Using a Y-cable stereo 1.8" (3.5 mm) cables result imbalanced volumeson 2.1 speakers.

[Ant]

Hello.

I recently bought a shielded 6" (15.2 cm) multimedia Y-cable with dual
1/8" (3.5 mm) stereo male to 1/8" (3.5 mm) stereo female [42-2496]. It
was from a local RadioShack store
(http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102969 for its
web site URL -- black color for mine).

Basically, I am connecting and sharing my 2.1" analog old speakers to
this new Y-cable audio adapter to my HDTV and PC's audio jacks (the same
type used for headphones and regular old analog speakers).

It seems like if HDTV is powered on, then only one speaker is louder
than the other. If I disconnect/unplug audio cable for or turn off
HDTV/PC, then my speakers have even audio in both speakers. I tried
disconnecting HDTV's audio cable to an old iPod Touch 1G, and my PC had
no audio at all.

Is there a rule that I cannot have both connected devices to play on my
audio speakers? Or should this work? Or did I buy the wrong cable
splitter? :(

Thank you in advance. :)
--
"Remember when walking down the road of life, always stop and squish the
ants." --Albian in Creatures game
/\___/\ Ant(Dude) @ http://antfarm.ma.cx (Personal Web Site)
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\ _ / If crediting, then use Ant nickname and AQFL URL/link.
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Ant is currently not listening to any songs on this computer.

[Ant]

A new test just now. I tried using the same Y-Splitter cable to two/2
iPod devices (iPod nano 6G and same old iPod Touch 1G). No problems.
WTFrak? It seems to specific to audio devices? :O



On 9/13/2014 1:48 AM PT, Ant typed:

> Hello.
>
> I recently bought a shielded 6" (15.2 cm) multimedia Y-cable with dual
> 1/8" (3.5 mm) stereo male to 1/8" (3.5 mm) stereo female [42-2496]. It
> was from a local RadioShack store
> (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102969 for its
> web site URL -- black color for mine).
>
> Basically, I am connecting and sharing my 2.1" analog old speakers to
> this new Y-cable audio adapter to my HDTV and PC's audio jacks (the same
> type used for headphones and regular old analog speakers).
>
> It seems like if HDTV is powered on, then only one speaker is louder
> than the other. If I disconnect/unplug audio cable for or turn off
> HDTV/PC, then my speakers have even audio in both speakers. I tried
> disconnecting HDTV's audio cable to an old iPod Touch 1G, and my PC had
> no audio at all.
>
> Is there a rule that I cannot have both connected devices to play on my
> audio speakers? Or should this work? Or did I buy the wrong cable
> splitter? :(
>
> Thank you in advance. :)
--
"Though your enemy is the size of an ant, look upon him as an elephant."
--Danish
/\___/\ Ant(Dude) @ http://antfarm.ma.cx (Personal Web Site)
/ /\ /\ \ Ant's Quality Foraged Links: http://aqfl.net
| |o o| |
\ _ / If crediting, then use Ant nickname and AQFL URL/link.
( ) If e-mailing, then axe ANT from its address if needed.
Ant is currently not listening to any songs on this computer.

[Trevor Wilson]

On 13/09/2014 6:48 PM, Ant wrote:
> Hello.
>
> I recently bought a shielded 6" (15.2 cm) multimedia Y-cable with dual
> 1/8" (3.5 mm) stereo male to 1/8" (3.5 mm) stereo female [42-2496]. It
> was from a local RadioShack store
> (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102969 for its
> web site URL -- black color for mine).
>
> Basically, I am connecting and sharing my 2.1" analog old speakers to
> this new Y-cable audio adapter to my HDTV and PC's audio jacks (the same
> type used for headphones and regular old analog speakers).
>
> It seems like if HDTV is powered on, then only one speaker is louder
> than the other. If I disconnect/unplug audio cable for or turn off
> HDTV/PC, then my speakers have even audio in both speakers. I tried
> disconnecting HDTV's audio cable to an old iPod Touch 1G, and my PC had
> no audio at all.
>
> Is there a rule that I cannot have both connected devices to play on my
> audio speakers? Or should this work? Or did I buy the wrong cable
> splitter? :(
>


**If I understand you correctly, you trying to connect two sets of
outputs together. This is dumb. You should ALWAYS use a resistor in
series with each output for safe operation.


