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Connect Cambridge Audio LRX Speakers to a TV

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Connect Cambridge Audio LRX Speakers to a TV

This guide shows you how to connect Cambridge Audio LRX speakers to your TV, whether you have the LRX-2, LRX-3, or another model in the series. You’ll learn the correct wiring, which inputs to use, and how to get sound from your TV through the speakers. Before starting, identify your TV’s audio outputs (HDMI ARC, optical, or 3.5mm headphone jack) and check that your LRX speakers have built-in amplification—most do, but verify the model.

What You’ll Need

  • Cambridge Audio LRX speakers (powered or passive, depending on model)
  • Speaker wire (if passive) or RCA/3.5mm cable (if powered)
  • Compatible audio cable: HDMI (ARC), optical (TOSLINK), or 3.5mm-to-RCA adapter
  • Phillips screwdriver (for binding posts, if used)
  • Wire strippers (optional, for bare wire)

Step-by-Step

  1. Identify your LRX speaker type. Check the back panel. If there are binding posts (red/black terminals) and no power cord, they are passive and need an external amplifier or AV receiver. If there’s a power cord and RCA/3.5mm inputs, they are powered (active).
  2. Determine your TV’s audio output options. Look for HDMI ARC (usually labeled ‘ARC’ on the HDMI port), optical audio out, or a 3.5mm headphone jack. Older TVs may have RCA red/white outputs.
  3. Choose the best connection method. For best quality and TV remote volume control, use HDMI ARC if both TV and speakers support it. Otherwise, optical is solid. If you only have a 3.5mm jack, use that with an adapter.
  4. For powered LRX speakers: Connect the audio cable from the TV to the speaker’s input. If using 3.5mm, plug directly into the speaker’s AUX input. If using RCA, plug into the L/R inputs. For optical, connect to the optical input if present.
  5. For passive LRX speakers: Connect speaker wire from the amplifier’s left and right outputs to the corresponding binding posts on each speaker. Ensure correct polarity: red to red, black to black.
  6. If using an AV receiver: Connect the TV’s HDMI ARC or optical output to the receiver’s input, then connect the receiver’s speaker outputs to the LRX speakers.
  7. Power on the speakers and TV. Turn on the speakers (if powered) and the TV. Set the TV’s audio output to the correct source (e.g., ‘External Speakers’ or ‘Audio System’).
  8. Adjust volume. Use the TV remote (if ARC) or the speaker’s volume knob. For passive speakers, control volume via the amplifier/receiver.

Common Mistakes

  • Connecting passive speakers directly to the TV’s speaker terminals (if any) – this can damage both.
  • Using the wrong cable: e.g., using a regular HDMI cable for ARC when the port doesn’t support it.
  • Mismatched polarity: reversing red/black on one speaker causes weak bass and poor stereo imaging.
  • Forgetting to change the TV’s audio output setting – the TV may still play sound from its internal speakers.
  • Using a 3.5mm-to-RCA cable incorrectly: the 3.5mm end goes to the TV, RCA to the speakers, not the other way around.

Tips

  • If your TV has HDMI ARC, use that connection—it allows the TV remote to control volume and power on/off the speakers.
  • For optical connections, you may need to set the TV’s audio output to ‘PCM’ or ‘Bitstream’ depending on your speakers’ capabilities.
  • Place speakers at ear level and equidistant from the TV for balanced sound.
  • Use high-quality shielded RCA cables to minimize interference.
  • If your LRX speakers have a subwoofer output, connect a powered sub if you want more bass.

Troubleshooting

  • No sound at all: Check all connections are secure. Verify the TV’s audio output is set to the correct source. For ARC, ensure both devices support ARC and the HDMI cable is plugged into the ARC-labeled port.
  • Sound only from one speaker: Swap the left/right cables at the source to see if the problem moves. If it does, it’s a cable or output issue. If not, the speaker or its internal amp may be faulty.
  • Hum or buzz: This often comes from a ground loop. Try a different power outlet or use a ground loop isolator. Also check that all audio cables are not running parallel to power cords.
  • Volume too low: Increase the TV’s volume and the speaker’s volume. For passive speakers, make sure the amplifier’s volume is up and not muted.
  • TV remote doesn’t control volume (ARC): Enable ‘HDMI CEC’ or ‘Anynet+’ in your TV’s settings. Sometimes you need to set the TV’s audio output to ‘Audio System’ specifically.
  • Optical connection not working: Some TVs disable optical when HDMI ARC is selected. Choose ‘Optical’ in the TV’s audio output menu. Also, ensure the optical cable is fully inserted—you should hear a click.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Cambridge Audio LRX speakers need an amplifier?

It depends on the model. Some LRX models are powered (active) with built-in amps, while others are passive and require an external amplifier or receiver. Check the back panel for a power cord or binding posts.

Can I connect LRX speakers to a TV without an optical or HDMI ARC port?

Yes, if your TV has a 3.5mm headphone jack, you can use a 3.5mm-to-RCA cable to connect to the speakers. Alternatively, use a standalone DAC or a TV audio extractor that converts HDMI to RCA.

Why is there no sound from my LRX speakers when connected via HDMI ARC?

Make sure the HDMI cable is plugged into the port labeled ‘ARC’ on both TV and speakers/receiver. Also, enable HDMI CEC in the TV’s settings and set the audio output to ‘Audio System’ or ‘External Speakers’.

Can I use LRX speakers as rear surround speakers?

Yes, if they are passive, you can connect them to a surround receiver’s rear channels. If they are powered, you can connect them to the receiver’s pre-outs (if available) or use a speaker-to-line-level converter.

How do I connect LRX speakers to a TV that only has RCA red/white outputs?

Use an RCA-to-RCA cable from the TV’s audio out to the speakers’ RCA inputs. If the speakers only have 3.5mm input, use an RCA-to-3.5mm adapter.

Can I control volume with the TV remote?

Only if you use HDMI ARC and the speakers support CEC. For optical or 3.5mm connections, you’ll need to adjust volume on the speakers or amplifier manually.

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