Help with interconnects?

Left to right and right to left is not out of phase. It is simply reversed channels. Enjoy ! MrD.

OP: I feel your pain based on a flashback to my first system. So many cables and components, “wtf, why didn’t I keep that all-in-one stereo console?”

Take a deep breath. Start backwards with connections. Speakers. Set them up where you want. Speaker wires: connect them to the speaker lugs, keeping track of which speaker lead is “+” and connecting it to the corresponding “+” speaker terminal lug. Repeat that process for the “-“ speaker wire and speaker lug corresponding to the “-“ terminal.

Amo, integrated amp or receiver: connect the speaker wires from the right speaker to the corresponding speaker output terminals, with “+” speaker wire going to the “+” output terminal of the amp, integrated amp or receiver and with “-” speaker wire going to the “-” output terminal of the amp, integrated amp or receiver. Repeat process for other speaker wire.

Congrats! You’re half-way done!

Next, let’s tackle the sources (record player, CD/DVD player and or streaming device). These will be linked to the right and left inputs of your preamp, integrated amp or receiver. One source per input. Now if you have a separate preamp and power amp, then you will need to connect those together. One set of interconnects usually is required, leading from the right and left outputs of your preamp to the right and left inputs of your amp. The interconnects needed depends on the types of inputs and outputs on your sources, preamps and power amps (or integrated amps or receivers if you don’t have a separate preamp and power amp). Those are RCA plugs for “unbalanced” interconnect (most commonly found in home stereos) and XLR plugs found on “balanced” interconnects.

Turn on the set up with the volume fully down (or muted if there is a mute switch). Gradually crank up the volume with no source on and listen for hum or a buzz sound. If you hear that, then turn down the system (or off) and grab a friend to help you resolve the hum or noise issue. One usually needs to attach a ground wire from the system to a power strip ground to resolve the hum or noise. There is plenty of threads here that can help you rectify these and other issues you might encounter.

About all the wires, cables and cords. Try to keep the power cords free and clear of the rest.

That’s it! Enjoy!

Okay thanks all. Will give it a shot!

Okay, I think I have a viable question. My headphone amp has 3 digital inputs, so I guess I can input my digital sources directly into my headphone amp for headphone listening. 

Now, here goes the rookie question. Can I utilize different outputs from these same digital sources for my speaker listening? Whether it be through my dac or directly to my preamp? Thank you, I don't know exactly what I am able to do here or if this is the best way to go

Yes you can utilize all the various outputs at the same time, no problem. So say you have a SPDIF and a Toslink out, Yes you can use both to different things. A XLR and RCA pairs? Yes both can be used. Mix them no problem.