BLUAMP 150 | BLUAMP 100: How to Set Up Home Stereo Bluetooth Amplifier / Receiver

Introduction

In this guide, we’ll walk you through setting up your Blue Amp Series home stereo Bluetooth amplifiers. While this tutorial focuses on the BluAmp 150, the instructions apply to other models in the series, like the BluAmp 100. These amplifiers come with multiple features, including Bluetooth connectivity, microphone inputs, and various sound customization settings.

What’s in the Box?

• Blue Amp Series amplifier (e.g., Blue Amp 150 or 100)
• Power cable
• Wireless remote control

Step 1: Connecting Passive Speakers

Before using your amplifier, you’ll need to connect passive speakers. This guide demonstrates the setup using Rockville RockShelf speakers, but you can use any passive speakers as long as they meet the amplifier’s impedance requirements.

Speaker Compatibility

• The amplifier is 4-ohm stable, meaning you should not connect speakers that go below 4 ohms.
• Do not connect two 4-ohm speakers per channel, as this will drop the impedance below 4 ohms and could damage the amp.

Wiring the Speakers

1. Take your speaker wire and connect the red wire to the positive (red) terminal on the amplifier.
2. Connect the black wire to the negative (black) terminal on the amplifier.
3. Connect the other ends of the speaker wires to the corresponding terminals on the speakers.
4. To add additional speakers, use parallel wiring (daisy-chaining speakers using positive and negative terminals).

To learn more about parallel wiring, check out our detailed guide on how to parallel wire your stereo system.

Step 2: Powering On the Amplifier

1. Plug the power cable into the amplifier and a power outlet.
2. Press the power button. The blue LED lights and LCD screen will indicate that the amp is on.

Step 3: Using the Front Panel Controls

The Blue Amp 150 features a touchscreen front panel for easy control. The key functions include:

• Standby button – Mutes the amp.
• Input button – Changes input modes (Bluetooth, AUX, Optical, etc.).
• Menu button – Accesses various sound settings.
• Previous/Next buttons – Skip or rewind tracks.
• Microphone Inputs – Two 1/4-inch microphone inputs for connecting microphones.

Step 4: Connecting a Microphone

1. Use a microphone and a 1/4-inch (or XLR to 1/4-inch) cable.
2. Plug the 1/4-inch end into the MIC 1 or MIC 2 input on the amplifier.
3. Adjust the microphone volume:
   • Press the menu button until you reach the MIC setting.
   • Use the volume knob to adjust the mic level.
4. Adjust echo effects:
   • Press the menu button until you reach the E (Echo) setting.
   • Increase or decrease the echo effect using the volume knob.

For the Blue Amp 100, separate Echo and Delay knobs control the microphone’s effects.

Step 5: Adjusting Audio Settings

The menu settings allow you to customize the sound output:

• Treble control – Adjusts high frequencies.
• Bass control – Adjusts low frequencies.
• Balance setting – Controls left/right speaker volume distribution.
• Echo effect – Adds an echo effect to the microphone.

Step 6: Connecting Audio Sources

Using RCA Inputs (CD Players, TVs, Turntables, etc.)

1. Locate the RCA inputs on the back of the amplifier.
2. Connect your CD player, record player, DVD player, or TV using RCA cables.
3. Select the correct input mode on the amplifier (e.g., AUX, RCA, etc.).

Using Optical or Coaxial Digital Inputs (TV Setup)

The Blue Amp 150 includes optical and coaxial digital inputs for higher-quality audio.

1. Check your TV’s audio output settings and ensure it supports Optical Out (S/PDIF).
2. Connect an optical cable from the TV’s Optical Out port to the Optical In port on the amp.
3. Remove the protective cap on the optical input of the amplifier and insert the cable.
4. On your TV:
   • Go to Audio Settings > Change output to Optical Audio Out.
   • Set the audio format to PCM.
5. On the amplifier, switch the input mode to Optical to hear the TV audio.

Using Bluetooth for Wireless Streaming

1. Set the amplifier’s input mode to Bluetooth.
2. On your smartphone or tablet, go to Bluetooth settings.
3. Search for "Blue Amp 150" and select it to pair.
4. Play music from your device—great for karaoke, streaming music, or background audio.

Using USB or SD Card Inputs

1. Insert a USB drive or SD card containing audio files.
2. Use the front panel controls or remote to navigate and play music.

Step 7: Expanding Your Setup

The Blue Amp Series allows for expanded audio setups:

• RCA Line Output – Connects additional amplifiers, speakers, or subwoofers.
• Multiple speaker setups – Use parallel wiring for extra speakers.

On the Blue Amp 100, there is one audio input and two RCA line outputs, which function similarly.

Step 8: Enjoying Your Sound System

Now that everything is set up, it’s time to test the sound:

1. Play music or speak into the microphone.
2. Adjust bass, treble, and balance for the perfect sound.
3. Turn up the volume and enjoy the powerful sound output of the Blue Amp Series!

Conclusion

Setting up the Blue Amp Series of home stereo Bluetooth amplifiers is quick and easy. Whether you’re streaming music, watching TV, or hosting karaoke nights, this amplifier offers versatile connectivity, excellent sound control, and expandable options.