How do I connect bookshelf speakers & a subwoofer to my PC?

[lilrayray69]

Hi, I'm relatively new to messing with speakers, subwoofers, amps, etc. but am looking into getting a pair of bookshelf speakers and maybe a subwoofer and connecting it to my PC

So, let's say I have a pair of Micca PB42X powered bookshelf speakers and a powered subwoofer like a Dayton Audio Sub-800 which I want to connect simultaneously to my PC which has an ASUS Xonar DG sound card. How would I go about doing this correctly?

Or it would make more sense to get the Micca MB42X's (non-powered) with an amp like the ~$25 Lepai? Thanks

 

[postmortemIA]

or get a receiver and non-powered speakers/subwoofer, it will pay off in the long run

 

[spacejamz]

get this....you won't be disappointed with the sound... I have one hooked up to to some polk audio Monitor 45's and a polk 10" sub and it will blow away any off the shelf 2.1 computer speaker system...

http://www.amazon.com/Orb-Audio-Mini-Amplifier-Black/dp/B00GOK38OU

only think that sucks is the RCA input for the sub won't handle a thicker RCA cable but I don't think it's a big deal...I created a thread about this awhile back...

sorry.. I have last year's V2 model..the link is for the newer V3....

 

[razel]

Your soundcard looks like it has 5 3.5mm headphone jacks. Look for subwoofer out and L/R (left/right). Your speakers and sub are powered and accept RCA. You'll need to buy 2 or 3 3.5mm (headphone) to RCA jacks.

The question is whether the 3.5mm jacks on the back of your soundcard are mono or stereo for the L/R. They usually are stereo. So 2 adapters are what you'll need. It's very common and shouldn't cost you more than $5 total.

 

[lilrayray69]

Yeah the sound card has a 3.5mm port for center-subwoofer, so I figure a RCA to 3.5mm adapter may work.

I was looking at the powered speakers as a step towards getting into using such speakers, rather than getting unpowered and needing a receiver/amp. I wasn't planning to get a subwoofer right away. I'm just not familiar enough or have much experience to know if such a speaker system will warrant the ~$300+ I'd need for a good 2.1 system, over just a $50-$100 'pre-made' 2.1 system.

My old Creative Audio 2.1 system is giving out, but it's only like a $30-$40 system which honestly has done just fine for me so far. It's just that since I'm replacing it I thought about trying out the world of 'quality' speakers and such.

 

[NutBucket]

Just note that you'll have to the use the PC to control volume as the control on the speakers won't adjust the sub and vice versa.