Amplifier has died.

Chomeur

My amplifier has died. I only ever used it to route sound from my computer to my speakers. So I was thinking, instead of buying a new amplifier, to buy computer speakers and stop using my existing ones. It would save a bit of space, and probably be cheaper. Any recommendations? Or could I be really MSE and attach my existing speakers direct to my computer? They just have two simple wires, one coated red, the other black and red, no jack, so clearly some type of adaptor would be necessary.

Grateful for any help.

penrhyn

Yes you could connect your speakers directly to your PC, but you would not get much sound out of them.
Its unusual to have a separate amplifier with computer speakers as its usually built into either one of them or the subwoofer.

Whats the make and model of your current set up.

Chomeur

penrhyn wrote: »

Yes you could connect your speakers directly to your PC, but you would not get much sound out of them.
Its unusual to have a separate amplifier with computer speakers as its usually built into either one of them or the subwoofer.

Whats the make and model of your current set up.

JVC SP-MXM1BK Speakers. 15 years old.
Shuttle xPC computer 5 years old.

penrhyn

You could get one of these

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Phono-Female-3-5mm-Audio-Cable/dp/B000Q8KSS0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1296386783&sr=8-1

to plug into the audio jack on the PC then put a couple of phono (RCA) plugs onto the speaker leads, baut as I posted they won't be very loud.

Chomeur

Thanks, I think I'd do better to get some computer speakers. A lot of them aren't that expensive. Might go for the Logitech Z323 Speaker System.

prowla

Your computer won't drive speakers directly, so you can either get another amplifier or active speakers (ie. ones with a built-in amplifier).

googler

If you're primarily listening to music off the PC, you'd be better off replacing the amplifier and using the existing speakers.

Get one off eBay

Chomeur

googler wrote: »

If you're primarily listening to music off the PC, you'd be better off replacing the amplifier and using the existing speakers.

Get one off eBay

Why? Do active speakers give significantly inferior sound?

Actually I was now thinking of getting Creative T12 Wireless 2.0 PC Speakers - Black 51MF1625AA002 since it would be a big advantage if they could be wireless. Presumably wireless speakers have to be plugged into the mains though otherwise what's powering them?

googler

If you have a pair of passive speakers that up till now have been working well, why do you want to replace them?

and yes, I'd suggest that any amp/speaker combo designed for 'PC' use will be outperformed by most, if not all, HiFi amplifier / speaker combinations

Chomeur

Because they're old and might not keep working, because it would save me space (my flat's not that big), because I think it might simplify the wiring, and because passive speakers seem to be a bit cheaper than amplifiers. Sound quality of course is a consideration though.

ukcarper

What's your budget I use Creative Gigaworks T20s (about £60) and am quite happy with them? Not as good as good hi-fi speakers and a separate amp but good never the less. If you are prepared to spend enough you can get very good active speakers.