Escape the cable clutter and the tedious crawl through attics with a game-changing solution – transforming your wired speakers into wireless marvels in just four easy steps. As the demand for wireless audio setups rises, discover how to unlock the potential of your regular home speakers without compromising on audio quality.
Select a Wireless Speaker Kit, ensuring A/V receiver compatibility, and connect the transmitter to the receiver with the right input. Next, link the receiver to an amp with RCAs and speaker wire; for built-in amps, connect the speaker wire to the speakers. Test to confirm the system is working.
There are various scenarios for using wireless technology to provide a signal to your speakers. We will go over how these wireless kits make regular speakers wireless, as well as, how these kits should be set up. Most are pretty simple to configure, so don't worry!
How Does a Wireless Speaker Kit Make Regular Speakers Wireless?
If you're considering a wireless home theater system, this is a great place to start.
Wireless speaker conversion kits make regular speakers wireless by sending the audio signal via an RF (radio-frequency) signal, providing wireless connectivity You can simply add a wireless speaker kit to provide a high-quality wireless signal to your surround speakers.
Incorporating a wireless speaker adapter may necessitate adding a separate amplifier to power the speakers since wireless transmission doesn’t carry power, and many lack a built-in amplifier, especially for passive rear speakers.
If the receiving unit contains a built-in amplifier, it will usually provide a minimal amount of power, we wouldn't suggest using this. A separate amplifier is much more reliable.
Note that RF, the same signal as Bluetooth, is often used in these kits, and many operate around 2.4GHz, similar to Bluetooth receivers. This is the same signal the WiFi uses, so be aware of where your router/WiFi access point is located because they could potentially cause interference.
Before we get too much further, we recommend you skim through our in-depth multi-channel home theater surround sound guide to make sure whatever speaker you're adding wireless to fits into your overall plan.
Steps For How To Make Wired Speakers Wireless
This can get semi-complicated depending on your speaker setup and the kit you use. You typically will only use one of these kits for your rear speakers and/or subwoofer.
Running front speaker cables is easy as they're often near the receiver. Rear speakers and the subwoofer, placed farther away, typically need longer cables. Here are 4 simple steps to follow:
- Choose a Wireless Speaker Kit:
- Decide between kits with or without a built-in amplifier. Ensure compatibility with A/V receiver inputs and outputs; use line-level adapters if needed
- Connect the Transmitter:
- Choose the appropriate input method based on the kit and connect the transmitter to the receiver/amplifier.
- Plug the AC power adapter into the transmitter and a power outlet.
- Connect the Receiver:
- Connect the receiving unit to a separate amplifier by using RCAs and speaker wire.
- For a receiving unit with a built-in amplifier, connect the speaker wire directly to the speakers.
- Test the System:
- Confirm that the system is working properly; troubleshoot using a guide if any issues arise.
Note that this process is similar to turning regular speakers into Bluetooth speakers (our guide).
Step 1: Choosing a Wireless Speaker Kit
There are two main types of wireless speaker kits:
- No built-in amplifier. It only sends an audio signal and an additional amp to power the speakers is required.
- Contains a built-in amplifier.
It is recommended to get a kit with no built-in amp (especially if you have active speakers) because it's likely that the power output from the wireless receiving unit is very low. Much less than what your current receiver/amplifier will output.
Keep in mind the inputs available on the transmitting unit and the outputs available on your A/V receiver. If your receiver has pre-outs (RCA outputs for the different speaker channels before power is applied), then you can simply connect RCAs from the receiver to the transmitting unit.
If your receiver does not have pre-outs, then make sure the transmitting unit accepts regular speaker wire as an input. Or you can use a line-level adapter (example on Amazon) to have speaker leads converted to RCAs. Some kits include input/output for a subwoofer, making the connection straightforward.
Wireless Speaker Kits with No Built-in Amplifier
Moretop Wireless Video & Audio Transmitter and Receiver (on Amazon) – This is actually an Audio/Video wireless kit, but you don't need to use the video in/out. This one has the best reviews out of all of the wireless kits.
BIC America (on Amazon) – Uses RCAs for inputs and outputs. It offers a 60 ft-80 ft range and is on the higher end of non-amplified wireless kits.
Dynasty ProAudio WSA-5TR (on Amazon) – Similar to the BIC America wireless speaker kit, this kit is extremely simple to use and highly reviewed!
Remember that these kits don't supply power for the speakers, just the audio signal. We suggest using a mini amplifier (on Amazon) to power the speakers.
Wireless Speaker Kit with a Built-in Amplifier
The best-reviewed wireless speaker kit with a built-in amplifier is the Amphony Model 1800 wireless speaker kit (on Amazon). This unit uses a single transmitter that sends the audio signals to two separate receivers that both have built-in amplifiers.
