Music out the PC

[johnbarry]

PC Sound

1

The on board sound on my HP Elite 8300 isn’t very loud, I am not sure about a PCI E
sound card as it’s SFF. I am needing to turn on the Lenovo to play louder music (via headphones) a bit of a waste as the HP is the main rig.

2

Has anyone run stereo speakers from a computer not the little diddy ones I mean big base that DJs use.

Can it be done from a computer, would it help if it went from PC to an amplifier, could it go from PC to amplifier.

Cheers
John

[blacklion1725]

John the PC sound card output (on board or PCI/PCIe) needs active speakers (i.e. with their own power supply). You can run speakers in to an amp that feeds conventional passive (no power supply) speakers but then of course the amp needs a power supply instead. All depends if this is a one off set up (PC only) or you want to connect other sources (radio, CD,MP3, TV, etc.). For PC only look at Creative and Logitech set ups – good place to start at least. Beyond that it is “how long is a piece of string” a you get in to amps, receivers etc.

[johnbarry]

Thanks blacklion

I think I get your gist, thinkinking about it the diddy ones use to power with a coupler with the PC power cable.

It is only for the PC, maybe I can search for base speakers with a power supply? or to an amp (powerd by it’s own source)

I always thought (like the headphones) the PC powered them from the Audio OUT socket on the PC.

Cheers
John

[blacklion1725]

No problem John there are some very decent speakers geared at PCs – either stereo or 5.1 (maybe 7.1 now). Personally if its for music I’d go for decent stereo speakers (maybe high end creatives) as surround sound never suits music for me…..its for TV/Films. Have a look at the creative T20s or T40s – and if you decide to bite go somewhere like Amazon where returns are hassle free if you are not happy with the performance.

[Bob Williams]

JB, this is the later version of my own stereo 2:1 speaker system. It’s powerful enough for the desktop and the wired centre bass “Woofer” goes under the desk. It has a Bass control knob which can adjust for more or less bass. I have had mine for many years, always given great service. If I leave off my hearing aids, stick on some Stones or Creedence/John Fogerty rock, pump up the volume and bass, I get complaints from SWMBO. A useful tool for those “I can’t hear you” moments” There is absolutely no distortion at those times.

http://tinyurl.com/y9b6wg8h

EDIT: should be one green plug from the cables out of the centre speaker. That goes to the green socket in your mobo’s sound card.

EDIT II: This Logitech is more powerful, for a bit more money:

http://tinyurl.com/ycc6jymr

Logitech is a well respected brand.

When the Thought Police arrive at your door, think -
I'm out.

[johnbarry]

Thanks blacklion & bob I will have a good probe.

Cheers for putting me on track.

Cheers
John

[The Duke]

I started a thread about a great BT speaker yesterday (I’m sure it’s still on page 1). That thing puts my active PC speakers to shame.

When I need new PC speakers, I’ll be doing away with wires and spending about 30 on a decent BT speaker.

Youll need some juice to power some of those large dj speakers John, and an amp set up. Unless your starting a new business, I’d sell the speakers.

[Ed P]

I agree with Steve, if you want simple PC sound then mains-powered BlueTooth is the way to go. Battery BT is OK but look for ones that you can use and charge at the same time.

[blacklion1725]

Insticnt tells me if you can get digital audio out of the PC and into the speakers (optical or coax) then I think that will trump bluetooth, which will be limited by bandwidth. It all depends on your budget and your lug-holes. Stereo bluetooth speakers come at a premium as well.

If speaker placement is an issue then of course bluetooth wins hands down, but for me if you can get a digital optical/cable feed to the speakers in the desired location then that is how I would go. Each to their own of course.

[Ed P]

As you say BL, audio is a very individual choice. However, if you just want ‘simple’ then BT has matured to the point where it can be a very simple set-up that provides more than adequate sound. Super hi-fi it isn’t but it does a great job for everyday use.

 

[blacklion1725]

Agree Ed – was basing on my reply on John’s orginal question about thumping DJ bass. There’ll be a decent solution anways (wired or bluetooth).

I’ve got a little BT speaker (about the size of a jar of mustard) and amazed at what it can do. Have a wired logitech 5.1 setup on the bedroom telly and it is (as you would expect) chalk and cheese.

[Bob Williams]

My Samsung soundbar is connected to the TV and Humax STB by Optical and works better than Bluetooth and/or HDMI ARC, which both had had Lip-Sync issues. It also gives clearer sound IMO.

When the Thought Police arrive at your door, think -
I'm out.

[blacklion1725]

Agree Bob – if you can (and it suits logistically) then for me a direct digital Opticl/Coax link beween source and speakers will be unbeatable. I don’t think John is concerned about TV/Video so sync not as issue now – but belt and braces, future-proof etc.

[keith with the teef]

My set up.

Onkyo A-9010

PowerColor Devil HDX Sound Card

Boston Acoustics A26

My sound card is the most honest sounding card I have ever listened to.

Analogue out to amp.

Remember with a real sound card you can play full fat 24 bit music.

https://www.hdtracks.com/

My system can deliver amazing sound so long as the source material is of googly quality.

 

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