How to connect a cassette deck to a stereo receiver
For playback, run an RCA cable from the deck’s PLAY or OUT jacks to the receiver’s TAPE IN. To record, add a second RCA cable from the receiver’s TAPE OUT (REC OUT) to the deck’s REC or IN jacks. Swapping the two pairs gives no sound.
Yes. They connect directly.
What you need
- RCA stereo audio cable Look for: Red/white RCA male to male
Connect it like this
- Cassette deckRCA stereo audio out
- RCA stereo audio cable
- Stereo receiverRCA stereo audio in
What to know
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Cost
- About $5–$10 if you buy everything new
- Sound
- Full quality
- Lag
- None noticeable
- Extra power
- No
Why this works
Both devices have RCA stereo audio, so one RCA stereo audio cable carries the sound.
Good to know
- Connect the deck’s PLAY or OUT jacks to the amp’s TAPE IN (or TAPE PLAY). To record, also connect the amp’s TAPE OUT (REC OUT) to the deck’s REC or IN jacks. Swapping the pairs gives no sound.
Your gear a little different? Answer a couple of questions about your own ports.
Check my exact setup