Big speakers hooked up to my pc?

[Logan76]

I want to get more sound out of my computer, I would like to ideally hook up a set of larger speakers like whats found on most larger stereo systems, when I have parties etc I want to be able to hear all the music on my pc. Do I need an amp? Is this going to be difficult? I don't know anything about PC's other than basic crap, I can solder wires though, if that needs done. Any idea's people?

[snwbrdr435]

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_158STR197B ... tml?tp=179

Cheapest one they have.

I have my TV etc hooked up to a receiver which has an input for my computer.

[MinisterofDOOM]

If you don't already have a half-decent sound card, go get a Soundblaster with RCA and optical outputs--shouldn't cost you more than $30. That'll broaden your options significantly. You can also find RCA-to-phone and phone-to-RCA converters for really cheap which simplifies things greatly.

[snwbrdr435]

I was thinking about my lame laptop

[Looneybomber]

Woohoo, a thread I can put more than my .02 in...but I won't put forth that much work. Coming from a guy who has subwoofers the same size as his computer monitor and amps big enough to trip my circuit breaker, I could tell you a thing or two about "big speakers" running off your computer.

If all you want is stereo sound, your computer, as it is, will be fine.

Buy yourself a single male 2.5mm stereo mini-jack to dual male RCA cable.

Monoprice.com has very good cables for the money! They have lengths up to 50ft, fully shielded. (Shielded is key since these are unbalanced connectors.) Monoprice also have live customer service chat. I've had excellent service from them and their high quality cables are the cheapest I've found.

http://www.monoprice.com/produ...mat=2

To compare prices, that 6ft monoprice cable is less than $3 and is fully shielded. This no-name company sells one that's 2ft shorter, not shielded and is about 4 times the price.http://www.discountcarstereo.c...=1111^DON'T BUY FROM THIS PLACE^

Now you need an amp

The cheapest way to do this is to buy a used, but high quality reciever. Since HDMI came out, a lot of people have been dumping their non-hdmi recievers...even though they are still very good. It's very likely that you'll be able to find a 7 channel receiver for around 100 bucks.

Look for one that has the 7 channel stereo DSP option as that means when you get more and more speakers, you can hook them up and have them all play the same thing. Meaning, louder music at your party.For example, here is a very nice one. I have the pervious year's model (1014)http://cgi.ebay.com/Pioneer-VS...%3A50

Speakers!

It all depends on what goals and limitations you have. If you have a lot of room and need a lot of sound, I would suggest used Cerwin Vega towers that are in good shape.

If you only have room for bookshelfs, I have 6 of these and they treat me very well.http://cgi.ebay.com/Infinity-B...%3A50

But if you get bookshelfs, regardless what they are, if you want to listen loud, you'll need a subwoofer. With large tower speakers, like the Vega's pictured above with 12" woofers, you won't need a subwoofer.

So add it up.Cable = $4-5Reciever = $75-125Speakers = $50-150So anywhere between 130-280...280 if you buy new cheap stuff.

This was my setup from years back. Old sony prologic receiver, Monitor Audio RS-1's, and an infinity SW-12 sub that you can't see.I used a Belkin brand cable I bought from Best buy for around 10bucks. Too bad I didn't know about Monoprice.com then
Modified by Looneybomber at 10:21 PM 6/10/2009

[Logan76]

Ahhh wow, I need to start saving lol.

[Looneybomber]

Ahhh wow, I need to start saving lol.

You can always scour garage sales. Everyonce in a while you'll see some 15-20y/o technics or other brand floor standing speakers for sale with some 15-20 y/o solid state 2 channel receiver for 30 bucks. Something like that can get the job done.

*edit* Also, Klipsch made a 2.1 promedia computer speaker that was pretty good, though the 4.1 was much better. They're quite a few years old now and tough to find (the old good ones, not the newer crappy model), but if you find one, those can work pretty good and will likely be cheap.

It all depends on how much quality and output you want. If you have the funds, buy some good stuff, otherwise buy some stuff that will get you by.

Later on, if you start getting serious about your home stereo/theater, I can give you a few pointers and point you into some directions, but until you're ready to put movie theaters to shame, stick with something that will work and continue to save...
Modified by Looneybomber at 10:32 PM 6/10/2009

[Logan76]

Ill prob. hit up garage sales fow now, I just got a job after being laid off 7 months, lol.