Computer to Reciever

[bevo_daddy]

is there any way to hook my computer up to my sony surround reciever.

i want to play mp3s off my computer to the reciever

they're right next to each other but there's no way i see to hook it up but i know it can be done. hook it up to video 1 or something

can anyone help?

 

[Rusk]

depends on your sound card.

If your sound card has the proper outputs, it's as simple as connecting the proper wire up and you're done.

Many newer sound cards support 5.1 audio and will either have a coax or optical output.

Some older soundcards don't have that.

The older way to do it is get a little adapter at Radio Shack. It plugs into your headphone jack on your sound card, and splits it in to the red and black RCA audio outputs. Then you just connect RCA cables to your stereo receiver. The little adapter is usually less than 5 bucks, and cables vary in cost depending on quality and length.

This method will work, but it won't sound quite as good as the coax or optical digital outputs.

 

[MilkmanDan]

Piece of cake.

Go to Radio Shack or Fry's, and buy a cable that plugs into a headphone jack and splits that to two RCA male plugs. It will look a lot like this.

The headphone plug goes into your sound card (headphone or line out) and the RCA jacks go into a R/L of any open component on the back of your receiver. I have used Tape and MiniDisc in the past, since I knew I would never have those components plugged in. Video 1 will work if you want, though.

 

[MilkmanDan]

Two minutes...if only I hadn't dug around Radio Shack's site I could have been first.

If you're only playing MP3s, it may not be worth it to get an optical/digital cable even if you have the jacks. Playing a lossy format at the highest possible quality level doesn't buy you much.

 

[hornface]

If your a stickler for sound quality, make sure your sound card is good. Mine is imbedded in the motherboard and it sucks. I get hum and buzz, and more buzz when I move the mouse.

 

[Quagmire]

They also sell wireless ones that do they same thing if your computer is farther away. I got some from target, works good.