Help needed connecting a Technics and Yamaha AV receiver setup for 7 speakers

[Agent_Smith]

Hey everyone,

I’ve got a setup of 5 Technics speakers running through a Technics SA-EH780 system, which includes a stereo tuner/amplifier, sound processor, CD player, and cassette player. Alongside that, I’ve got 2 JBL GTO speakers (originally car speakers) that I custom-cased and connected to a Yamaha AV receiver. I want to run all 7 speakers together, with the audio coming from my PC.

Here’s where I’m stuck:

1. Connecting the systems: I assume I’ll need to connect the Technics stereo amplifier to the Yamaha receiver, and then have the Yamaha connected to my PC. Does that make sense? Would I need an RCA switch to handle the inputs/outputs since I think that there is no more left?
2. EQ Control: Will my Technics stereo sound processor (basically an EQ) apply EQ to all the speakers if I’m using the Yamaha receiver as the main control unit?
3. Should I use the Yamaha as the main control unit?
4. Sync and Quality Concerns: Should I expect any sync issues or inconsistencies in volume or sound quality by combining these two systems? I’d rather not lose any audio quality, so I’m avoiding low-quality RCA switches—any recommendations for something reliable?
5. Sound Card: I’m also wondering if it’s worth investing in a dedicated sound card to get the best out of this 7-speaker setup, maybe it can add quality? Or is my current MSI X470 GAMING PLUS MAX motherboard will be enough.

Any advice or recommendations would be awesome. Thanks!

Note: Dont worry about the tweeters on the JBLs I will solder them back on.
If you need any more pictures then sure because i couldnt fit in the JBL speakers (10 pictures max and i have 15)

 

[Agent_Smith]

Additional pics

 

[isolar8001]

Wow....haven't seen something like this since I visited an Appalachian trailer park in 1977.

 

[adk highlander]

No. Just no.

 

[Agent_Smith]

No. Just no.

Why lol

 

[Eppie]

My first instinct is to just say NO, but that would not be very helpful. You are going to have to stick with a 5 speaker setup. That is because the Yamaha and Technics both appear to be 5 channel receivers. There are no additional channels to feed to another pair of speakers. Both units do not have any pre-amp outputs, so you can not send a signal to second amp or receiver any way.

If you want to connect the PC, there are five 1/8" jacks for audio out. Most motherboards can auto-sense what is connected. If you connect headphones, it will be stereo. If you connect all 5 to a surround receiver, it will process all 5 channels but that is provided that the source material is 5 channel audio and not just stereo. The 1/8" audio out jacks on the PC connect to the Multi-CH input on the Yamaha or the DVD input on the Technics. You can use individual cables, but I have seen bundled multi-cables that have 5 1/8" plugs on one end and 5 RCA plugs on the other end. You'll need to choose one receiver or the other.

 

[Trebdp83]

 

[TLS Guy]

Hey everyone,

I’ve got a setup of 5 Technics speakers running through a Technics SA-EH780 system, which includes a stereo tuner/amplifier, sound processor, CD player, and cassette player. Alongside that, I’ve got 2 JBL GTO speakers (originally car speakers) that I custom-cased and connected to a Yamaha AV receiver. I want to run all 7 speakers together, with the audio coming from my PC.

Here’s where I’m stuck:

1. Connecting the systems: I assume I’ll need to connect the Technics stereo amplifier to the Yamaha receiver, and then have the Yamaha connected to my PC. Does that make sense? Would I need an RCA switch to handle the inputs/outputs since I think that there is no more left?
2. EQ Control: Will my Technics stereo sound processor (basically an EQ) apply EQ to all the speakers if I’m using the Yamaha receiver as the main control unit?
3. Should I use the Yamaha as the main control unit?
4. Sync and Quality Concerns: Should I expect any sync issues or inconsistencies in volume or sound quality by combining these two systems? I’d rather not lose any audio quality, so I’m avoiding low-quality RCA switches—any recommendations for something reliable?
5. Sound Card: I’m also wondering if it’s worth investing in a dedicated sound card to get the best out of this 7-speaker setup, maybe it can add quality? Or is my current MSI X470 GAMING PLUS MAX motherboard will be enough.

Any advice or recommendations would be awesome. Thanks!

Note: Dont worry about the tweeters on the JBLs I will solder them back on.
If you need any more pictures then sure because i couldnt fit in the JBL speakers (10 pictures max and i have 15)

That is a Fred Karno system if ever I heard of one. Honestly nothing good will come from that arrangement. My advice is a different concept plan.

 

[Agent_Smith]

My first instinct is to just say NO, but that would not be very helpful. You are going to have to stick with a 5 speaker setup. That is because the Yamaha and Technics both appear to be 5 channel receivers. There are no additional channels to feed to another pair of speakers. Both units do not have any pre-amp outputs, so you can not send a signal to second amp or receiver any way.

