Newsgroups: rec.audio.tech
Subject: Re: PC's & Speakers
References: <[email protected]>
Jarek S Krysinski  writes:

> I'm looking to hookup a set of four quality speakers to my computer; i want
> to connect a set of 60-100W speakers -- should i be looking for computer
> speakers or standalone stereo speakers.  

On that power range I would recommend standalone stereo
speakers and an amplifier/receiver to them-

> How would i connect stereo speakers with a soundblaster card?  
> Do i need a good receiver, amplifier,
> and so forth, and how do the two different ports connect properly.  

If you go to the normal stereo speakers route, then you need
an amplifier to drive those speakers from the signal it gets
from the soundcard. Practically any hifi amplifier with
line level audio inputs (usually with two RCA connectors)
is available and is suitable for your speakers
(power range, impedance range). That amplifier can be a standalone
hifi power amplifier, receiver with suitable amplifier etc.

What you need is an audio cable which has two RCA connectors on
the end which goes to your amplifier adn the other end
a connector suitable for plugging to the soundcard line level
audio output (usually 3.5 mm stereo plug, but with some soundcard
pair of RCA connectors are used for this like in amplifiers).
Suitable cables are available ready made on computer, electronics 
and hifi shops.

Then just connect the cable from the computer to the amplifier input
with the cable described above. Do not connect anything else to the
amplifier and power your amplifier from the same power outlet as your
computer and your system should work well without any problems.

> must i limit wire lengths, 

If the wires are less than 15 meters there is nothing to worry
about the distances.

> do i amplify the wires somehow, 

Wires are not amplified in any way.

> and how do i power the speakers properly. 

Hifi stereo speakers are powered using a hifi amplifier.
And the hifi amplifier is powered from the same mains outlet as
your computer.


-- 
Tomi Engdahl (http://www.iki.fi/then/)
Take a look at my electronics web links and documents at 
http://www.epanorama.net/