How to Hook Up a CD Player to a Receiver

An audio receiver can play the audio content from just about any device, ranging from a television, DVD player, VCR and CD player. You can connect both portable CD players or stand-alone CD players to the receiver, the only difference being a slight change in the connection cable you use. Once connected you can enjoy all of your CDs through the audio receiver's speaker system.

Connect the red and white RCA stereo cables into the "Audio Out" port on the back of your CD player. If you are using a portable CD player, plug the 3.5 mm end of the "Y" cable into the headphone jack.

Plug the opposite end of the RCA stereo cables into the "Audio In" port on the receiver. If using the "Y" cable plug the red and white RCA cables into the "Audio In" port. Take note of the name or number of the audio port. Most receivers allow you to connect multiple devices at the same time and you need to know the number of the connection port before you can listen to the CD music.

Power on the CD player and the audio receiver. Press the button on the receiver that correlates to the audio connection you are using (the name or number of the port).

Press "Play" on the CD player. The audio from the CD plays over the audio receiver's speaker system.