Normal speakers to PC??

Glass_Half_Empty??

Wiring normal speakers to a pc, can it be done? I want to power my speakers through the PC as my stereo is broken :rolleyes: I have seen lap tops connected to speakers that are normal(DJ's use them) and now my stereo is in stereo heaven thought it might be possible to get a plug to wire my speakers to to play my music throught them?
Any help would be greatly appreciated thanks

vyseyboy

Nope.

Well, it depends really how much of your stereo is broken. If the stereo's aux input is still working, get a cable from your computers line-out to the stereo's aux in, and that should be fine.

You can't just plug speakers into the PC's line-out though. There needs to be a powered component in between to amplify the weak line-level signal.

Glass_Half_Empty??

Stereo has gone in the bin now :rolleyes: Although there is a spare rubbish one downstairs. If I were to connect this up would that mean I can play music on my PC through my wonderfull Acoustic speakers? Please say yes I need this in my life!!
Edit: What lead exactly am I looking for and where can I buy one? And just to be a pain any idea how much?

vyseyboy

It really depends on the inputs on the stereo, but usually it's white and red (sometimes red and black,) RCA types, like this:

http://www.lakewoodconferences.com/direct/dbimage/50034743/RCA_Jack.jpg

So you'd need a cable with a 3.5 mm stereo jack at one end, and two white / red RCA jacks at the other end in this case.

Examples:
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5143 (from hong kong, ages for delivery.)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/3-5mm-STEREO-JACK-GOLD-to-2-PHONO-RCA-Male-5M-5-metre_W0QQitemZ300259841744QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item300259841744&_trkparms=72:12|39%3A1|66%3A2|65%3A12|240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Obviously depends on what length of cable you need.

It needn't be expensive, but if you're keen on high-end audio, some good shielded cables with gold plated interconnects might make a bit of a difference. Cheapy one's are usually "alright" though, not awful.

I'd check the inputs on the stereo first though! Once it's all connected it should just be a case of powering on the stereo and selecting the "aux" input as the source.

Edit: JUst double checked and that deal extreme cable is only 30cm.... not really long enough!

£$&*"($£&(

Those speakers DJs are using are known as "active" which means they have the amplifier built into them. Your speakers are known as "passive" which means they need a seperate amplifier, such as the one in your broken stereo, to power them.

You might be able to use your spare rubbish stereo but you need to know what output it has in watts and how closely does this match the wattage of your speakers. Many cheap small stereos have a small output such as 10 watts and if you have 50 watt speakers it wouldn't be sensible to connect them up. It's often thought you can easily damage, for instance, 50 watt speakers with a 200 watt amp. Well you can if you really turn it up but your more likely to damage 50 watt speakers by plugging them into a 10 watt amp on a small stereo. The other thing to watch is how the units are rated. Generally it's best to know what the rms wattage is, but manufacturers may refer to peak, which may be OK or pmpo (peak music power output) which is completely meaningless except to advertisers. The key message is watch out what your doing with that rubbish stereo. A new suitable amp would be the best solution.

vyseyboy

I'm pretty sure that you won't damage the speakers by underpowering them, but you might damage them if they aren't connected to a source designed to accomodate their impedance.

Impedance is measured in ohms (Ω) and should be marked on the speakers themselves and on the amp / hifi. It's usually 4, 8 or 16. Just make sure that they both match up.

You can run high impedance speakers off an amp designed for low impedance, (just keep the volume away from max) but NOT the other way around!

Glass_Half_Empty??

Well it seems the "spare" stereo downstairs is now at the charity shop :rolleyes: so it looks like I will need an amp. My speakers are about 3.5 feet tall and think they're about 240watt although I cant be certain but its about that figure.
Is it all easy to do? I am happy to go along with this provided it isnt gonna be too pricey but I have no idea where to look so if you two kind gentlemen know of anywhere............:p

fwor

vyseyboy wrote: »

you won't damage the speakers by underpowering them

That's true, but only if you don't push an inadequate amplifier too hard. It's quite easy to damage big speakers with a small amp if you push it into "clipping", which generates a lot of high frequency distortion and can blow the high frequency drivers in the speakers.

But... as long as you don't go too close to the upper end of the volume control you should be Ok.

To the OP: A great resource for this sort of thing is Freecycle, as they tend to have part-working stereos offered regularly - and you only need the amp part to be working. Be sure to follow your local group's rules though, as many don't allow you (quite rightly IMO) to post a "wanted" ad before you have made one or more "offers".

It's not hard to set up. I've got four Mission speakers - one in each corner of the room - connected to the PC via two external amplifiers, and the sound is excellent. Far better than normal PC speakers.

shadowdragon

why not buy something like these?

http://www.play.com/PC/PCs/-/675/882/-/3477073/Creative-Inspire-A500-5-1-Speakers/Product.html?searchtype=genre

Glass_Half_Empty??

Thanks for all the info guys. I have decided to go for the amp as I dont want a cruddy old stereo cluttering up my room

Now I just need to find one can someone help me and actually tell me what I am looking for other then an amp as I'm struggling :rolleyes: And also as the speakers are Acoustic powerforce 2000, Long term 22o watt, Short term 300 watt Frequency range of 45Hz-20Hz(whatever that is lol), Impendence is 8ohms. Can anyone explain what this means? And what power amo should I look to buy with these speakers? Thanks

I neeeeedd it asap I have been without music for too long now and cant wait to just play tracks straight off the pc :cool:

£$&*"($£&(

Long term is likely to be the RMS wattage rating and short term is likely to be peak wattage. I would guess you need a 150-300 watt stereo amp that can output 8ohms (most will do this). I'm not sure whats around in the hifi world but such an amp may be quite expensive. The alternative is a power amp like this one which outputs 150 watts each side with an 8ohm impedance. http://www.soundslive.co.uk/product.asp?id=1337.

These have less controls - just speaker outputs and a volume dial - they are designed for studio and PA use