--
Trevor Wilson www.rageaudio.com.au

[whosbest54[_4_]]

In article >,
says...
>On 13/09/2014 6:48 PM, Ant wrote:
>> Hello.
>>
>> I recently bought a shielded 6" (15.2 cm) multimedia Y-cable with dual
>> 1/8" (3.5 mm) stereo male to 1/8" (3.5 mm) stereo female [42-2496]. It
>> was from a local RadioShack store
>> (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102969 for its
>> web site URL -- black color for mine).
>>
>> Basically, I am connecting and sharing my 2.1" analog old speakers to
>> this new Y-cable audio adapter to my HDTV and PC's audio jacks (the same
>> type used for headphones and regular old analog speakers).
>>
>> It seems like if HDTV is powered on, then only one speaker is louder
>> than the other. If I disconnect/unplug audio cable for or turn off
>> HDTV/PC, then my speakers have even audio in both speakers. I tried
>> disconnecting HDTV's audio cable to an old iPod Touch 1G, and my PC had
>> no audio at all.
>>
>> Is there a rule that I cannot have both connected devices to play on my
>> audio speakers? Or should this work? Or did I buy the wrong cable
>> splitter? :(
>>
>
>
>**If I understand you correctly, you trying to connect two sets of
>outputs together. This is dumb. You should ALWAYS use a resistor in
>series with each output for safe operation.
>
Right, connecting 2 outputs and combining them into one input won't work in
this context. I recommend manual switching or a switch box.

whosbest54
--
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If the pages time out, try whosbest54.netau.net in
a site unblocker proxy like: http://www.site2unblock.com

[Ant]

On 9/16/2014 9:26 AM PT, whosbest54 typed:

>>> I recently bought a shielded 6" (15.2 cm) multimedia Y-cable with dual
>>> 1/8" (3.5 mm) stereo male to 1/8" (3.5 mm) stereo female [42-2496]. It
>>> was from a local RadioShack store
>>> (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102969 for its
>>> web site URL -- black color for mine).
>>>
>>> Basically, I am connecting and sharing my 2.1" analog old speakers to
>>> this new Y-cable audio adapter to my HDTV and PC's audio jacks (the same
>>> type used for headphones and regular old analog speakers).
>>>
>>> It seems like if HDTV is powered on, then only one speaker is louder
>>> than the other. If I disconnect/unplug audio cable for or turn off
>>> HDTV/PC, then my speakers have even audio in both speakers. I tried
>>> disconnecting HDTV's audio cable to an old iPod Touch 1G, and my PC had
>>> no audio at all.
>>>
>>> Is there a rule that I cannot have both connected devices to play on my
>>> audio speakers? Or should this work? Or did I buy the wrong cable
>>> splitter? :(
>>
>>
>> **If I understand you correctly, you trying to connect two sets of
>> outputs together. This is dumb. You should ALWAYS use a resistor in
>> series with each output for safe operation.
>>
> Right, connecting 2 outputs and combining them into one input won't work in
> this context. I recommend manual switching or a switch box.

I figured out the issue. The extension cable was mono. I replaced it,
and it is almost perfect even though playing computer's audio is lowered
with HDTV playing loudly but that's fine for me since I want to hear
HDTV more than the PC during the same time. ;)

So, are you saying it is not possible to play audio from two different
devices onto the same 2.1 speakers with a Y-splitter audio cable? :(
--
"Look not to the windmill's turning while the ant still burrows." --unknown
/\___/\ Ant(Dude) @ http://antfarm.ma.cx (Personal Web Site)
/ /\ /\ \ Ant's Quality Foraged Links: http://aqfl.net
| |o o| |
\ _ / If crediting, then use Ant nickname and AQFL URL/link.
( ) If e-mailing, then axe ANT from its address if needed.
Ant is currently not listening to any songs on this computer.

[UnsteadyKen]

In article >,
says...
> are you saying it is not possible to play audio from two different
> devices onto the same 2.1 speakers with a Y-splitter audio cable? :(
>
A splitter does what it says, it splits 1 output to feed 2 devices.

You are using it backwards, combining 2 outputs to feed 1 device, and as
you have found it is not very satisfactory, results are unpredictable
and there is a possibility that you may damage either or both the PC and
TV.

What you need is a mini jack switch box so that you can choose which
device you listen to without unplugging everything, there are not many
of those available, here is one...

http://electronicsusa.com/mk1and2.html

or you could make your
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Construct-a-35mm-Switch-diy/

Much easier to use an RCA phono switch like this example
http://www.tvcables.co.uk/cgi-bin/tvcables/SWITCH1.html

with suitable cables like these
http://www.belkin.com/us/p/P-AV20600/

This would allow you to feed 3 devices to your speakers and choose which
to listen to.


