Connect each device’s output to a compatible input on the powered speakers, then select that input. The key exception is a turntable: its signal needs a phono preamp before it reaches a line-level speaker input. That preamp may be built into the turntable or speakers; if neither has one, you’ll need an external phono preamp.
Before connecting anything: match the signal and the input
Check the ports and output settings on both devices, not just the cable ends. RCA plugs can carry different kinds of signal: a turntable’s PHONO output is not the same as a line-level RCA output. A cable changes the connector shape; it does not amplify or equalize a phono signal.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
For analog connections, use the source’s line output—such as a headphone or line-out jack, RCA output, or preamplified turntable output—with a compatible line input on the speakers. For digital connections, both devices must support the same connection, such as optical audio, USB audio, or HDMI ARC/eARC. Check the manuals for port functions and input-selection steps; sockets and controls vary by model.
Connect a turntable
Check whether a phono preamp is needed
- Look for a PHONO/LINE switch on the turntable, or check its manual for whether it has a built-in phono preamp.
- If the turntable has a built-in preamp and you’re connecting to a speaker’s ordinary RCA or AUX line input, set the turntable to LINE.
- If the speakers have a dedicated PHONO input, connect the turntable as directed in the speaker manual. Follow that model’s instructions for any PHONO/LINE switch; switch behavior can differ.
- If the turntable outputs only PHONO and the speakers have no PHONO input, place an external phono preamp between the turntable and the speakers. Connect the turntable to the preamp’s phono input, then connect the preamp’s line output to a speaker line input.
Fluance Support explains that an external preamp is needed if the speakers lack a phono input and the turntable lacks a built-in preamp. Edifier Support likewise states that self-powered speakers need a preamp to raise a phono signal to line level; its support article was updated October 7, 2021. These are general principles, but the connections and switch settings for a specific product should come from its manual. Fluance Support: connecting a turntable to powered speakers; Edifier Support: little or no turntable volume.
#1 Best Overall
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Use a cable that matches the devices’ line-level ports—for example, RCA-to-RCA or RCA-to-3.5 mm AUX if those are the available inputs. An RCA-to-AUX cable does not replace a phono preamp. If the turntable and phono stage both have grounding terminals, consult their manuals for whether and how to connect the ground wire; there is no single grounding procedure for every setup.
Connect a TV
Use an output on the TV that matches an input on the speakers. Depending on the models, the connection may be analog RCA or AUX, optical/Toslink, or HDMI ARC/eARC. Do not assume a TV has a particular output: check its ports and manual first.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
For an optical connection
- Connect the TV’s optical audio output to the speakers’ optical input using an optical cable.
- Select the optical input on the speakers.
- In the TV’s audio settings, enable external audio output and, if needed, set the digital audio format to PCM or stereo.
Some powered speakers do not decode Dolby Digital or DTS over optical. Fluance recommends PCM/stereo for its Ai41 and Ai61 models, and Klipsch gives the same direction for the R-50PM. Those are model-specific examples, not a format rule for every speaker; check your speaker’s manual. Fluance: connecting a TV to Ai41 or Ai61 speakers; Klipsch: R-50PM optical TV setup.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →With optical, volume control may be handled by the speaker remote or by TV settings, depending on the equipment. Do not assume the TV remote will control speaker volume; verify the behavior for both models. HDMI ARC/eARC may offer different control features, but only when both the TV and speakers support the relevant feature.
Rank #3
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
- ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
Connect a computer
Choose a connection supported by both the computer and the speakers:
- Headphone or line output: Connect the computer’s analog output to the speakers’ AUX or RCA line input with a compatible cable. Select that speaker input.
- Optical output: If both devices have optical audio ports, connect them with an optical cable and select the optical input. Optical computer output is not available on every computer.
- USB audio: Use USB only if the speaker’s manual identifies that port as a computer audio input. Connect the cable, select the USB input on the speakers, and choose the speakers as the computer’s audio output device. A USB socket’s shape alone does not show that it carries audio.
For example, the Klipsch Fives II guide documents USB-C audio for a PC. That does not mean every USB-C port on every speaker accepts computer audio. Klipsch Fives II user manual.
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
Using the speakers with more than one source
If you want to leave a TV, turntable, and computer connected, check that the speaker system has the required inputs and supports switching between them. A system may offer several ports—some models documented by Klipsch include optical, RCA, USB, and HDMI eARC—but that does not mean every powered-speaker pair has the same combination or can play multiple sources at once. Confirm how input selection works and whether the speaker system’s active and passive units need a separate speaker cable. Klipsch Fives II user manual; Fluance Ai41/Ai61 manual.
Troubleshoot a connection that does not work
The turntable is very quiet
- Check whether the turntable is outputting PHONO rather than LINE.
- Confirm that a phono preamp is active in the signal path: built into the turntable, built into the speakers, or connected externally.
- If using a built-in turntable preamp with a line input, set the turntable to LINE. If neither device has a phono stage, add an external phono preamp or use speakers with a dedicated phono input.
Edifier describes the symptom of speakers connected to a turntable but producing little or no volume in its turntable troubleshooting guide.
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
The TV is silent over optical
- Select optical as the speaker input and make sure the TV is sending audio to its external output.
- Set the TV’s digital audio output to PCM or stereo if the speakers do not support the Dolby Digital or DTS signal being sent.
- Check that the optical cable is seated correctly at both ends and that the selected ports are optical audio ports.
No sound from any source
- Check speaker power and cable seating.
- Confirm that the speakers are set to the input you connected.
- Check the source device’s selected audio output and volume.
- For a two-speaker system, check the cable between the active and passive speakers and follow the manual’s wiring instructions.
Only one speaker plays
Check the left and right analog connections and any cable joining the two speakers. Follow the model manual for wiring and polarity; a single fix cannot be assumed for every system.
What to check when choosing powered speakers
Start with the devices you plan to connect, then verify the actual input types and signal support in the speaker manual. Compare:
- A dedicated phono input, or whether your turntable has a built-in phono preamp.
- Stereo RCA or AUX line input for analog sources.
- Optical/Toslink input and support for the TV’s audio format.
- USB audio input, if you want a direct computer connection.
- HDMI ARC/eARC support, if you want to use that connection from the TV.
- The number of inputs, how source switching works, and how the two speakers connect to each other.
Connector photos alone are not enough: check whether an RCA input is PHONO or line-level, and whether a USB port is specifically documented for computer audio. Manufacturer manuals illustrate how much these features differ: the Fluance Ai41/Ai61 manual and Klipsch Fives II manual document different input combinations and controls.
Quick Recap
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.
