Is an amplifier needed to connect speakers to the TV?

Question

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Answer 1

you cannot hook speakers directly to the tv.

Answer 2

A "Receiver" is needed.

The Receiver converts the 5.1 information from the 1 cable (optical or coaxial-digital) to 6 speakers worth of sound.  And it provides power by amplifying the signal to drive speakers.

So not just an "amp", but a "Receiver" is needed.

Answer 3

It depends on your TV.

Some TVs have direct-to-speaker outputs on the back, in which case you don't need an amp.

Most TVs just have stereo phono outputs on the back, so you do need an amp, or self-powered speakers.