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how do I use Minimus 7's for TV and have RC?

drummergrl

drummergrl

Well-Known Member
I want to use the Minimus 7's I scored recently with my LCD TV in my bedroom. It has an audio out obviously but here are my issues:
1. lack of space for a receiver or 'normal sized' amp - need something very compact.
2. how do I have remote control of the volume; don't want to be getting up off the bed everytime I need to turn the volume down for loud commercials, etc.
3. would also like this to be done inexpensively.
thanks.
 
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The Realistic/Optimus/RCA SA-155 is this super tiny little integrated amplifier. Literally it's smaller then a size 12 shoe. It has inputs for a record player, cd and tuner. You can plug the TV into one of the last two inputs. The only catch is that the speaker inputs are rca jacks, so I just went to radioshack and got two speaker cables that are rca jacks on one end and the regular + - wires on the other end. I scored mine from a thrift for $2 and the local Goodwill near me has one for $20. It's only 20wpc but should do the trick. I, actually use mine as an alarm clock. And to audition speakers. That's just one suggestion anyway. Good hunting.
 
OK, I understand how you hooked the speakers up to the amp but on the back of the TV, the audio out has no L and R or + and - connectors, just one 'hole' labeled audio out. So I guess I need a patch cord that has one RCA jack on one end and 2 RCA jacks to go into the amp on the other end?? What about having remote control of the volume-does this little amp has a remote?
 
Parts Express has a small amp that might be what you need. Part number 300-383. Switch off the TV's internal speakers, set the amp at a safe maximum level and control the volume with the TV's remote.
 
Uh oh, I've never seen that. Usually they have the three RCA's, video, left and right. I took a not so old VCR once, ran the cable wire through it and plugged my Kenwood into the VCR instead of the TV and got a sort of ghetto-rigged quadraphonic out of it. I'm sorry I can't be more help. For details on the TV maybe try the HT forum?
 
drummergrl said:
OK, I understand how you hooked the speakers up to the amp but on the back of the TV, the audio out has no L and R or + and - connectors, just one 'hole' labeled audio out. So I guess I need a patch cord that has one RCA jack on one end and 2 RCA jacks to go into the amp on the other end?? What about having remote control of the volume-does this little amp has a remote?
Click to expand...

That's not a speaker connector, it's a line-level output. You'll need some sort of receiver in between it and the speakers.

Edit - if there is only one, it's a digital output. You'll need a receiver that has a coaxial digital in to use it.
 
Sam Cogley said:
That's not a speaker connector, it's a line-level output. You'll need some sort of receiver in between it and the speakers.

Edit - if there is only one, it's a digital output. You'll need a receiver that has a coaxial digital in to use it.
Click to expand...

Help me a little more. Would the little T-amp suggested replace the need for a receiver? Or can this little T-amp be connected by the three RCA's, video, left and right on the back of my TV instead of that audio out?
 
drummergrl said:
This amp looks prewtty awesome but what about this little one, the Dayton DTA-1 for only $34 as opposed to $99. Will this do the job for TV viewing?
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-380&vReviewShow=1
Click to expand...

Doesn't look like it has a decoder for digital input.

drummergrl said:
Help me a little more. Would the little T-amp suggested replace the need for a receiver? Or can this little T-amp be connected by the three RCA's, video, left and right on the back of my TV instead of that audio out?
Click to expand...

If it has a volume control, you could. Otherwise you're going to need something with one. You could use the analog outputs (L/R, ignore the video) if they exist to send a signal to that amp. I'm not sure why a TV would have a video out, though - those sound more like inputs.
 
OK, time to get up and look at the back of the TV instead of writing stupid misinformed stuff- Sorry about that. Here's a picture. So look's like I can use the audio out L,R RCA plugs to the little T-amp. Yes? Do I still need a volume control? And will the TV remote work for volume?
 

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There are a bunch of very compact and cheap, as in less than $20, stereo amplifiers on "that auction site" with RCA inputs and around 10 watts +/- claimed power per channel. I actually ordered for myself a week or so ago to try it out. I have Minimus 7s and that is probably exactly what I will end up matching it with if I like it.

Some have remotes though I don't think the one I bought had it, and I think I will have to supply the power supply too but I have lots of things around that might work.

Your audio out might be controlled by your TV remote but I doubt it. Usually those have a fixed output and assume you are sending it to a modern receiver. A fair assumption since the TV is obviously modern having HDMI on it.

I'll report on my little amp when I get it. I don't want to be advertising for anyone so I won't provide links or pics until I take my own.
 
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Looking at the rear panel of your TV, you can use the "AUDIO OUT L R" using a dual RCA patch cord into a T-amp (Parts Express 310-300 is what I have w/Minimus 7's). You may need to go in to your TV set up menu and select external audio out in order to output to the external T-amp and for remote volume control. Hope this helps.
 
That audio out LR should work with just about anything. I showed an old girlfriend how to plug her roommates Teac shelf system into her TV. If I remember correctly you just set the Teac's volume to max and used to TV's remote to adjust. However I'd say that probably depends on the TV. Different components have different features. I had a dvd player once that let you adjust the volume through that. The TV it was plugged into lacked a remote. It's worth a shot in dark at least. Are you sure you don't have room for an audio video receiver? Pawnshops tend to be full of them (in cities at least)
 
rajoo said:
Looking at the rear panel of your TV, you can use the "AUDIO OUT L R" using a dual RCA patch cord into a T-amp (Parts Express 310-300 is what I have w/Minimus 7's). You may need to go in to your TV set up menu and select external audio out in order to output to the external T-amp and for remote volume control. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...

Exactly what I was thinking. When I first read "just one hole labeled 'audio-out'", I figured that a cable with RCA's on one end and a 1/8" mini-plug would do the trick... but that TV might not have it's own internal analog amp or preamp like older TV's (Does the TV have speakers built in?), so it might be a digital-out (which means you can't just run a cable to an analog amp/receiver).
 
RamblinE said:
That audio out LR should work with just about anything. I showed an old girlfriend how to plug her roommates Teac shelf system into her TV. If I remember correctly you just set the Teac's volume to max and used to TV's remote to adjust. However I'd say that probably depends on the TV.
Click to expand...

Exactly. Here's what you need to look for in the TV's menu. The option to switch the internal speakers off and whether the audio-outs are fixed output or variable. If the set's speakers can be switched off and the audio-out is variable, then you're all set. Just select an amp to use and hook it up.

Check your owners manual or pull up the on screen menu and check. Some TV's have variable audio outputs and some don't. My Sony has the option to switch between fixed or variable outs. I feed the audio signal out to an integrated amp and then to speakers because the internal speakers no longer work well. I just leave the volume knob on the amp in one place and use the TV's remote to adjust the volume.
 
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If your TV has a jack for earphones, you could buy a mini-jack to RCA adapter to hook to an amp. The earphone jack output would be controlled by the TV remote, but not the line-out jacks. Your only other option is to do as suggested-buy an amp with a remote and use the line-outs.
 
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