Connecting computer output to stereo speakers

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fbrdphreak

Lifer
Apr 17, 2004
17,555
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Can anyone suggest an amplifier to run between a PC 3.5mm output into RCA plugs for a set of stereo speakers? I honestly don't know the specs on the speakers, they're driving maybe a 6-inch mid woofer and a tweeter in each speaker.

The amplifier needs to be as cheap as possible, but would prefer not to have a complete POS that puts a ton of noise into the signal.

Thanks!
 
T

Tiamat

Lifer
Nov 25, 2003
14,068
5
71
The "cheapest" but most feature rich option is to use an old receiver. This allows you a proper volume control and switching between other sources that you might want in the future. This also allows you to add a subwoofer more seemlessly due to bass management options and other calibration tools.

T-amp is another way, but less feature rich. I'm not quite sure about the quality of the T-amp though as I have never owned one.
 
F

fbrdphreak

Lifer
Apr 17, 2004
17,555
1
0
Thanks. As I posted in the other thread, I just need this for a training room that needs to hook the new computer up to a set of existing speakers mounted that terminate to a wall-jack with RCA's.

A full receiver would be a bit overkill and a bit too big ideally, but if I found a cheap one (~$25) I'd probably do that.

I think a T-amp would work, presuming I can somehow connect the speaker outputs to the RCA jacks (just cut & strip a set of RCAs?).
 
T

Tiamat

Lifer
Nov 25, 2003
14,068
5
71
fbrdphreak said:
Thanks. As I posted in the other thread, I just need this for a training room that needs to hook the new computer up to a set of existing speakers mounted that terminate to a wall-jack with RCA's.

A full receiver would be a bit overkill and a bit too big ideally, but if I found a cheap one (~$25) I'd probably do that.

I think a T-amp would work, presuming I can somehow connect the speaker outputs to the RCA jacks (just cut & strip a set of RCAs?).
Click to expand...

I would not make that assumption. You need to open up the wall plate and also check the speakers to make sure that the speakers are even hooked up to those. RCA is not a standard speaker cable terminal. The speakers might not even be connected to anything. Alternatively, the speakers might be connected via speaker cable to a distribution room in your house where all your ethernet and cable lines are. The previous owner may have had an amplifier in such a location. The RCA might be there only so that you can hook up a cd/dvd etc. The RCA may be run to such a distribution room to be hooked up to some sort of preamplifier/switcher.

Alternatively, the speakers have their own internal amplification which then may be hooked up to the RCA in the wall. You definitely need to check.
 
F

fbrdphreak

Lifer
Apr 17, 2004
17,555
1
0
I have already tried directly connecting the computer to the RCA jacks - no joy. There is an existing boombox-type stereo sitting there and if I run the computer output into the stereo, then run the stereo output to that RCA wall plate (which is how it was setup originally), that works. But this old POS stereo is fritzing out and shuts off every few minutes, so I need something better.
 
T

Tiamat

Lifer
Nov 25, 2003
14,068
5
71
RCA stereo output is typically not amplified. Thus, you wouldn't need an amplifier. What kind of cable are you using to connect the RCA plate to the fritzing out boom box? What kind of cable were you using to connect the computer to the RCA plate? The computer should have a 3.5mm to stereo RCA cable.

Interestingly, Radio shack has a speaker cable to RCA plug. I haven't seen that before... http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102959
 
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F

fbrdphreak

Lifer
Apr 17, 2004
17,555
1
0
Now that you ask, the boombox connects to the RCA jack via the speaker level outputs, using a cable like you linked there.

So yeah, I could just use that with a standard amp!
 
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