mick wrote:

On Sat, 23 Oct 2004 19:09:06 +0100, Wilder wrote:

Hello

I want to connect the output of a PC to an audio system that has stereo
phono RCA inputs and an AUX switch. Two questions:

1. I think the cable will need to be 15 metres. Will this work or will it
be too long and downgrade the signal? If okay, can anyone please
recommend a good supplier of a 15m cable with 3.5mm stereo jack on one
end and phono plugs on the other.


It will work. Don't worry about degrading the output from the card - they
are usually pretty rough anyway. The extra cable capacitance may even
help by filtering off some of the computer-generated "hash"! You'll have
more annoyance from the PC's fan(s)... If you can solder then you are
better making your own lead. You'll get better quality. I have used a 6m
lead for a while, but I usually just swap plugs! (I use a line out on the
front of the PC case so its easy).

2. There is only one sound output on the sound card. What would be the
best solution for connecting both the PC's speakers and the audio system
at one go permanently (not having to plug and unplug).


It depends on your sound card. I used to have one with links on it which
allowed the output socket to be either line level or speaker level. I
could leave it on "speakers" and tap the line-level audio off the
spare jumpers!

Are you using amplified speakers or is the amp part of the sound card
(usually older designs)? A line out (for amplified speakers) can be
directly connected to your sound system (I won't say hi-fi - it tends to
stir things up... ;-) ). To connect both you should really use buffer
amplifiers or even resistors to do it:-

!------[ 4k7 ]------ to speaker
!
From PC -----+
!
!------[ 4k7 ]------- to sound system

resistor values for the above are a bit of a guess! They will help prevent
interaction of the two volume controls. It would probably be better to
make this up in a little box with 2 jack sockets and a flying lead to the
PC.

If you are not using amplified speakers (i.e. no power supply to them at
all, but they still go loud) then you've probably had it. I wouldn't
attempt to connect a speaker output to an external amp, it probably isn't
worth it.


Thank you, Mick. I said sound card, but it's an on board motherboard
solution - unamplified TTBOMK. I think I'll be using the line-out on the
front of the case. It's not connected ATM, but I can soon sort that.

I didn't know the hi-fi term was contentious. My dad used to have a Pye
Black Box record player that claimed to be hi-fi and it sounded nice to me.
Mind you, I hadn't had a chance to train my ears to listen to some of the
'thin' sounds we get today.

Wilder