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Using Goodman’s GHC4200PRO speakers with an AV receiver

by Dharmesh Joshi
(UK)

I have purchased the Goodman’s GHC4200PRO along with my plasma screen about a year back. The Sub has all my speaker connections and optical and coaxial inputs for devices like DVD players and stereo.

I have now bought an HD media system, whereby the GHC4200PRO is giving some trouble when HD audio is selected.

I have therefore chosen to purchase a sound receiver that can handle the HD audio and use the existing speaker set that came with the GHC4200PRO.

I would like to know in regards to the SUB, as the SUB had got inbuilt sound decoder, would I be able to use the SUB independently with my new receiver.

My receiver has a sub coaxial output port. Where would I connect this to on the GHC4200PRO? Would I just connect it to the coaxial digital input and let the GHC4200PRO decode for the sub output, or should I connect it to one of the stereo inputs?

Comments for Using Goodman’s GHC4200PRO speakers with an AV receiver

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Using existing subwoofer
by: Paul - The Home Cinema Guide

Dharmesh

The problem with most HTiB systems, is the components aren't designed to work with other devices. That's why buying separates can often offer more flexibility for upgrading in the future.

The coaxial input on the rear of your sub, is for digital audio signals, and so that won't be of any use for the output from your receiver.

The RCA sub output on your new receiver sends a line level analog signal. This is meant to be connected to a active subwoofer which then amplifies this signal.

I guess you may get something if you connect the sub output to either the left or right of one of the stereo inputs - as presumably the Goodmans sub has some built-in amplification.

However, I'm not convinced this will work particularly well. Try it and see.

To do your new receiver justice, I think you would be better on buying a dedicated 5.1 speaker package that comes with an proper active subwoofer. You would then be sure of getting the best from your new receiver.

All the best.

Paul

Impedance
by: Dharmesh

Hi Paul

Thanks I will give it a try. How would I know if the speaker impedance is compatible with the receiver?

There is no mention of impedance in the user guide.

Impedance
by: Paul - The Home Cinema Guide

Hi

Well, they're not telling you because they're not expecting you to connect these speakers to anything other than their all-in-one system.

If you try it at a low volume you should be ok regardless of the impedance - at least you'll know if you get any sound at all.

However, if you are planning on turning the volume up for long periods in the future, then the impedance will be important. If the impedance is too low, then your amp will shut down because you will overload the power supply of your receiver.

As I said before, in the long term, it would be better to buy a dedicated active sub.

All the best.

Paul

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About Home Cinema Guide

Paul started the Home Cinema Guide to help less-experienced users get the most out of today's audio-visual technology. He has worked as a sound, lighting and audio-visual engineer for around 20 years. At home, he has spent more time than is probably healthy installing, configuring, testing, de-rigging, fixing, tweaking, re-installing again (and sometimes using) various pieces of hi-fi and home cinema equipment.