If you want to connect the PC, there are five 1/8" jacks for audio out. Most motherboards can auto-sense what is connected. If you connect headphones, it will be stereo. If you connect all 5 to a surround receiver, it will process all 5 channels but that is provided that the source material is 5 channel audio and not just stereo. The 1/8" audio out jacks on the PC connect to the Multi-CH input on the Yamaha or the DVD input on the Technics. You can use individual cables, but I have seen bundled multi-cables that have 5 1/8" plugs on one end and 5 RCA plugs on the other end. You'll need to choose one receiver or the other.

So either the JBL or the Technics system. There is no way to make this work? Not even if i replace the Yamaha with some other better AV receiver? I rather that but if theres no way then I pick the Technics system, how do i connect this? Do i somehow connect from my Technics stereo tuner/amplifier to my PC?

 

[TLS Guy]

So either the JBL or the Technics system. There is no way to make this work? Not even if i replace the Yamaha with some other better AV receiver? I rather that but if theres no way then I pick the Technics system, how do i connect this? Do i somehow connect from my Technics stereo tuner/amplifier to my PC?

OK, it is time to get brutally honest. That old technics is basically and HTIB type system. It was junk when it was new and it is definitely junk now, and overdue for a trip to the recycling center.

You need to build a new system starting with an AV receiver and adding speakers as funds permit.

You will get a few dollars for the Technics system on eBay, but they fetch little.

Computers are digital and we are in the digital age so you need a system compatible with the digital age.

 

[Agent_Smith]

OK, it is time to get brutally honest. That old technics is basically and HTIB type system. It was junk when it was new and it is definitely junk now, and overdue for a trip to the recycling center.

You need to build a new system starting with an AV receiver and adding speakers as funds permit.

You will get a few dollars for the Technics system on eBay, but they fetch little.

Computers are digital and we are in the digital age so you need a system compatible with the digital age.

Oh so its really only compatible with CDS? But cant i take advantage of those 5 jack inputs on the back of my motherboard? Eppie before was talking something about them

 

[TLS Guy]

Oh so its really only compatible with CDS? But cant i take advantage of those 5 jack inputs on the back of my motherboard? Eppie before was talking something about them

You have not stated what your Yamaha receiver is. If it is an up to date receiver then that is all you need plus speakers.

If you want to integrate a computer, which is a really good idea, then you need an AV receiver, digital connection to your computer and speakers. That is not difficult. I don't think any of us want to hear about that old HTIB unit again, so forget you ever had it.

 

[Squishman]

I had to google HTIB.

 

[isolar8001]

This is another thread that belongs on Reddit.

Over there the r/vintageaudio subreddit has become "look at this crap I found".
There is quite a difference between vintage audio and cheap junk from back in the day.

 

[Trebdp83]

@Eppie was right on concerning the units. Additionally, speakers from a system such as the Technics should never be connected to any other receiver. The front speakers have HF and LF connections with different impedance specs.

Using the speakers here, I’d connect the PC to the technics with 3.5mm to RCA cables.

 

[carlosmiguez75]

Hey! Sounds like a fun setup! Connecting the Technics amp to the Yamaha receiver should work, but getting a solid RCA switch will help with flexibility. Go for something higher quality, like a passive switch, to avoid sound degradation. For EQ control, you’ll likely only get it on the Technics speakers if it’s running through the Technics processor first; the Yamaha receiver won’t apply it universally. As for sync issues, combining systems can sometimes lead to slight delays, so test it out. A dedicated sound card could definitely improve clarity and output, especially if you’re picky about sound quality. The MSI board's onboard audio isn’t bad, but an external DAC or sound card would probably give you a noticeable boost.

 

[Eppie]

So either the JBL or the Technics system. There is no way to make this work? Not even if i replace the Yamaha with some other better AV receiver? I rather that but if theres no way then I pick the Technics system, how do i connect this? Do i somehow connect from my Technics stereo tuner/amplifier to my PC?

It really depends upon how much money you want to spend. If you want to use your existing gear and it still works ok, choose one receiver or the other. You can not combine receivers. I already mentioned how to connect the PC. Use the audio ports that Treb pictured and use 1/8" to RCA audio cables. The Mutli-CH inputs on the Yamaha and the DVD inputs on the Technics are 5 channel connections. You need to match the connections on the PC to the receiver. The motherboard manual will show that, but the connections should be standard and the labeling in the above photo should be correct.

You can move to a 7 channel setup by getting a newer receiver, but please be aware that in audio more is not necessarily better. Your PC only has 5 analogue outputs any way. To increase that to 7 then you need to take the recommendation of TLS Guy and get a new 7 channel receiver and move into the digital age. You would then use a digital connection from the PC, either USB or HDMI.

5 channel setups consist of 3 front speakers and 2 rear/side surrounds. With 7 channels you can have 3 fronts and 2 side surrounds and 2 rear speakers or use 2 side surrounds and 2 ceiling speakers. You need to consider what the room can accommodate. If you don't want ceiling speakers, then a 5 channel setup is likely best. Adding two more for the heck of it won't accomplish much. Rather than using a mish mash of 7 speakers, you'll get better results by trying to assemble 5 better quality speakers.