SB Live! and stereo hookup questions

[TakedownCA]

I just got put together a pc with a SB Live! (not 5.1) installed. Previous to that I had an AWE64 that I used to connect both my 2 desktop speakers and my stereo(2 large speakers) - 2 to the speaker jack and 2 to the line out jack. That way I could use the pc speakers for normal computer use, but I could also turn on the stereo to listen to my mp3's. Is there a way to do the same thing with the SB Live!, a 4.1 desktop speaker setup, and the digital out jack? The card has 5 jacks (front out, back out, line in, mic in, and digital out), but I haven't been able to get the digital out to work as a normal stereo line out. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Mahir

 

[Tauren]

If I'm not mistaken (and I may be) the rear out is line out and should work fine with your stereo. Does that answer your question or am I reading it wrong??

 

[TakedownCA]

I knew I could do that, but the thing is I would like to keep my 4 desktop speakers hooked up (which use both front out and back out).

 

[Tauren]

I guess I'm confussed (not your fault, mine: it's monday) but, where are you proposing to hook your stereo into. You could split either front or back signal with a Y adaptor.

 

[TakedownCA]

You're right, I guess I could split the front(main) speaker output. Only thing wrong with that is I already have a pretty clunky rca stereo to mini stereo jack converter. If I get another y-adapter it's probably going to be too heavy for that little jack to handle.

 

[Tauren]

Check Radio Shack. Maybe you could get a whole new setup cheap??? Get a Y adaptor that has a long cord on it (I use one) and let the connection lay on the floor. That way the weight is supported by the floor not the jack itself.

 

[Gatzbar]

That's because the digital out is "digital" and has to go to a "digital" input where it would be decoded. You can destroy your amplifier or speakers by feeding it that digital signal as it is pretty damn hot. Your stereo is probably "analog" unless you have a Dolby Digital or DTS surround system. You can use the front out and get the basic stereo front channels connected to your stereo. You could hook the little speakers to the rear channels and enjoy that sensual surround effect. The sound card may not be able to drive a low impeadance speaker unless it has a built in amplifier (most of them do.)