Connect computer with stereo

[Superman]

How do I connect my computer to my stereo? Computer speakers suck, and I sometimes need to hear the details of a song, particularly the bass. There is a "headphone out" female plug on the back of the computer. Does this plug deliver a signal that is low enough to simply plug into one of the inputs on my receiver?

[mrybczyn]

yes, headphone out will work fine.

line-out is even better.

an external usb-audio dongle is another good option.

[LeeH]

Search Ebay for "3.5mm male to rca" and you'll find what you need for a couple of bucks.

[porsche4life]

Walmart or the shack should have one of those lee...

[Baz]

FWIW: My Altec Lansing ATP3 computer speakers are incredible. 3 piece including a sub-woofer.

The sub makes all the difference.

Amazon.com: Altec Lansing ATP3 3-Piece Speaker System: Electronics

[spuggy]

Originally Posted by mrybczyn

yes, headphone out will work fine.

line-out is even better.

+1 What he said.

There's just no reason to use bad computer speakers. Dell shipped Harmon Kardon speakers for years; in typical style, warehouse overstocks were available for a pittance on Evil Bay for the longest time. I bought the A215 style NIB for $10 - and was quite impressed with the sound. The version with the subwoofer option (HK395), improves them even more, and they don't seem to go for much more. There's even a 5.1 audio version, if your sound card does that.

Or buy a pair of Grado Labs SR-80 or SR-125 headphones. Unless you have many 1000's of $$ into your home setup, these will be far closer to reference quality than either computer speakers or your home stereo - the detail you can hear on those suckers is amazing.

[RWebb]

you want something that will enable the music to be listenable

here is one:

DacMagic Plus Digital to Analogue converter

[pksystems]

If it's an upgradable computer, get a sound card with digital output. Co-ax, or optical, no difference. Hooks right into HT receiver.

[stealthn]

What type of computer?

[Z-man]

If it is a MAC, then you can hook up an Apple TV ($100) to your home theature system and stream music to it via Airplay. Works seamlessly with all Apple products (MACs, iPhones, iPads...etc). I have Apple TV, and stream from my MAC, iPhone, iPad to it seamlessly.

Otherwise, as mentioned above, the 3.5mm stereo to RCA cable will do the trick. And unless you have some 5.1 DTS type music, there is no need to go with a more expensive sound card with a TOSlink (fiber optic audio) connection, IMHO.

-Z-man.

[RWebb]

the problem is to reduce jitter - otherwise he is just spending money for something that will not make him want to listen to it

[stealthn]

Originally Posted by Z-man

If it is a MAC, then you can hook up an Apple TV ($100) to your home theature system and stream music to it via Airplay. Works seamlessly with all Apple products (MACs, iPhones, iPads...etc). I have Apple TV, and stream from my MAC, iPhone, iPad to it seamlessly.

Otherwise, as mentioned above, the 3.5mm stereo to RCA cable will do the trick. And unless you have some 5.1 DTS type music, there is no need to go with a more expensive sound card with a TOSlink (fiber optic audio) connection, IMHO.

-Z-man.

Thunder stealer....

[Z-man]

Originally Posted by stealthn

Thunder stealer....

I'm not an Apple fanboy, but I do play one on TV!

[stealthn]

And for those that don't have the latest OS to support Airplay, Airserver App works excellent

[LeeH]

Originally Posted by porsche4life

Walmart or the shack should have one of those lee...

True, but not for $2.65.

[intakexhaust]

Something else to consider if you have bluetooth that supports A2DP (most BT adapters or built-in devices do), is something like the Jabra BT3030. I found one online for around $22 and always travels with me. The neckchain, earbuds went to the garbage and I don't use it as a phone / hands free device but use it only as a simple way to wireless push sound from my laptop to any better quality radio, amp - stereo systems. A six inch long 3.5mm jack connects to the BT3030 and the other end to the AUX or input to any stereo. Done.

There's much better BT devices available and improved capabilities but I've been really impressed with this little tough unit. Its also taken countless charge / discharges and the battery has lasted for 3 years strong.