I have connected Pioneer PL-990 turntable to SX-255R receiver through PHONO but get static and distortion through speakers. Manual says to connect to AUX not PHONO but cannot see AUX on receiver. Any hints?

The only relevant speaker spec is the impedance. As you probably realize the Pioneer SX-255R recommends 8 - 16 ohm speakers.

Four ohms is on the hairy edge of too low. You could certainly try it but if any strain or excessive volume is used you could see something go poof!

The low end of 120Hz says don't push the bass to them.

http://www.vinylengine.com/library/pioneer/pl-514.shtml
http://www.hifiengine.com/manuals/pioneer/sx-550.shtml
The upper link is for the turntable, the lower is for the receiver. they want you to create an account tu dowlnload so just create an account with them. In my expierience turntables had hook upeads out the back(wires connected) that would hook to phono in on receiver and speakers would hook to receiver via speaker wires(may not be included) by pos and neg. The speaker wire usually either has a rib or a line or writing on on leg so you can identify which wire you would want to be pos or neg.

Yes, you can use them but be careful. These are not necessarily robust speakers. If they sound strained, back off.

No you cannot play while lid is closed and YES you need an amp/receiver amp

The red wire is the right channel, so going back to your amp, get a single phono plug with with the wire exposed, so you can touch the wire. Then remove the turntable connections. With the amp on plug the the lose wire plug into each channel and check if the sound on the right is still low. If it is then there's a problem with the magnetic cartridge pre-amp inside the amp. They are often located near the phono socket on a seperate PC board, but if not just follow the red wire to the main board. Chances are it will be an IC that's failed.
If it has a strong buzz at the back of the amp. Then I should replace the wire between the turntable and the amp. Or the right phono plug that connects to the amp.

You can grab a copy of the manual here:

http://www.pioneernz.co.nz/Site/Pronto/Files/user_manuals/SX255R%20USER%20MANUAL.PDF

The short answer to your question is: No.

This stereo amplifier provides for up to two sets of stereo speakers. System A and System B. There is no Surround capability in this stereo, only straight Left and Right on system A, system B or both.

Using this stereo and speaker system will probably sound better than the speakers inside your TV however. Simply connect the "Audio Left" and "Audio Right" output jacks with RCA patch cables from your TV, Cable Box or Satellite TV box to an unused input on the rear of the SX-255R (CD, LD/DVD, Phono, etc.), then select this same input when you want to listen to TV audio.

I hope this was very helpful - and good luck!

Yes, but it depends on your laptop hardware and software. We'd need to know a lot more about that side.

If the amplifier has a normal AUX selection the ipod can be connected using a standard single AUX cable.

Hi...
If the new receiver doesnt have a specific input in back labeled "phono" , You WILL need a preamp for the phono. Then plug the preamp into the AUX or other available input

No phono inputs?? You will need a phono to line level preamp to use aux input.