What Do I Need To Connect To My Home Speaker System

[lukeap69]

Hi

I have recently purchased a Martin 000-17E and would like to amplify when playing at home with friends. I thought of buying a dedicated amp combo, however since I have a speaker rig at home, why not use that. The integrated amplifier of my speaker system does not have mic or aux input. The inputs available are XLRs and RCAs all in left/right configuration i.e. I need 2 cables for each connection.

My question is, what do I need in order to connect my guitar to my speaker system? Thanks in advanced for your suggestions.

Arnold

[Pitar]

One XLR mic input and the speaker system set to monaural. Sounds straight forward to me.

[dogdog49]

Or this 1/4 inch female to 2 rca male adapter:

https://www.amazon.com/Seismic-Audio...4+inch+adapter

[dcameron]

I tried a different approach:

https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...=184058&page=2

Using the transformer made a big difference. Sorry that the pictures won't show up (I'll see if I can find them), but the description might help. I might have the parts - if I do, I'd be willing to sell them.

[MikeBmusic]

The RCA connectors are likely looking for line-level signals, so the output from a guitar are going to be very low (and potentially noisy when turned up). A passive DI box would allow plugging the guitar into it's 1/4" input and using an XLR cable to the amp (surprised a home stereo amp has XLR - maybe its setup for karaoke?) The amp may not have a stereo/mono option either.

[lukeap69]

Thanks for your input.

I have checked online some DI boxes and acoustic preamps. They have 600ohms impedance which I believe is too high. The XLR inputs are balanced input from DAC for example. I will try the RCA connectors straight to my amp. Hope it works well.

[dcameron]

I found the transformer and connectors I used. If you want a picture, PM me an email address and I'll send one to you.

[lukeap69]

Originally Posted by dcameron

I found the transformer and connectors I used. If you want a picture, PM me an email address and I'll send one to you.

Thanks dcameron. I am in Dubai so I don't think it is cheap to send the transformer and connectors to me. Appreciate your kindness though.

[TwinandTwang]

Home stereo is not made for this.

[lukeap69]

Perhaps. But I have read sone articles that this cam sound better that a guitar amp. I have ordered a cable and will try out within a couple of weeks.

[zhunter]

Be careful. Home audio speakers aren't always able to handle the uncompressed signal peaks from live content. You can blow up your tweeters. Don't hit it too hard.

hunter

[lukeap69]

Thanks Hunter. I am usually careful buy will be extra careful with this one. Cheers.

[Caddy]

I recently got a Yamaha THR5A small acoustic amp that can also operate on batteries. Small and sounds great. Has models of different mics and some effects.

[YamahaGuy]

My first six months of playing was through a small mixer run into my home stereo surround sound system. Never had any problems.

They always say, "It's not meant for that" and I'll be the first to vouch for pro audio gear and say it lasts longer and takes more abuse (in general) than consumer level home audio.

Nonetheless, it CAN be done, and from my experience doesn't sound terrible. Better than some cheap amps.

[lukeap69]

Thanks for sharing your experience Yamahaguy. I can buy a dedicated acoustic amp, however I like my home stereo system and I would like to explore this option first before buying a dedicated amp. Cheers.