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#1
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Connecting Speakers Directly to a Computer
Hello,
I was wondering if someone could explain to me (or point me in a specific direction), why it seems to me that you cannot hook-up stereo speakers directly to your computer (ie: connect to the sound card). I have seen numerous posts that indicate you must connect the computer to the stereo, and not the speakers themselves (though the line-in, AUX, etc.. connections). But, I have a set of computer speakers that just connect directly to the output of the sound card. The reason that I ask is because I have an extra set of speakers which are *much*, *much* better than my computer speakers (isn't everything?), but no spare stero system, receiver, amp, or otherwise. Is there no-way that I can directly connect the speakers to the "line-out" or "speakers" output of the sound card? Is it just a matter of different connectors on the ends, or is there something else to it? Thanks so much. Hugh, |
#2
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Hugh Cowan wrote:
Hello, I was wondering if someone could explain to me (or point me in a specific direction), why it seems to me that you cannot hook-up stereo speakers directly to your computer (ie: connect to the sound card). I have seen numerous posts that indicate you must connect the computer to the stereo, and not the speakers themselves (though the line-in, AUX, etc.. connections). But, I have a set of computer speakers that just connect directly to the output of the sound card. The reason that I ask is because I have an extra set of speakers which are *much*, *much* better than my computer speakers (isn't everything?), but no spare stero system, receiver, amp, or otherwise. Is there no-way that I can directly connect the speakers to the "line-out" or "speakers" output of the sound card? Is it just a matter of different connectors on the ends, or is there something else to it? Thanks so much. Hugh, Your speakers will have an impedance of 4-18 Ohms (probably 8), and the output of the PC is designed for probably 10000 Ohms. This means in short (and I am simplifying) that so much current will be drawn that bits of the soundcard would be trashed. Even if this were not the case, a soundcard could not deliver enough signal to drive unpowered speakers. Sorry! |
#3
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Andrew Chesters wrote: Hugh Cowan wrote: Hello, I was wondering if someone could explain to me (or point me in a specific direction), why it seems to me that you cannot hook-up stereo speakers directly to your computer (ie: connect to the sound card). Your speakers will have an impedance of 4-18 Ohms (probably 8), and the output of the PC is designed for probably 10000 Ohms. This means in short (and I am simplifying) Yes, you are, to the point of being wrong. that so much current will be drawn that bits of the soundcard would be trashed. In a word, no. The sound card CAN'T supply "so much current." As you inferred, it's output impedane is high enough that it's simply not capable of doing so. Basically, "bit's of the soundcard" WON'T be trashed. The problem is simply this: the outputs of these sound card simply do not have the current capability of driving speakers. At most, they can supply but a few milliamps before running into current limiting, and that's just not enough to driver a pair of speakers. Even if this were not the case, Which it isn't. a soundcard could not deliver enough signal to drive unpowered speakers. That's a different story altogether, and one a bit closer to physical reality. Sorry! Yes, I would say. |
#4
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"Hugh Cowan" wrote in message
om Hello, I was wondering if someone could explain to me (or point me in a specific direction), why it seems to me that you cannot hook-up stereo speakers directly to your computer (ie: connect to the sound card). There have been such things as sound cards that had built in power amps that were capable of maybe a watt or two. When powered PC speakers became the trend, this feature largely disappeared. I have seen numerous posts that indicate you must connect the computer to the stereo, and not the speakers themselves (though the line-in, AUX, etc.. connections). ....unless the speakers have built in amplification. But, I have a set of computer speakers that just connect directly to the output of the sound card. They probabaly have built-in amplifiers. Or, you have one of the few sound cards that have built in power amplifiers. The reason that I ask is because I have an extra set of speakers which are *much*, *much* better than my computer speakers (isn't everything?), but no spare stero system, receiver, amp, or otherwise. Ever hear of spending money to get good sound? If not, let me be the first to point it out to you. Several of us have been known to do this from time to time. ;-) Is there no-way that I can directly connect the speakers to the "line-out" or "speakers" output of the sound card? Whip out some plastic or cash and do the audiophile thing. Is it just a matter of different connectors on the ends, or is there something else to it? It's a matter of the signal the speakers require as compared to the signal that the sound card puts out. Basic interfacing. |
#5
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Your sound card has to have amplified speakers. Your sound card puts out too
low a signal level to directly drive speakers. A number of years back, before amplified speakers were very popular, there were a few models of sound cards that had a one or two watt amplifier on board. This was for a limited time only, and the speakers that it would be able to drive were very limited. If you want some good sound, you are going to have t spend some good money to have it. There are some very nice amplified speakers around. The other choice is to buy a descent stereo amplifier, and a descent set of speakers. You can go to an audio file type shop and make some choices, according to the quality you are willing to pay for. The bottom line is you are going to get what you pay for. -- Jerry G. ====== "Hugh Cowan" wrote in message om... Hello, I was wondering if someone could explain to me (or point me in a specific direction), why it seems to me that you cannot hook-up stereo speakers directly to your computer (ie: connect to the sound card). I have seen numerous posts that indicate you must connect the computer to the stereo, and not the speakers themselves (though the line-in, AUX, etc.. connections). But, I have a set of computer speakers that just connect directly to the output of the sound card. The reason that I ask is because I have an extra set of speakers which are *much*, *much* better than my computer speakers (isn't everything?), but no spare stero system, receiver, amp, or otherwise. Is there no-way that I can directly connect the speakers to the "line-out" or "speakers" output of the sound card? Is it just a matter of different connectors on the ends, or is there something else to it? Thanks so much. Hugh, |
#6
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#7
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