A soundbar is a compact external speaker system typically used in conjunction with a television or home theater to optimize sound quality and enhance your audio experience.

With the popularization of universal home theater setups, many people have wondered, can a CD player be connected to a soundbar?

You can connect a CD player to a soundbar. However, there are certain requirements. You can use a few different methods to connect your CD player to your soundbar. The method you use will depend on the make and model of the soundbar and the CD player.

In this article, we will discuss the various methods of connecting your CD player to your soundbar and the components that must be present to utilize each method.

Different setups come with different considerations. Understanding the different methods and how they work will help you make an informed decision regarding which style is best suited to meet your needs.

Also read: How to Connect a Soundbar to a TV and DVD Player

How to Connect a CD Player to a Soundbar

Many different setup options are possible for pairing a CD player to a soundbar. The good news about this is that it allows users the freedom to experiment with their equipment and decide what works best for them.

While setting up your CD and soundbar duo, you may find that the particular method you are trying to implement is less than ideal. That is precisely why, in this article, we have articulated multiple different ways in which to achieve the goal.

The following sections will explain how to install, and how to compare the differences between, the most commonly used connection methods.

Use an RCA Connector

The first connection method we will be discussing in this article is known as RCA connection. Sometimes known as a phono connector, the RCA connector is the oldest method on this list.

Despite having been around since 1940, RCA connectors are still commonly used today. The main benefits of this connection type are its simplicity and reliability.

RCA connection cables are typically color-coded and correspond to colored plugs on the back of your soundbar and CD player. Due to this color coding, phono plugs commonly located on the back or side of your device should be easily identifiable.

You will likely find the dual outlets labeled L (left) and R (right). L will always correspond with the white cord, and R with the red, and may also be labeled collectively under such names as line-in or line-out, source, AUX, input or output, or analog.

Once you have identified the appropriate locations to plug in the RCA connectors, hook it up, turn it on, and enjoy your listening experience.

In the rare event that the AUX outlets on your device do not have an identifying color to distinguish them from one another, just remember that red is right, and white is left.

One last thing to consider is the distance between your soundbar and your CD player. Various lengths of RCA cords are available to allow for a more customizable setup regarding your home theater layout.

Use a Fiber Optic Connector

The second method is a connection via fiber optic cable. This connection will yield a higher sound quality than will the RCA connector. However, you must ensure your particular CD player and soundbar respectively are equipped with a fiber optic cable outlet, keeping in mind that not all are.

Fiber optic cables are a relatively new invention that work by transmitting tiny particles of light through a cord, the core of which is glass. This allows energy to pass through the cable uninhibited at a very high rate of speed.

With this in mind, we can understand why this method is the most preferable for hooking up our CD player with our soundbar. The high rate of data transfer produces a sound quality that is unrivaled by the other methods mentioned in this article.

Once you establish that your CD player and soundbar can accommodate a fiber optic cable, you can plug in one end to each outlet, and the job is done. Fiber optic cables require only one outlet instead of the RCA style, which requires multiple separate outlets.

Use Wireless Bluetooth

The third and final method of synchronizing your CD player with your soundbar is a wireless Bluetooth setup. Bluetooth wireless technology is also relatively new but has been widely regarded as the most convenient connection method.

For this reason, most new vehicles come already equipped with it. Much like the fiber optic cable, not all CD players will be set up for Bluetooth wireless technology. For this reason, it is again very important to know what you have and ensure all the required features are available on your device.

Bluetooth wireless technology provides a level of convenience that surpasses the previously mentioned methods.

Because Bluetooth technology works though the transmittance of radio waves between corresponding receivers capable of communicating information back and forth, no wires are required, and the CD player becomes portable, going with you wherever you decide to take it.

This is especially ideal in party situations, allowing songs and settings to be changed on the fly, without even being in the same room.

Another advantage of Bluetooth technology is that multiple devices can be simultaneously synchronized due to its wireless nature.

It allows the user to quickly switch back and forth between the various mediums, for example, switching between the CD player and the TV.

If your CD player and your soundbar are both designed with built-in Bluetooth technology, you are in luck. All you will need to do now is to make sure both devices are in the “on” position.

Ensure that the Bluetooth feature is enabled, and allow the soundbar to scan for nearby devices until it locates and automatically syncs with your CD player.

Where to Buy

Below, we have compiled a brief list of recommended products consisting of CD players, soundbars, and cables. We have made sure to separate them into categories in which all components required for synchronization are present.

Before committing to a particular product, it is imperative that you conduct your own research so as not to purchase the wrong unit, and/or accessory.

Cable Not Required

It is also worth noting that the majority of these CD devices function as multipurpose home theater units. For example, the LP-099 is also capable of playing DVDs, and the Jensen JMC possesses a 3-disc CD ROM changer, as well as a dual cassette deck.

This means that prospective buyers should also consider the multitude of other functions offered by each product to maximize their investment return.

Conclusion

When deciding to hook up your CD player with your soundbar, it is important to know their capabilities and consider which method best accommodates your preference. Each method offers a different set of pros and cons.

If you are going for the most optimal sound quality possible, a fiber optic setup is your best bet. If you prefer portability convenience, Bluetooth has you covered, and if you prefer sheer simplicity, an RCA connector will not disappoint.

Always remember to shop around, know what you need beforehand, and make informed decisions. Gathering some background information before your purchase is the best way to ensure consumer satisfaction.

Sharing is caring!