How to Connect 5.1 Speakers to Projector (5-Minute Guide)

Are you wondering how to connect 5.1 speakers to projector? If yes, you’ve landed on the right page.

5.1 speakers offer a practical yet affordable middle ground for setting a surround sound system in your home.

In this article, I’ve created a detailed guide on connecting 5.1 speakers to a projector using different methods.

Are you ready?

Let’s get started!

How to Connect 5.1 Speakers to Projector

The best way to connect 5.1 speakers to a projector is by using an AV Receiver. Other methods include connecting them via the HDMI ARC port, optical cable, or Bluetooth.

I’ve explained each of these methods in detail. Please check them and choose the one that suits your requirements, needs, and budget.

How to Connect 5.1 Speakers to Projector with Different Methods

I’ve listed 3 easy and straightforward methods to connect 5.1 speakers to a projector depending on the connectivity options available:

1. HDMI ARC Connection

If you have a 5.1 soundbar speaker system and a projector with an HDMI ARC port. In this scenario, you can instantly connect them using an HDMI cable.

Unlike a regular HDMI port, an HDMI ARC port can transfer audio both ways. As a result, it can transmit audio signals from the projector to your 5.1 speaker system.

Here’s how to connect 5.1 speakers to projector with HDMI ARC:

1. Power off both devices
2. Connect the 5.1 soundbar speaker system to the projector via an HDMI cable through the HDMI ARC port
3. Power on the devices
4. Select the appropriate source on your projector and soundbar, and check the connection

Check this article for a detailed guide about connecting Vizio soundbar to a projector.

Also Read: 3 Best Projectors with HDMI ARC & eARC Connectivity

No matter which soundbar you use, if it has an HDMI ARC port, you can instantly connect it to a projector with an HDMI ARC port.

2. Using an AV Receiver

An AV Receiver is an excellent way to connect your video, audio, and display devices in one place.

You can easily connect a 5.1 speaker setup with an AV receiver for a headache-free experience.

However, AV Receivers aren’t pocket-friendly. A good-quality AV Receiver from known brands cost around $300. Sure, you can find cheaper models; but the quality is questionable.

However, an AV Receiver is worth the money because it’s ideal for connecting multiple devices into one.

Here’s how to connect 5.1 speakers to projector with an AV Receiver:

1. Power off all the devices
2. Connect the projector to the AV receiver via HDMI ARC port
3. Connect 5.1 speakers to your AV receiver via speaker cables or an optical cable
4. Power on both the devices
5. Check the connection

You can read our in-depth guide about connecting a projector to an AV Receiver with HDMI.

Now to connect 5.1 speakers to an AV receiver, you can follow two methods: Speaker cables or Optical Port

Speaker Cables

Suppose you have a 5.1 speaker system like the Klipsch Reference Theater 5.1 Pack. In that case, you must connect the satellite speakers to the AV receiver via speaker cables.

The AV Receiver’s backside has clear labeling for connecting your front, left, center, and surround satellite speakers, plus ports to connect the sub-woofer.

Optical Cable

If you have a speaker system like Steelseries Arena 9, whose satellite speakers connect directly to the subwoofer. Then, you can connect this speaker system to your AV receiver via the optical port.

You’ll have to first connect the satellite speakers to the subwoofer unit. After that, you must run the optical cable from the subwoofer to the AV receiver.

Once you’ve connected either of the system, power on the devices and check the connection.

3. Using Bluetooth

Bluetooth is an exceptional and trouble-free way of connecting your 5.1 speakers to a projector.

It works best if your projector and speakers both have Bluetooth. In that case, you can easily pair your projector and 5.1 speakers wirelessly using Bluetooth.

However, if your projector and speakers don’t have Bluetooth connectivity, use the following method.

You’ll need two additional devices to connect your projector and 5.1 speakers with Bluetooth.

• Google Chromecast with Google TV
• Bluetooth Receiver with Optical Port

Step 1: Power off your speakers and Projector

Step 2: Connect Google Chromecast to your Projector

In the second step, connect the Google Chromecast to your projector’s HDMI port.

Since an HDMI port doesn’t provide power, you’ll have to power the Google Chromecast by connecting it to your projector’s USB port or the power adapter within the box.

Step 3: Connect Bluetooth Receiver to Speaker

The Bluetooth receiver has several audio connectivity options, including an optical port.

In the next step, connect your Bluetooth Receiver to your 5.1 speakers via an Optical Cable.

You’ll have to power the Bluetooth Receiver via the provided charging adapter.

Step 4: Power on all the devices & perform the initial setup

In this next step, power on all four devices, i.e., Projector, 5.1 Speakers, Google Chromecast and Bluetooth Receiver.

The Bluetooth Receiver doesn’t require a setup process; however, you’ll have to complete the Google Chromecast’s first-time setup before you start using it.

Step 5: Connect Google Chromecast to Bluetooth Receiver

Once you complete the Google Chromecast’s first-time setup, it’s time to connect both devices.

On Google Chromecast’s homepage, navigate to Settings > Remote & Accessories and select ‘Pair remote or accessory’ on the Remotes & Accessories page. Google Chromecast will now search for Bluetooth devices nearby.

Make sure your Bluetooth Receiver is turned on and set in pairing mode. Once the Google Chromecast detects the Bluetooth Receiver, pair both devices.

Step 6: Check the Connection

Once Google Chromecast is connected to your Bluetooth Receiver, check the initial connection. Make sure you can play audio from your projector through the 5.1 Speakers.

Note: The above method will work only when you’re watching content through Google Chromecast.

Alternatively, if your projector already has Bluetooth built-in, you don’t need to purchase a Google Chromecast. You’ll only have to buy a Bluetooth Receiver for your 5.1 speakers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

I hope this article helped you learn about how to connect 5.1 speakers to projector.

As you’ve seen above, there are numerous methods to connect your projector with a 5.1 speaker system.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments section below.

Thank You!