--
Ken O'Meara

[D. Aaron Sawyer]

On 2014.09.22 04:48, Ant wrote:
> On 9/16/2014 9:26 AM PT, whosbest54 typed:
>
>>>> I recently bought a shielded 6" (15.2 cm) multimedia Y-cable with dual
>>>> 1/8" (3.5 mm) stereo male to 1/8" (3.5 mm) stereo female [42-2496]. It
>>>> was from a local RadioShack store
>>>> (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102969 for its
>>>> web site URL -- black color for mine).
>>>>
>>>> Basically, I am connecting and sharing my 2.1" analog old speakers to
>>>> this new Y-cable audio adapter to my HDTV and PC's audio jacks (the same
>>>> type used for headphones and regular old analog speakers).
>>>>
>>>> It seems like if HDTV is powered on, then only one speaker is louder
>>>> than the other. If I disconnect/unplug audio cable for or turn off
>>>> HDTV/PC, then my speakers have even audio in both speakers. I tried
>>>> disconnecting HDTV's audio cable to an old iPod Touch 1G, and my PC had
>>>> no audio at all.
>>>>
>>>> Is there a rule that I cannot have both connected devices to play on my
>>>> audio speakers? Or should this work? Or did I buy the wrong cable
>>>> splitter? :(
>>>
>>>
>>> **If I understand you correctly, you trying to connect two sets of
>>> outputs together. This is dumb. You should ALWAYS use a resistor in
>>> series with each output for safe operation.
>>>
>> Right, connecting 2 outputs and combining them into one input won't work in
>> this context. I recommend manual switching or a switch box.
>
> I figured out the issue. The extension cable was mono. I replaced it, and it is almost perfect even though playing
> computer's audio is lowered with HDTV playing loudly but that's fine for me since I want to hear HDTV more than the PC
> during the same time. ;)
>
> So, are you saying it is not possible to play audio from two different devices onto the same 2.1 speakers with a
> Y-splitter audio cable? :(

Oh, it's possible. But it is not wise.

The power output stage of the 'active' device (say, the PC) is driving not only
the speakers, but also the power output stage driver circuitry of the 'inactive'
device (the TV). What happens to the 'inactive' device depends entirely on its design.

Most current consumer audio designs are direct coupled, lacking audio power output transformers
(to save weight and cost), so that the output power transistors' Collector-Base/Collector-Emitter
(or Drain-Gate/Drain-Source) junctions are exposed to the audio output power (voltage x current)
from the 'active' device.

At very low driving power from the 'active' device, the 'inactive' output power stage
devices may survive. The definition of 'low' is governed by the device junctions' diode
peak inverse voltage and current ratings. For silicon, stay under 0.5 V and 200 mA (100 mW).

You may be lucky for a while. The first time you crank your 'active' device output to 11 will
likely be the last time you get to use the 'inactive' device. Heck, you could run both at the
time and let the speakers sort out the current paths. Or get two more Y-splitters and you can
run 4 active devices (TV, PC, Receiver, AC mains(!)) into the speakers. Simultaneously.

Better yet, don't abuse your devices; use a switch box to isolate the TV and the PC from
each other, as suggested above.

Good luck with that. YMMV.

[Trevor Wilson]

On 22/09/2014 5:48 PM, Ant wrote:
> On 9/16/2014 9:26 AM PT, whosbest54 typed:
>
>>>> I recently bought a shielded 6" (15.2 cm) multimedia Y-cable with dual
>>>> 1/8" (3.5 mm) stereo male to 1/8" (3.5 mm) stereo female [42-2496]. It
>>>> was from a local RadioShack store
>>>> (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102969 for its
>>>> web site URL -- black color for mine).
>>>>
>>>> Basically, I am connecting and sharing my 2.1" analog old speakers to
>>>> this new Y-cable audio adapter to my HDTV and PC's audio jacks (the
>>>> same
>>>> type used for headphones and regular old analog speakers).
>>>>
>>>> It seems like if HDTV is powered on, then only one speaker is louder
>>>> than the other. If I disconnect/unplug audio cable for or turn off
>>>> HDTV/PC, then my speakers have even audio in both speakers. I tried
>>>> disconnecting HDTV's audio cable to an old iPod Touch 1G, and my PC had
>>>> no audio at all.
>>>>
>>>> Is there a rule that I cannot have both connected devices to play on my
>>>> audio speakers? Or should this work? Or did I buy the wrong cable
>>>> splitter? :(
>>>
>>>
>>> **If I understand you correctly, you trying to connect two sets of
>>> outputs together. This is dumb. You should ALWAYS use a resistor in
>>> series with each output for safe operation.
>>>
>> Right, connecting 2 outputs and combining them into one input won't
>> work in
>> this context. I recommend manual switching or a switch box.
>
> I figured out the issue. The extension cable was mono. I replaced it,
> and it is almost perfect even though playing computer's audio is lowered
> with HDTV playing loudly but that's fine for me since I want to hear
> HDTV more than the PC during the same time. ;)
>
> So, are you saying it is not possible to play audio from two different
> devices onto the same 2.1 speakers with a Y-splitter audio cable? :(

**Possible, but, as I stated earlier, you need to isolate the outputs
via some resistors. A switch box is a better option.

--
Trevor Wilson www.rageaudio.com.au

[[email protected]]

Unsteady Ken wrote: "What you need is a mini jack switch box so that you can choose which "

Or even a compact 4-8ch Mackie or Spirit mixer.