I'm trying to use my Insignia bookshelf speakers with a Sharp TV, but I'm not sure what cable or adapter I need. I previously tried a red-and-white RCA cable connected to the matching red-and-white ports, but it didn't produce any sound. Do these speakers require a separate amplifier, and what information should I check on the TV and speaker labels to determine the correct setup?
1 Answer
The exact model numbers of both the Sharp TV and Insignia speakers are important. If these are passive bookshelf speakers—the kind with bare-wire speaker terminals—they cannot connect directly to the TV. They need a stereo amplifier or receiver between them. The TV would connect to the amplifier using whatever output it provides, such as optical, HDMI ARC, headphone/aux, or RCA, and the amplifier would power the speakers. A red-and-white RCA cable only carries an audio signal; it cannot power passive speakers.
I’ll check the model numbers when I get home. The speaker and TV labels should make it clearer whether the speakers are passive or powered.