computer + speakers = ???

OHMatt · 11-11-2008, 09:10 PM

Most computer speakers use a standard mini headphone (aka 3.5mm, aka 1/8") jack to get a stereo signal in. The fact you have 4 speakers and a sub puts a slight wrench in the mix but I am betting you still require only stereo input.

Power is not a factor; any amplified computer speaker requires a low level, preout signal. If an amplified or "more power" signal was sent to self powered speakers, horrible distortion could result.

My opinion is that they will work just fine; plug them into the headphone jack. If you speakers have volume control on them, set the volume in your operating system pretty low to mid (say 2-25 with the little speaker icon in the system tray if you are using windows) and use the volume controls on the speakers themselves. The more "power" you send in the pre-out, the higher the amount of distortion you will amplify with the computer speakers.

Of course your question of "decent sound" is relative.... I would probably use a USB DAC and then send the signal to a passive preamp and a small class T amplifier. Output from the Class T would go to a pair of custom horns each with a single fullrange driver such a a HiVi or TB 3". :-)

Hope this helps,
-Matt-
(Big Flamer and audio nerd)

11-11-2008, 09:10 PM	#7
OHMatt Klugs gave me Gurkas Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Matt Location: Springboro, OH Posts: 134 Trading: (2)	Re: computer + speakers = ??? Most computer speakers use a standard mini headphone (aka 3.5mm, aka 1/8") jack to get a stereo signal in. The fact you have 4 speakers and a sub puts a slight wrench in the mix but I am betting you still require only stereo input. Power is not a factor; any amplified computer speaker requires a low level, preout signal. If an amplified or "more power" signal was sent to self powered speakers, horrible distortion could result. My opinion is that they will work just fine; plug them into the headphone jack. If you speakers have volume control on them, set the volume in your operating system pretty low to mid (say 2-25 with the little speaker icon in the system tray if you are using windows) and use the volume controls on the speakers themselves. The more "power" you send in the pre-out, the higher the amount of distortion you will amplify with the computer speakers. Of course your question of "decent sound" is relative.... I would probably use a USB DAC and then send the signal to a passive preamp and a small class T amplifier. Output from the Class T would go to a pair of custom horns each with a single fullrange driver such a a HiVi or TB 3". :-) Hope this helps, -Matt- (Big Flamer and audio nerd) Last edited by OHMatt; 11-11-2008 at 09:16 PM.