How to hook up speakers to my computer?

**HeavyG** · 09-18-13, 01:32 AM

Originally Posted by AetheLove

You want to use them as computer speakers, right?

The cheapest way to go is to get a small integrated amplifier that does stereo.

The two amps you posted (the Roland, and something else) are not what you want. Those are musical instrument amps.

You don't need an AV Receiver. An AV Receiver (generally) has:

* a Tuner (which you don't need, unless you want to listen to the radio).
* a pre-amp stage that has inputs for multiple sources - CD players, DVD players, multiple HDMI feeds, Cable/Satellite feeds, MP3/iPod/iPhone. You have ONE source; your computer.
* outputs for 5.1 sound (six speakers), 7.1 sound (8 speakers) and/or multiple sets of stereo speakers. You have 2 stereo speakers.
* a power-amp stage that is intended to fill a room with sound. You're going to be sitting 2-3 feet away from these speakers.

You don't need any of that. None of that stuff is bad to have, and if these two speakers are your start on building a huge AV system then maybe you want that, but it doesn't sound like you need it.

You need something that will take the stereo audio signal from the back of your computer, amplify it, let you adjust volume, and send it to those speakers.

Something like this:

Dayton Audio DTA-100a Class-T Digital Amplifier 50 WPC

That's got one stereo RCA input. It powers one set of stereo speakers. It has a volume knob. That's all you need. It also has a headphone jack, and an auxiliary input (for an MP3 player or iPod). It also comes with almost all the cables you'll need.

It's small. An AV Receiver is big. I don't know what your computer desk looks like, but a big AV receiver won't fit on mine.

You'll have to get speaker wire. If these speakers are going to sit on either side of your monitor then you'll need less than 10 feet. It's cheap. I'd also get an RCA-to-Stereo Mini cable (even though it looks like you could patch together the included parts to make one).

I don't know for sure if that little T-amp is appropriate for the speakers you have. But the people at Parts Express do. I've bought stuff there before, and found them helpful by email or on the phone. They can tell you if that amp will drive those speakers, of if you should get something more (or less) powerful.

... like this amp:

Dayton Audio APA150 150W Power Amplifier 300-812

There are alternatives.

For example, you can go the hipster route and get some retro gear. Look on Craig's List or in a local audio shop that does trade-ins and has used gear (or pawn shop) for a used integrated amp (or receiver) from the 70s or 80s.

Cheers,

AetheLove

I think this is the best solution as well for simply adding power to the speakers. If you want more options, such as running the speakers simultaneously through different devices, then a stereo receiver is the best route.

**Guyver** · 09-18-13, 01:37 AM

It'll fit on mine..(barely)...or in mine I should say.

**HeavyG** · 09-18-13, 01:49 AM

Originally Posted by dex71

If you buy a new receiver, don't buy a Denon.

If you buy a used receiver, then definately don't buy a Denon.

They have a great sound when they are working, but also have a history of using terribly cheap transformers in them, and dragging their feet when it comes to service. Horrible to the point that my wholesaler had to drop their entire line. I personally had trouble with one of my Denons (main transformer...4 months for Denon to ship the part and $400 out of my pocket for a receiver that was 1 week out of warranty...then it lasted another year before it fried another one).

If you want bulletproof, get a Yamaha or a Marantz.

Best use of a Denon:

12 ga. shotty, .357 Mag, and 300 Ultra Mag.

Denon makes some nice stuff... My Father was a big Technics guy back in the 80s, but at some point switched to Denon and never looked back... Until his newer Denon stuff started to break. He has been through 3 Denon units since about 1995, and they all had to be replaced because something broke in them. Similar to your stories, he went sometimes 6-8 weeks waiting for it to be repaired.

I always used to take his hand-me-down stuff as he would get a new one every 5 or 6 years, so I ended up with Technics stuff all throughout the 90s and into high school. I bought my first Yamaha back in 2001 (100w x 5), and it is still working to this day, but being used only as a stereo receiver in my office. I had since bought a second, more powerful Yamaha unit (115w x 7) back in 2008. When my Father saw the features and experienced the sound I was getting out of my $500 Yamaha, he was impressed. A couple of weeks later, he sold his Denon on Craigslist and dropped a grand on a new Yamaha. He said he preferred the sound of the Yamaha at half of the price he paid for the Denon.

But again, some people say that Denon provide the best sound, if you are a true audiophile. In most cases, they offer the cleanest, least distorted sound, giving the best overall sound quality. If build quality is a concern, Denon may not be for you as they have been known to break down. Kind of like owning a BMW...

**Guyver** · 09-18-13, 01:55 AM

Technics is still very nice stuff.

They've made the best DJ turntables you can buy for decades in a row, namely the SL-1200. Do want...or always wanted, rather.

EDIT:
Technics SL-1200 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

**Knee of Justice** · 09-18-13, 04:37 PM

OK so I bought a receiver and it wouldnt work for my computer so I had to return it. My computer doesnt have an HDMI port and im pretty sure it doesnt have analog either.. so am I just out of luck or is there something that can hook up to my computer?

**Guyver** · 09-18-13, 04:43 PM

Originally Posted by Knee of Justice

OK so I bought a receiver and it wouldnt work for my computer so I had to return it. My computer doesnt have an HDMI port and im pretty sure it doesnt have analog either.. so am I just out of luck or is there something that can hook up to my computer?

Yes, your PC has analog....it's the same jack that you plug PC speakers into.

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HDMI Cable, Home Theater Accessories, HDMI Products, Cables, Adapters, Video/Audio Switch, Networking, USB, Firewire, Printer Toner, and more!