PC audio for dummies

[Pedro_The_Swift]

I have the normal 6 outlets on the back of the Motherboard,,
I have a two 3.5 stereo push-in connectors with cable,
however the cable has three wires, and after stripping both it seems there is bare copper and white common to both.
what two do I use to push in to the speaker clamps?

[discovery39]

You have two sets of cable, so left and right?
The bare copper is usually ground, and assuming you are running a left and right you would just pick one of the white ones per speaker.
I think thats what ya trying to do.......?:)

[Don 130]

The bare common wire will have to split so it can be fed to each speaker along with one white each. then you can trace which is left and right and swap over the whites if they're back to front.

[discovery39]

But if he has the two cables, why split the common?

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Ok,, so thats works only--
no volume out of speakers,,
with the Realtek Audio manager at 100% I can hear music VERY softly,,,,

This PC was set up to run a 5-1 surround sound.
I am cannibalizing parts to set it up as a plain stereo in the caravan.
Its like its missing an amplifier,,

which it is I suppose:angel:

[discovery39]

Sounds stoopid I know, but have you gone into settings/configuration of Realtek and told it just to play in stereo, not 5.1?

[Pedro_The_Swift]

yea,
must be more volume in there somewhere--

[superquag]

:rulez: - Pic of the connections/motherboard would be very helpful, if only to clarify whether you've got a stereo amplifier on the motherboard...

...or not. :(

[discovery39]

Checked the Master Volume of the PC itself??

[Tombie]

It *is* missing an amplifier...

The output down this very fine cables is not enough to run a decent sized speaker...

[TeamFA]

I'd agree that there's no amplifier - the power output for "speaker" outlets on PCs will run tiny little unpowered speakers, and even them poorly. Best bet is to run the line-out into an external amplifier.

[Draco Australis]

Agreed as well, definitely need on amp. All computer speakers have in-built amps, so you might be able to rip one out of an old set of them. Just make sure all the Ohm specs match up.

JD

[Pedro_The_Swift]

so,,
one of these
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/03/56.jpg

or a cheap sound card?
both around $40,,

[Draco Australis]

To me it sounds like the sound card still works in the computer, so just an amp should do. You've just got to make sure the amp is powerful enough for the speakers. If the Speakers can handle 90 Watts each, pumping 15 watts into them will be a bit disappointing. For example the alpine setup I have for the 110 has two speakers, each can handle about 110 watts, and the headunit can put out 200watts. Haven't got it fitted yet, but should have about twice the power as those tin foil standard underdash speakers.

JD

[discovery39]

You do realize that the claimed 200w is PMPO right? Or it's 4x50w.

[Basil135]

Do the speakers have a power supply?

A lot of external pc speakers plug into the wall as well, as that is where the amp is...

[Pedro_The_Swift]

no, they are unpowered.

[superquag]

Get yourself a set of powered speakers which plug into the green 'Headphone' socket of your motherboard/sound card.
Mine are Logitechs with total power consumption (from the 240 socket) of 9.6 watts.
In real terms this gives you around 3 watts per channel. From memory, around $40.

Plenty loud for computer use, and more than half-volume gets me into trouble...

The next best step upwards will be around $60+ which is still cheaper than a powered sound card...

[TasD90]

Hi Pedro, don't worry about computer amps and speakers. They are not what you want for a stereo. Small speakers and under powered.
Go to you local "Cash Converters" store or similar and get a second hand stereo amplifier and some good old, bigger stereo speakers . Come from the line out socket on the computer to the inputs of the amp. and you will have enough wattage to have a disco in the caravan if you wish.
If you want a stereo in the caravan you need stereo components .Don't worry if the stuff is a few years old it'll still sound fantastic and pump out the decibels!!
Got my computer set up through a NAD amp. and large stereo speakers and youtube really rocks!!!
Cheers, Peter.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

No room for that Tas:p. just threw away two 12" speakers,, mind you they were 2foot tall and weighed 20kgs each so it was more of a push--:D