Setting up a pair of active bookshelf speakers is one of the quickest and easiest ways to upgrade your home audio experience.

Whether you’re pairing your phone via Bluetooth, connecting a turntable or improving your TV sound, active speakers give you great performance without needing a separate amplifier. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire setup process step by step, from unboxing and wiring to positioning and troubleshooting, so you can start enjoying better sound in just a few minutes.

Step 1: Unbox Your Speakers & Lay Out The Cables

Before you plug anything in, it’s best to get organised. 

Unpack everything and lay it out clearly so you know exactly what you’re working with.

Carefully remove the active bookshelf speakers from the box, take out all cables, remote controls and accessories.

Place everything on a table or on the floor so you can see it clearly:

• Master (active) speaker: Usually has the controls and inputs on the back or side.
• Passive speaker:  Usually just has two speaker cable terminals on the back.
• Power cable: For the master speaker.
• Speaker cable: To link the two speakers together.
• Audio cables:  e.g. RCA or 3.5mm (if included).

Tip: Keep the packaging until you’ve tested everything, just in case you need to move or return the speakers.

Step 2: Link The Master Speaker To The Passive Speaker

To enjoy left-and-right stereo sound, the speakers need to be linked together. 

This step is quick and simple as long as you match the colours correctly.

1. Take the speaker cable from the box.
2. On the master speaker, find the terminals marked something like: “Speaker Out”, “To Passive”, “Right Speaker” or similar.
3. On the passive speaker, find the matching terminals.
4. Connect red to red and black to black on both speakers.
5. Unscrew or push down the terminal.
6. Insert the bare wire, ensuring that you connect “red to red” and “black to black for correct polarity.
7. Release the spring or tighten up the screw to secure the cable.

Most active bookshelf speakers come with a 2 core speaker cable with spring terminals, but some models will feature a pre-made cable that simply plugs into each speaker.

Tip: Make sure no loose strands of wire are touching each other, this can cause a short and affect performance.

Step 3: Plug The Master Speaker Into The Mains

Now that everything is laid out and the passive speaker is connected, it’s time to give your speakers some power.

The master speaker is always the one with the amplifier built in.

1. Find the power input on the master speaker.
2. Plug the power cable into the speaker first.
3. Plug the other end into a mains socket.
4. Switch on the wall socket.
5. Turn on the speaker using the power switch or remote.

You may see a small light come on to show that the speaker has power.

Step 4: Pair Bluetooth Or Plug In Your Audio Source

With the speakers connected, it’s time to choose how you’ll play your music. 

You can go wireless or use a cable, whichever suits your setup.

Option A: Bluetooth

Bluetooth is the fastest way to get started (assuming your active bookshelf speakers have Bluetooth capability.)

1. Switch the speakers to Bluetooth mode.
2. Open Bluetooth settings on your device.
3. Select the speaker from the list.
4. Wait for the connection to complete.
5. Enjoy your music!

Option B: Turntable or Wired Devices

If you’re using something with a cable, like a turntable or CD player, just follow these easy steps.

1. Connect the RCA cable from the LINE OUT of your turntable or preamp to the speakers’ LINE IN.
2. Select the correct input.
3. Start your record and adjust the volume on the speakers, enjoy your music!

Note: If using a turntable, make sure it has a built-in preamp or use an external one.

For TVs or computers, simply connect their audio output (3.5mm, RCA, optical or HDMI ARC if supported) to the speaker’s audio input.

Positioning Tips For The Best Sound

Once your speakers are connected, a little time spent on positioning can make a big difference. 

Good placement helps you get the best clarity, balance, and stereo separation from your setup. 

Here are a few easy adjustments that can noticeably improve the sound.

Height & Angle

To get the most accurate sound, try to position the speakers so that the tweeters (the small top drivers) sit roughly at ear level when you're seated. 

This helps the high frequencies reach you directly and keeps the overall sound clear.

It also helps to angle each speaker slightly towards your listening position, known as “toe-in”.

This creates a more focused stereo image and makes vocals and instruments feel better centred.

Distance Between Speakers

For natural stereo sound, place the speakers so they’re roughly the same distance apart as the distance between you and the speakers.

For example, iIf you sit about 2 metres away, space the speakers about 1.5-2 metres apart.

This creates a balanced “triangle” between you and the speakers, making it easier to hear details and separation.

Distance From Walls

Bookshelf speakers often benefit from a little breathing room. Leaving 10-20cm of space behind the speakers reduces the risk of bass sounding too heavy or boomy.

If the sound feels thin, move them slightly closer to the wall.

If the bass feels too strong, move them a little further out.

A few centimetres can make a surprising difference, so feel free to experiment.

Solid Surfaces

Place your speakers on solid, stable furniture to avoid unwanted vibrations or rattles.

Great options include:

• A sturdy bookshelf
• A heavy TV unit
• Proper speaker stands

Avoid wobbly desks, hollow shelves, or thin panels, they can negatively affect clarity and colour the sound.

Troubleshooting

No Sound At All

If nothing is coming out of the speakers, start with these checks:

1. Make sure the power light on the master speaker is on.
2. Check the volume on both the speakers and your device.
3. Ensure the correct input is selected (Bluetooth / AUX / Optical / Line In).
4. Confirm cables are firmly connected at both ends.

Sound Only From One Speaker

This is usually caused by a loose or incorrect speaker cable connection.

1. Check that red goes to red and black goes to black.
2. Ensure the wire is firmly clamped under the terminal.
3. Try swapping the speaker cable around to test if the cable is faulty (unlikely).
4. Make sure you have a stereo sound playing - for example check your smart phones audio balance is set to stereo not "left".

Bluetooth Not Pairing

If Bluetooth refuses to connect:

1. Switch the speakers to Bluetooth mode and wait for the flashing light.
2. Turn Bluetooth off and on again on your device.
3. “Forget” the speaker in your device’s Bluetooth settings and re-pair.

Make sure no other device is already connected to the speakers.

If the light is a solid blue instead of flashing then it’s likely connected to a different Bluetooth device (most common).

Buzzing, Humming or Interference

Strange noises often come from cables or interference.

It’s usually not down to the speaker itself.

1. Move power cables away from audio cables.
2. Try a different audio cable.
3. Unplug any nearby phone chargers or adapters.
4. If using a turntable, check the ground wire is connected (if it has one).

Read More: How Do I Stop My Speakers From Buzzing?

Distorted Sound

If the audio sounds fuzzy or harsh:

1. Lower the volume on your device, it may be sending too strong a signal.
2. Make sure the speakers aren’t pushed right against a wall.
3. Try reducing bass if your speakers have tone controls.

Final Thoughts

If you follow this guide and the troubleshooting steps, your active bookshelf speakers should be working perfectly.

If for any reason they are not please feel free to contact one of our audio experts by email, live chat or by calling 02393 190955

Enjoy your new setup and fine-tune the positioning until everything sounds just right!