2 speaker sets on one rig?

[imported_justbrowzing]

Can you set up two speaker sets to run off one system?

I don't have a sound card but my mobo accepts onboard sound to 7.1. I have 2.1 speakers hooked to it now, but I'd like to run a set of 5.1 speakers from the machine as well, in an adjoining room, to replace my hifi as I put everything I listen to on mp3.

Are there splitter cables for this? What else do you need to know?

Experts your advice please...

 

[madthumbs]

There are Y adapters, but you may lose quality through them unless you can use a switch.

 

[shortylickens]

Are the 2.1's using regular stereo jacks?
If your onboard uses 4 stereo plugs (7 audio plus one more for the sub) just use the 5.1 system for the front, sides and subwoofer and use the 2.1 as a 2.0 for the rear speakers.
If the 5.1 uses color coded jacks you should be just fine.

This is how I made my first 5.1 system. I just kept mixing and matching stereo multimedia speakers until I found a balance I liked. One nice Labtec 3.1 system and some cheap stereo speakers normally used for walkmans (with extension cord).
.......................................................
CRAP! I just reread your post. You arent trying to make one 7.1 system 😛

You can get amplified splitters at radio shack. Just find the audiophile and tell him/her your problem.
IF you have a good, powerful speaker setup, then you may be able to just split the signal and use the amplier in each system to overcome the loss.