Setting up a home entertainment system is all about blending great sound with convenience. For many users, soundbars offer a sleek and space-saving audio upgrade over TV speakers. At the same time, AV receivers provide powerful connectivity and control over multiple audio and video sources. But can you use both together? Absolutely. Connecting a soundbar to an AV receiver can be done in several ways depending on your system and goals. Understanding the correct connection path is crucial for optimal performance.
With XTEN-AV, you can generate a customized AV Receiver Setup Diagram that illustrates exactly how to wire your system for maximum efficiency and quality. Whether you want to route all your devices through an AV receiver or keep it simple with ARC, XTEN-AV helps map it all out. In this blog, we will explain how to connect an AV receiver and soundbar, and what configuration works best for different types of home theater setups.
When Would You Use a Soundbar with an AV Receiver
Typically, AV receivers are used with traditional speaker setups like 5.1 or 7.1 systems. However, there are certain scenarios where a soundbar and receiver might be used together:
-
When upgrading part of a system without replacing everything
-
When using a soundbar as a center channel speaker (only in rare pass-through models)
-
In setups where the AV receiver handles video sources, and the soundbar handles audio
-
In apartments or smaller rooms where space or wiring limitations restrict full speaker setups
Before attempting any connection, it is important to know that most soundbars are not designed to be driven by AV receivers. They usually include built-in amplifiers and function best as standalone audio devices. However, some models support HDMI ARC, eARC, or optical connections, which allows integration with an AV receiver.
Common Soundbar and AV Receiver Connections
There are three primary ways to connect a soundbar to an AV receiver, depending on the features of your soundbar and the receiver.
1. HDMI ARC or eARC Connection (Most Common)
If both your AV receiver and soundbar have ARC or eARC support, this is the cleanest and most efficient setup.
How to connect:
-
Connect your AV receiver’s HDMI OUT (ARC) port to the HDMI ARC port on your soundbar
-
Enable HDMI CEC and ARC in both devices’ settings menus
-
Connect your video sources (gaming console, Blu-ray player, streaming device) to the AV receiver’s HDMI inputs
-
Your AV receiver will send audio to the soundbar via ARC while handling video switching
Benefits:
-
Fewer cables
-
Supports high-quality audio
-
Clean audio and video routing through one system
In XTEN-AV, you can generate an AV Receiver Setup Diagram that clearly labels HDMI ARC and connected devices to avoid confusion.
2. Optical Digital Audio Connection
If your soundbar and AV receiver do not support ARC, or if you prefer a more direct audio route, an optical cable can be used.
How to connect:
-
Run an optical cable from the receiver’s optical output to the soundbar’s optical input
-
Change the audio output on the receiver to Optical or Digital Audio Out
-
Ensure the soundbar input is set to Optical
Limitations:
-
No volume control via HDMI
-
No support for high-definition audio formats like Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD
-
Separate remote or control app might be needed for volume
This method is easy to visualize with XTEN-AV’s diagram generator, helping you place and label the correct ports and cable paths.
3. Using the Soundbar as the Video Switcher
Some advanced soundbars include multiple HDMI inputs and can act as both an audio and video hub, passing video to the TV while playing sound.
How to connect:
-
Connect source devices (like a Blu-ray player or streaming box) to the HDMI inputs on the soundbar
-
Connect the HDMI OUT on the soundbar to the TV
-
If desired, use the AV receiver to route additional sources or act as an amplifier for other zones
Caution:
-
This setup often bypasses the AV receiver’s main function
-
It can cause redundancy and make your AV receiver unnecessary unless you need it for other zones
If this is your configuration, XTEN-AV will allow you to clearly map what connects to the soundbar versus what goes through the AV receiver.
Important Considerations Before Connecting
Before combining a soundbar with an AV receiver, keep the following in mind:
-
Do not connect speaker wires from the AV receiver directly to a soundbar. Most soundbars are powered and are not designed to handle amplified signals from a receiver.
-
Check compatibility. Only use ARC, eARC, or digital audio methods that are specifically supported by both devices.
-
Avoid using both a speaker system and a soundbar together. This can cause synchronization issues and degraded sound quality.
-
If your receiver supports Zone 2 audio, you can use the soundbar in a different room while keeping speakers in the main zone.
XTEN-AV helps prevent setup errors by showing you only valid connection methods and port compatibility in its diagrams.
Sample AV Receiver Setup Diagram with Soundbar
Here’s a basic connection layout you can expect using XTEN-AV:
This setup sends audio from the receiver to the soundbar and video to the TV. You control everything using one remote if HDMI CEC is enabled.
You can also create alternate diagrams with XTEN-AV for optical or dual-zone configurations based on your system needs.
Troubleshooting Tips
-
If no sound comes from the soundbar, make sure ARC is enabled on both the receiver and soundbar
-
Try different HDMI cables to ensure ARC support
-
Set your receiver to output audio through HDMI or optical, depending on your chosen method
-
Use the soundbar’s remote to select the correct input
XTEN-AV allows you to store multiple versions of your setup diagram, so you can document each working configuration and quickly switch if needed.
Final Thoughts
Connecting a soundbar to an AV receiver is not always the most traditional setup, but in some cases, it is the most practical or space-saving solution. Whether you are integrating a soundbar into a larger AV system or simply want centralized control, knowing the correct wiring options is key.
Using a clear AV Receiver Setup Diagram created with XTEN-AV will help you avoid mistakes, understand your options, and create an optimized entertainment experience. With smart planning and visual guidance, even unconventional setups like a receiver and soundbar combination can deliver powerful, reliable results in your home theater.
tagxa