Wire confusion - connecting Passive Klipsch R-14 Speakers to Harmon Kardon 3490 Receiver

Robin_83

Prominent
Mar 15, 2017
2
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520
I could really use some help connecting my new reference speakers to my receiver.

I previous used Tannoy powered studio monitors in my Harmon Kardon 3490 connected by monoprice XLR to Male RCA cables. I plugged them into the AUDIO Pre-Out on the receiver and this worked fine.

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Now I'm hoping to replace them with these Klipsch R-14s, but I cannot for the life of me get the passive speakers to work. I used 16-gauge speaker wire, stripped, twisted, and connected to the twists in the Speaker 1 section, but they did not work. I triple checked connections and polarity, but no dice.

Do they need to be connected to the PRE Out with a 16 gauge open stereo wire to RCA male? Is there such a wire? Do they need a separate pre-amp? I was under the impression that my receiver was outputting enough power to run the speakers.

I'm so confused and appreciate the help!