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Plug the Fire TV Cube’s HDMI output into an HDMI input on your AV receiver, then run a second HDMI cable from the receiver’s HDMI output to the TV. Select the Cube’s input on the receiver and the receiver’s input on the TV. That Cube → receiver → TV chain is the clearest setup when you want the receiver to play the Cube’s audio. Whether you get surround sound, HDR or Dolby Vision depends on what your receiver, TV, cables and content support.
Step-by-step: Cube to receiver to TV
- Connect the Cube to the receiver. Use a high-speed HDMI cable from the Cube’s HDMI output to a free HDMI input on the receiver. Amazon says a high-speed HDMI cable is required for Cube setup and is not included in the box (Amazon: How to Set Up Fire TV Cube). The third-generation Cube has one HDMI 2.1 input and one HDMI 2.1 output with ARC, and the output is the one that goes to the receiver (Amazon Developer: Fire TV Cube specifications).
- Connect the receiver to the TV. Run HDMI from the receiver’s HDMI output (often labeled MONITOR OUT or, on some models, ARC/eARC) to a TV input. Pick a TV input that supports the video formats you want. If you are using the TV’s audio-return feature, use the TV port labeled ARC or eARC.
- Power everything on. Turn on the TV, receiver and Cube.
- Select the inputs. On the receiver, choose the HDMI input the Cube is plugged into. On the TV, choose the input the receiver is plugged into.
- Finish Cube setup. Follow the on-screen prompts. Amazon suggests placing the Cube about one foot (30 cm) from speakers and not inside a closed cabinet so it can hear voice commands. That is for microphone performance and has no bearing on HDMI signal quality.
Port labels, menu names and passthrough abilities differ by receiver and TV model, so check both manuals for exact names and supported formats.
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Receiver-first or TV-first routing?
Amazon’s own surround-sound troubleshooting recommends connecting Fire TV directly to the soundbar or AV receiver by HDMI (Amazon: Dolby Atmos or surround sound not working). That makes the receiver the first stop for the signal. The alternative is plugging the Cube into the TV and sending audio back to the receiver over the TV’s ARC/eARC port. Which suits you depends on four things:
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- Whether the receiver supports the audio formats you want from the Cube.
- Whether the receiver passes through the resolution, HDR and Dolby Vision your TV can show.
- Whether your TV and receiver both support the ARC/eARC features you need.
- Which arrangement makes input switching and volume control simplest for you.
Without your exact receiver and TV models, no one can promise that every format will work in either arrangement.
#1 Best Overall
Amazon Fire TV Cube, with AI-powered Fire TV Search, Hands-free streaming device, find shows faster with Alexa+, Wi-Fi 6E, 4K Ultra HD
- Our fastest-ever streaming media player - Brings lightning-fast app starts with an octa-core processor and is 2X as powerful as Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
- Hands-free Alexa with built-in mic and speakers - Control your compatible TV, soundbar, and receivers with your voice, even from across the room.
- Seamlessly navigate between your entertainment - Connect compatible devices and easily go from streaming to your cable box, game console, or webcam.
Troubleshooting
No picture
- Check both HDMI connections: Cube to receiver, and receiver to TV.
- Confirm the receiver and TV are on the correct inputs.
- Check that the receiver passes video through at the resolution and HDR format you are targeting (Amazon: Dolby Vision or HDR not working).
No surround sound, or the wrong format
- Confirm the content actually carries the format, and that the receiver and any other connected equipment support it.
- Use a high-speed HDMI cable. Amazon says optical cables do not fully support surround sound.
- Try a lower audio format if the one you want isn’t detected.
- Use Fire TV’s Audio/Video Diagnostics, where your device offers it, to see what capabilities the connected equipment reports. See Amazon’s surround-sound troubleshooting page.
No HDR or Dolby Vision
Both the TV and the receiver must support the format, and the receiver must be able to pass it through. If either link can’t, the Cube won’t deliver it. Amazon’s HDR troubleshooting page covers the checks.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Don’t confuse this with Alexa Home Theater
Alexa Home Theater plays TV audio through Echo speakers. Amazon’s ARC instructions for that feature say to connect the third-generation Cube to the TV’s ARC port and to unplug an attached AV receiver (Amazon: Alexa Home Theater with HDMI ARC). That is a different arrangement from the receiver-centered setup above. It is also separate from ordinary receiver ARC/eARC, where the TV returns its audio to the receiver.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 1
Bestseller No. 2
SaleBestseller No. 3
SaleBestseller No. 4
Best Value
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (newest model), streaming device, with AI-powered Fire TV Search, supports Wi-Fi 6E, free & live TV without cable or satellite, find shows faster with Alexa+
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Elevate your entertainment experience with a powerful processor for lightning-fast app starts and fluid navigation.
- Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
- Enjoy the show in 4K Ultra HD, with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- Fire TV Ambient Experience lets you display over 2,000 pieces of museum-quality art and photography.
Rank #4
Sale
Roku Ultra, Ultimate Streaming Player - 4K Streaming Device for TV | HDR10+, Dolby Vision & Atmos - Bluetooth & Wi-Fi 6 - Rechargeable Voice Remote Pro with Backlit Buttons - Free & Live TV
- Ultra-speedy streaming: Roku Ultra is 30% faster than any other Roku player, delivering a lightning-fast interface and apps that launch in a snap.
- Cinematic streaming: This TV streaming device brings the movie theater to your living room with spectacular 4K, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision picture alongside immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- The ultimate Roku remote: The rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro offers backlit buttons, hands-free voice controls, and a lost remote finder.
- No more fumbling in the dark: See what you’re pressing with backlit buttons.
- Say goodbye to batteries: Keep your remote powered for months on a single charge.
Rank #3
Sale
Like-New Amazon Fire TV Cube, with AI-powered Fire TV Search, Hands-free streaming device with Alexa, Wi-Fi 6E, 4K Ultra HD, find shows faster with Alexa+
- Like-New Fire TV Cube is refurbished, tested, and certified to look and work like new and comes with the same limited warranty as a new device. Like-New Amazon devices may be packaged in generic Amazon-branded boxes.
- Our fastest-ever streaming media player - Brings lightning-fast app starts with an octa-core processor and is 2X as powerful as Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
- Hands-free Alexa with built-in mic and speakers - Control your compatible TV, soundbar, and receivers with your voice, even from across the room.
- Smarter searching starts here with Alexa – Find movies by actor, plot, and even iconic quotes. Try saying, "Alexa show me action movies with car chases."
- Seamlessly navigate between your entertainment - Connect compatible devices and easily go from streaming to your cable box, game console, or webcam.
Rank #2
Fire TV Cube with Alexa Voice Remote Pro
- This bundle contains Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen) and Alexa Voice Remote Pro.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
- Our fastest-ever streaming media player - Brings lightning-fast app starts with an octa-core processor and is 2X as powerful as Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
- Hands-free Alexa with built-in mic and speakers - Control your compatible TV, soundbar, and receivers with your voice, even from across the room.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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