Tips on using dinosaurs receivers?

[toxcrusadr]

I asked at least two questions in my post above and made several other statements indicating more info was needed to understand the setup or diagnose a problem. All I got was "hope it's resolved!" You have to understand that when you post a question and AKers say they need more info to answer it, you should post the requested info, clearly and concisely. Otherwise we can't even follow what you're doing, much less be of any help.

PS this looks (from the back and the small amount of the front we saw) like a very grungy piece of BPC. If you got it free, sell it for $5 while it still works and save your money up till you can buy a better receiver for $25 or $50. They're out there.

 

[David_NC]

I've not come across a DVD player that doesn't have 5.1 outputs... not saying some don't. Plain DVD players (not BD or HD DVD players) are all pretty old now and are likely to have 5.1 output over RCA plug. I know the Goodwill stores near me are full of DVD players with those jacks, and they typically sell for $10.

 

[ultumax]

I've not come across a DVD player that doesn't have 5.1 outputs... not saying some don't. Plain DVD players (not BD or HD DVD players) are all pretty old now and are likely to have 5.1 output over RCA plug. I know the Goodwill stores near me are full of DVD players with those jacks, and they typically sell for $10.

All I see is ones without it perhaps your lucky . Or in a good area .
Think my receiver needs recapped too .! No idea how to do it . I’ve had static from it especially when nothing is playing ! How alarming! It could blow a speaker easy

 

[DaveVoorhis]

I’ve had static from it especially when nothing is playing ! How alarming! It could blow a speaker easy

Your speaker leads look like they're barely clipped into the speaker connectors, perhaps because they're too thick for the connectors. If they're loose, that might account for a static sound. Make sure the speaker leads are securely fastened, and go down a bit in diameter if you have to. A secure connection with thinner speaker cable is far better than a poor connection with thicker speaker cable.

 

[imral3]

I am sure he will take your advice and apply it post-haste!

 

[ultumax]

Your speaker leads look like they're barely clipped into the speaker connectors, perhaps because they're too thick for the connectors. If they're loose, that might account for a static sound. Make sure the speaker leads are securely fastened, and go down a bit in diameter if you have to. A secure connection with thinner speaker cable is far better than a poor connection with thicker speaker cable.

Well said I’ll save better cable for when needed . And use my 18 awg!!

 

[63pontiacgp]

These will allow you to use a larger gauge wire if you must. They are cheap, you can get them at PE.

Mike

 

[ultumax]

These will allow you to use a larger gauge wire if you must. They are cheap, you can get them at PE.

Mike

View attachment 1577628

I have the exact same thing from moniprice the back seems loose I’ll try electrical tape on them .

 

[DaveVoorhis]

I have the exact same thing from moniprice the back seems loose I’ll try electrical tape on them .

Electrical tape is for insulation, not for making a better connection. If connectors are loose, find out why. Don't try to tape over the problem, because it won't fix it!

 

[63pontiacgp]

I have the exact same thing from moniprice the back seems loose I’ll try electrical tape on them .

Usually these type are crimp or have a set-screw, shouldn't be using tape.

Mike

 

[David_NC]

All I see is ones without it perhaps your lucky . Or in a good area .
Think my receiver needs recapped too .! No idea how to do it . I’ve had static from it especially when nothing is playing ! How alarming! It could blow a speaker easy

If you're in a decent sized city, check at Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc. Don't confuse DVD players with BD players. Many DVD players were produced without HDMI, and many receivers at the time did not have Dolby Digital or DTS decoders built in. Thus, they relied on the 5.1 outputs and digital outputs for those who did have DD decoders.
If you really want to use that receiver with a surround sound / 5.1 setup, I'd recommend purchasing a receiver with optical, coaxial, or HDMI inputs. This will allow you to use modern as well as older equipment. As a reference, I purchased a Sony V333ES receiver (no HDMI) for around $30 that has real speaker terminals, subwoofer outputs, Dolby and DTS decoders, etc but no HDMI. It's still a really good receiver. I also bought a much newer Denon AVR with HDMI and all the above features for $20 for a friend. It's probably better for surround sound, but the Sony is a bit better for stereo. These were from a Goodwill. Craigslist is also a good source. Those spring clip speaker terminals on your receiver do not say 'quality' or even 'kinda decent' to me, and I'd likely move on from it, especially if it needs other work (you mentioned needing to be recapped).

 

[ultumax]

I only have 4 of these https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=5975
2 sets , maybe I’m using them wrong ?

 

[DaveVoorhis]

I only have 4 of these https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=5975
2 sets , maybe I’m using them wrong ?

For the type of spring-clip speaker connectors that are on the receiver, I'd suggest not using pin plugs at all. Use speaker wire of a diameter that fits easily and securely in the spring clips on the receiver. Fit the speaker leads so that the bare uninsulated wire -- which should be about a quarter of an inch in length and twisted -- is not exposed at all when inserted in the clip, but don't pinch the insulation, only the bare wire. Check very carefully for stray strands of wire that might cause shorts. Make sure there aren't any!