How to Connect My Speaker to My Computer
- 1). Examine the back of your computer to determine what type of input/output ports are available for connection to a stereo system. Connecting a computer directly to stereo system-type speakers isn't possible; the sound coming from a computer needs to be more amplified before reaching big speakers, according to the award-winning Tom's Hardware Guide. On most desktop computers, the sound card ports are color-coded: green for "Speakers In" and blue for "Line Out." More advanced sound cards will have more inputs and outputs, including "Line In/Microphone." Most laptops use the headphone jack as the "Line Out" port. Both desktop and laptop sound ports commonly take 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) "mini" stereo type plugs. You can "step up" or "step down" larger or smaller plugs using adapters.
- 2). Connect the "Computer Line Out" port to the "Stereo System Line Input" port with a patch cable with the proper jack on both ends. Use an adapter to change the size of the jack as necessary. If your Stereo System Line Input port only accepts a "phono plug" type jack, purchase an adapter that transforms 1/8-inch mini plugs into "phono plug" ends.
- 3). Split the "Left" and "Right" channels coming out of your computer's "Line Out" port if your stereo system accepts separate left and right input channels. You'll get better sound quality. You can gain separate left and right "Line Out" ports by installing a more advanced PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) sound card in your computer. Or you can use a "splitter" adapter that separates the left and right signals coming out of your computer.
- 4). Set your stereo system to assign the "Line In" signal to the amplifier, any equalizer and finally the speakers. Test an audio file to fine-tune bass and treble and volume. Use an equalizer to eliminate any "hiss" from the final sound product.
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