or C, or A&B or A&C--or does it matter?"

Suddenly I feel like I should sell these parts and get a B*se system.

Why didn't they let girls take useful classes like electronics when I was in school in late 50s? Really, I can buy a cake mix and apron--I didn't need to take baking and sewing. But you can tell that I am LOST here.

Thanks for your help (and for listening to me whine).

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I could not find too much info on this unit, but...
Aug 23, 2011 1:24AM PDT

I am thinking this was design for multi-zone/or room uses. So if all you want is in one room, then just hookup the stereoA (2 speakers, one for right and one for left). The speaker connection would be the black and red which would be connected to the speaker (one wire to each terminal). If more rooms, then connect up the stereoB, and/or stereoC.

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really basic questions
Aug 25, 2011 5:36AM PDT

Now I have the wire. I know where it is to be connected. But I don't know how to do that.

What do I do w the wire to connect it at the back of the receiver, and then to the back of the two speakers--and I'm supposed to know something about the red and black, but I don't.

Can you imagine knowing nothing (my situation)? Can you walk me through the process or point me in the direction of finding out?

(And, yes, in its previous life this receiver had wires going to three rooms. Obviously, I did not set that up.)

Thanks, ahtoi.

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great site for the uninformed
Aug 27, 2011 3:25AM PDT

Thanks so much PEPE7 and everyone. All the pieces of info came together and we made great sound happen!

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Answer
Do you have 2 or more of these Realistic speakers?
Aug 21, 2011 2:35PM PDT

If yes then just connect it up and have a listen. The amplifier has the capability of "three pairs of stereo" output; stereo A, stereo B, or stereo C and it also can be a combination of A&B or A&C.