Using the soundbar as the only speaker There are actually a few ways you can use a soundbar as the main speaker with a receiver. You can connect the soundbar to a receiver by an optical cable. Connect one end to the digital optical out port on the receiver, and to the optical in port on the soundbar.

Can a soundbar work with a receiver?

No matter the brand, there are two types of soundbars: active and passive. They can both connect to a receiver, but a passive soundbar will be more compatible as active ones were not meant to be used this way. This is because active soundbars are designed to be all you need in one device.

Can you use a soundbar as a computer speaker?

Using It With a Computer If you use a laptop, using a sound bar probably wont work unless you can mount it above your monitor. Obviously, the soundbar is longer than your average computer speakers, but, because its so thin, it feels much smaller on your desk compared to two separate speakers.

Can you use a sound bar as a center channel?

The short answer is no. Using a soundbar as a center can not only ruin your sound, it may also cause damage to your equipment. To understand why using a soundbar to substitute for the center channel is a bad idea, it is necessary to know how soundbars work.

What is the difference between a center channel speaker and a soundbar?

Soundbars are ready right out of the box to be plugged in to your receiver and play. They dont require you to find room for speakers around your home theater space. A center channel speaker requires you to have other speakers as part of a sound system.