FAQ
TL;DR: A standard AUX input expects about 0.316 Vrms (-10 dBV) line-level audio [“Line level”, Wikipedia]; “Aux is Auxiliary, an external input,” explains user Hefajstos [Elektroda, 2355617] Use it to plug CD players, PCs, or phones into amplifiers. Why it matters: Knowing the limits keeps you from frying gear or getting silent playback.
Quick Facts
• Line-level spec: 0.316 Vrms, ‑10 dBV, stereo, unbalanced [“Line level”, Wikipedia].
• Input impedance: 10 k–47 k Ω typical, protects source devices [SoundOnSound, 2021].
• Common connectors: 2×RCA, 3.5 mm TRS, 6.3 mm TRS, or DIN [Elektroda, thorgal6, post #2352959]
• RCA-to-3.5 mm cable costs ≈ US $5–10 [Amazon listing, 2023].
• Never feed speaker-level (>5 Vrms) into AUX; it can destroy op-amps [Audio-Phile, 2020].
What does “AUX” mean on my stereo or amplifier?
AUX is short for “Auxiliary.” It labels a universal, line-level stereo input for external sources [Elektroda, igabriel, post #2353210]
Which devices can I safely connect to an AUX input?
Any line-level source such as CD, DVD, computer, phone, tuner, or DAC works because their outputs match the 0.316 Vrms spec [Elektroda, marexsc, post #2352700]
Can I plug an electric guitar straight into AUX?
Yes, but the result is weak and mono; a guitar pickup delivers roughly 100–200 mV, far below line level, so you need a preamp or DI box for proper volume and tone [Elektroda, foxik000000, post #3265749]
Will an AUX jack give me true 5.1 surround sound?
No. A single AUX input carries only two analog channels. For discrete 5.1 you need six analog inputs or one SPDIF/HDMI digital input [Elektroda, zeberko, post #3293713]
Is AUX an input or an output?
On most consumer gear it is an input. Labels like “AUX OUT” exist on some receivers, but they are rare and clearly marked “OUT” [Elektroda, DjMapet, post #15482918]
Can I use the AUX port as a headphone jack?
No. Headphones need a powered output. An AUX input lacks the voltage and current to drive them [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #15738767]
How do I connect my PC’s sound card to the AUX input?
- Buy a 3.5 mm-to-2×RCA stereo cable. 2. Plug the 3.5 mm end into the PC’s line-out. 3. Connect the RCA plugs to the AUX L/R jacks; select AUX on the amp and set PC volume to 70 % for clean signal.
What happens if I accidentally feed speaker output into AUX?
Speaker outputs can exceed 10 Vrms. That overdrives line-level op-amps and may burn input resistors—an edge-case that often costs a full repair board [Audio-Phile, 2020].
Why won’t my Creative T6060 sub’s AUX accept an external amplifier?
The T6060 is an active speaker set. Feeding another amp’s output into its AUX could clip inputs or cause distortion; the forum recommends not doing it [Elektroda, przemo-lukas, post #6031957]
Can I route a phono turntable into AUX?
Only through a phono preamp. Magnetic cartridges output ~5 mV and need RIAA equalization; without it the sound is quiet and tinny [AudioTechnica, 2022].
Is AUX the same as LINE IN?
Functionally yes. Both are unbalanced stereo inputs at line level. Manufacturers often pick either label; circuitry inside is identical [Elektroda, Hefajstos, post #2355617]
Which cable should I use for a mini tower that has a single 3.5 mm AUX jack?
A 3.5 mm TRS-to-TRS cable connects phones or laptops; use a 3.5 mm-to-2×RCA adapter if your source has RCA outputs [Elektroda, zeberko, post #3266643]