With 80-watt amplifiers, this one surpasses other kits and provides ample power for most systems, boasting an impressive 300ft range, making it the top choice for a wireless speaker kit with a built-in amp.
The DYNASTY PROAUDIO WSA-5RP Wireless Speakers Kit (on Amazon) is a kit that contains an amplifier on the receiving end. This unit only supplies 25 watts of power per channel. This is likely far less than what your receiver or amplifier is capable of providing.
However, this unit offers an extra subwoofer connection with mono input and output, allowing for the use of a separate amplifier, although it might not be worth the higher cost compared to kits with built-in amplifiers.
Step 2: Connecting the Transmitter
Once you have chosen your wireless speaker kit, it is time to make your regular speakers work wirelessly.
First, you will need to connect the transmitter to the receiver or amplifier. Depending on the kit you chose there will be different options for inputting the audio signal. The transmitter will have a speaker wire, RCA, and/or Aux 3.5mm input available.
For speaker wire inputs, connect the normal speaker wire from the two speaker outputs on the receiver to the inputs on the transmitter.
For RCA inputs, connect RCA cables from the pre-outs on the receiver to the transmitter's RCA inputs.
If your transmitter only has a 3.5mm input, then you will need an RCA to 3.5mm adapter to connect the receiver to the transmitter. Once you have the inputs for the transmitter connected, plug the AC power adapter into it and a power outlet.
Step 3: Connecting the Receiver
Now that the transmitter is connected properly, it's time to connect the wireless receiver. Again, depending on the wireless speaker kit you choose and the speakers being used, things can vary a little. Below are a few scenarios for different kit and speaker setups, and how to connect everything properly.
Using a Separate Amplifier (More Common)
When using a separate amplifier, connect RCAs from the receiving unit to the amplifier and then link the amplifier to the speakers using a speaker wire. The receiving unit supplies the signal to the amplifier, which in turn powers the signal and directs it to the speakers.
You would do this if the speakers being used are passive. This means the speaker(s) do not have their power source or an internal amp. And of course, you must plug in the AC adapter to a power outlet and connect the other end to the receiver for a stable wireless setup with optimal audio output.
Using a Receiving Unit with a Built-in Amplifier (Less Common)
If the receiving unit happens to contain a built-in amplifier (not likely), then making the connections is very simple. Connect the speaker wire from the receiving unit to the speakers. Then connect power to the receiver.
Simple as that, but keep in mind, the power provided by the receiving unit is probably very low. So don't fully expect the connected speakers to output a tremendous amount of sound.
The Speakers Contain an Internal Amplifier (ie. Using Active Speakers)
Some speakers simply plug into a wall outlet and use an internal amp as a power source, thus it only requires an audio source to output sound. With an active speaker, your wireless receiver doesn't need an amplifier.
Just connect RCAs from the receiving unit to the speaker and voila, your speakers are working wirelessly. Also, you will still need to connect the power adapter for the receiving unit. There isn't any way around that.
Step 4: Testing the System
Now, with everything connected, it's time to test the system!
First, let's ensure the receiver receives a strong signal from the transmitter. If the sound produced by the connected speakers contains static, sounds unclear, is delayed, etc. then you should probably adjust the position of the transmitter and/or receiver.
Also, check all of the connections and ensure all cables are secured properly. Some transmitters and receivers have multiple “channels” that can be manually set. Try changing the “channels” around to see if this improves the sound quality.
And if everything is set up and working properly, then you have succeeded in making wired speakers wireless! On the other hand, if you encounter any issues, be sure to check out our guide on troubleshooting steps for home theater speaker issues.
Related Questions
What Are The Disadvantages Of Wireless Speakers?
Wireless speakers offer convenience, but they come with drawbacks:
- Signal Interference: Interference from other devices or obstacles can affect audio quality.
- Limited Range: The range is restricted, especially in Bluetooth speakers, and obstacles further reduce it.
- Audio Compression: Some wireless systems compromise sound quality with compression.
- Battery Life (for portable speakers): Limited battery life for portable speakers. On the other hand, some Bluetooth speakers have enough capacity to act as a power bank. (Source)
Can You Make 5.1 Wired Speakers Wireless?
Yes! Converting 5.1 wired speakers to wireless involves selecting a suitable wireless speaker kit designed for a 5.1 configuration. Other than that, the steps are the same as mentioned above.
Can Hard Wired Speakers Be Converted to Wireless Bluetooth?
Absolutely! Hard-wired speakers can embrace wireless functionality through a Bluetooth adapter. Integrate the adapter into your existing speaker setup, enabling them to receive audio wirelessly from Bluetooth-enabled devices.
How to Make Subwoofer Wireless?
To make a subwoofer wireless, connect a wireless audio transmitter to your audio source and a wireless receiver to the subwoofer.
