How do you connect passive speakers to PC?

[ZeusGamer]

I've been reading around in forums that I can find in Google. I understand that I would need an amp to power up the speakers. But how would I connect my PC to the amp? Do I need to purchase any more equipment? Please give links to some hardware, I'd prefer it all to be under $100.

 

[TbsToy]

Use a A/V receiver.
W.P.

 

[ZeusGamer]

Use a A/V receiver.
W.P.

Sorry, I'm a noob when it comes to the audio stuff. Can you give me links to the things that I need to buy?

 

[InvalidError]

Your PC should have built-in "line-level" audio outputs. All you need is a 3.5mm to RCA plug cable to connect to most amplifiers. Another option is to use a coax or optical SPDIF connection if your on-board audio and amplifier have that.

 

[PsyKhiqZero]

Check out this pyle mini amp. It should do the job. If the wattage isn't high enough they make more powerful mini amps.
http://www.amazon.com/Pyle-PCA3-150-Watt-Stereo-Amplifier/dp/B001P2R1RW/ref=sr_1_47?ie=UTF8&qid=1460242415&sr=8-47&keywords=2+channel+amp

 

[ZeusGamer]

Your PC should have built-in "line-level" audio outputs. All you need is a 3.5mm to RCA plug cable to connect to most amplifiers. Another option is to use a coax or optical SPDIF connection if your on-board audio and amplifier have that.

Check out this pyle mini amp. It should do the job. If the wattage isn't high enough they make more powerful mini amps.
http://www.amazon.com/Pyle-PCA3-150-Watt-Stereo-Amplifier/dp/B001P2R1RW/ref=sr_1_47?ie=UTF8&qid=1460242415&sr=8-47&keywords=2+channel+amp

Okay, so you're both saying that I don't need a receiver, right? Just an amp with a RCA to 3.5mm jack or an optical cable?

 

[Traciatim]

This really depends on the amp or receiver that you are using to drive the speakers. Generally you can just use a cable like a 3.5mm to dual RCA like this: http://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=666 . . . That should plug right in to most small amps and receivers. There are many ways to accomplish what you are trying to do and it really depends on the gear you have on how you would want it connected.

Edit: Yes, you can use an Amp with RCA inputs and then a cable like the one I linked.

 

[ZeusGamer]

This really depends on the amp or receiver that you are using to drive the speakers. Generally you can just use a cable like a 3.5mm to dual RCA like this: http://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=666 . . . That should plug right in to most small amps and receivers. There are many ways to accomplish what you are trying to do and it really depends on the gear you have on how you would want it connected.

Edit: Yes, you can use an Amp with RCA inputs and then a cable like the one I linked.

I found a cheaper amp with better reviews. I want to buy the LP-2024A+ one. Would this work or would this just be strictly for cars? I read from one of the reviews that they have the same specification.

 

[ssddx]

@zeus

it would be in your best interest if you post what speakers (brand and model) you will be connecting to the pc or at minimum what wattage output and impedance they are rated for.

do you need a receiver? no. this can be handy if you have multiple sources or are needing a stronger amplifier as sometimes its cheaper just to buy a receiver than a strong amplifier but we will cross that road if we need to once you list your model numbers. in most cases you can get a nice little amplifier to power bookshelf speakers just fine.

a nice little amp would be the dta-120. we have it hooked up in the other room with a pair of HK thirty bookshelf speakers and it is excellent.

the lepai 2020+ is a good cheap amp if you have fairly low power bookshelves although if you need more output its going to start distorting fairly early. you get what you pay for, remember that.

just want an amp? hook up to it via a standard 3.5mm to rca cable (for rca input model. or 3.5mm to 3.5mm for ones with an aux in) out the rear of your pc (either onboard audio outputs or soundcard). if you have poor qualityi onboard audio (static, buzzing, etc) you can get a cheap external dac or internal soundcard.

lets first start with A) what equipment you have and B) if the pc will be the only input device.

 

[ZeusGamer]

@zeus

it would be in your best interest if you post what speakers (brand and model) you will be connecting to the pc or at minimum what wattage output and impedance they are rated for.

do you need a receiver? no. this can be handy if you have multiple sources or are needing a stronger amplifier as sometimes its cheaper just to buy a receiver than a strong amplifier but we will cross that road if we need to once you list your model numbers. in most cases you can get a nice little amplifier to power bookshelf speakers just fine.

a nice little amp would be the dta-120. we have it hooked up in the other room with a pair of HK thirty bookshelf speakers and it is excellent.

the lepai 2020+ is a good cheap amp if you have fairly low power bookshelves although if you need more output its going to start distorting fairly early. you get what you pay for, remember that.

just want an amp? hook up to it via a standard 3.5mm to rca cable (for rca input model. or 3.5mm to 3.5mm for ones with an aux in) out the rear of your pc (either onboard audio outputs or soundcard). if you have poor qualityi onboard audio (static, buzzing, etc) you can get a cheap external dac or internal soundcard.

lets first start with A) what equipment you have and B) if the pc will be the only input device.

Okay, I will keep you posted. I will let you know what model of Pioneer it is when I get out of work. Just one more hour.

 

[ZeusGamer]

Okay, so I have two of these

 

[ssddx]

full specs.. per the specs page

Bass Reflex Design
Magnetically Shielded for Video Applications
Configuration: 3-Way
Woofer – 8” cone type
Midrange – 4” cone type
Tweeter – 1” semi-dome
Nominal impedance: 8 ohm
Frequency response: 40 Hz - 20KHz
Sensitivity: 84 dB
Maximum power: 160 Watts
Dimensions:
9 7/8 (W) x 19 13/16 (H) x 11 3/4 (D)
Weight – 15 lbs. 10 oz. ea.

on something like the dta-120 you should be able to get into 95+db ranges for volume though thats maxed out and you might get distortion or clipping if you push it that hard. a small amp like this should be fine if you intend to only listen at low or moderate levels. (dta-120 outputs 40wpc @ 8ohm)

if you intend to have a broader range of volumes or high output you might want to get a stronger amplifier with higher wpc at the 8ohm impedance load. you can get stereo receivers in 100-135wpc @8ohm load for about 30-50 more than the dta. a bit limited but they would work. likewise you might be able to find dedicated amps however it might be hard to find one that is not a chinese low end product.

the speakers are only average quality based on reviews - i'm not sure how much money you want to push into them.

 

[ZeusGamer]

I got them for free from my dad. So I don't really want to spend a lot of money in these. I just want to get started and upgrade in the future. These will just be my startup.

 

[ssddx]

if you do not plan on listening at high volume levels you might be able to make use of a cheap amplifier. build quality is generally poor, they lack much output power and they tend to distort if you turn the volume up higher but if you just want to get a taste then that may be the route.

you can certainly find some products in the 20-50 range which will work for giving you a taste if thats all you want. if you intend to upgrade eventually it may be worth spending a bit more and getting something a little nicer but thats on you to decide.

 

[ZeusGamer]

if you do not plan on listening at high volume levels you might be able to make use of a cheap amplifier. build quality is generally poor, they lack much output power and they tend to distort if you turn the volume up higher but if you just want to get a taste then that may be the route.

you can certainly find some products in the 20-50 range which will work for giving you a taste if thats all you want. if you intend to upgrade eventually it may be worth spending a bit more and getting something a little nicer but thats on you to decide.

Well what do you recommend I get? Of course I would want a little nicer for future upgrades down the road.