Speaker setup recommendations :)

Dex · 02-August-06, 08:17 AM

I have a pair of Technics F333 speakers, rated at 60w 8Ω that I wish to use with my PC.

I used to have the entire setup, integrated amp, tuner, eq, casette deck and turntable, but my mum in all her wisdom has chucked it out whilst ive been away at uni. I used to have it hooked up to my PC using a 3.5mm jack casette adapter, which worked quite well but obviously was not very reliable.

So, im thinking all I need is an integrated amp which can provide 60w per channel at 8Ω to hook these babies up to, all I need to know is what is the best way to hook my PC up to the amp to provide the correct input/whatever, having never really done this properly before.

Im browsing eBay for a suitable amp, obviously id like one that can provide 60w per channel so I don't accidently damage the speakers or the amp... I also understand it is acceptable to use a more powerfull amp than the speakers can handle, as long as you don't pump the volume too high...

Im using the onboard sound on my Gigabyte K8NXP SLi, I hope this won't be a problem as I don't really want to have to splash out on a new soundcard with swanky outputs and whatnot just to get these speakers up and running...

So, any suggestions on the best way to do this? Thanks in advance guys

Computerking · 02-August-06, 08:23 AM

i think you can use it with amplifre

because if you use with out

i think the sound card will burn

because it can't handle this thing

Cool Speakare

Good luck

Hibiki · 02-August-06, 11:59 AM

If you use a mic, you'll need to have a setup where the 3.5mm-to-RCA adapter won't crowd the jacks and block the mic jack.

If I recall correctly, the digital outputs in most computer audio solutions are only useful in a 5.1 configuration, so don't spend too much on an amplifier unless you'll eventually go all the way. A 3.5mm digital out jack can be utilized by a 3.5mmMONO-to-RCA adapter available at Radio Shack. If you have optical or SPDIF, those would be much better.

And one more thing, there might be software equalizer functions available with the latest drivers for your motherboard's onboard sound card.

Wafflesomd · 02-August-06, 12:25 PM

I've got a 340w JVC receiver, wanna buy it?

Dex · 02-August-06, 12:50 PM

Thanks Hibiki, that was some usefull info, I wont be spending all that much on an amp... im hoping to pick up a second hand Technics unit in the next couple of days.

So I could just use one of these (pic attached) to hook up the standard 3.5mm output on my mobo to the RCA plugs on the back of whatever amp I get?

Apart from maybe not sounding as good as an optical or SPDIF connection, is there anything else I should consider if I take this route? TIA

Wafflesomd · 02-August-06, 12:53 PM

I use 3.5 to RCA with everything, handy little cables. You can pick em up at wal-mart actually.

Games dont like optical either, so there's one reason to stay away from that.

CubanConnectionZ · 02-August-06, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wafflesomd


	I use 3.5 to RCA with everything, handy little cables. You can pick em up at wal-mart actually. Games dont like optical either, so there's one reason to stay away from that.

So if your set-up is all optical on the pc speaker or optical out to a external source???

Which one causes the most problems?

Dex · 02-August-06, 01:33 PM

Well ive just bought a gold plated 3.5mm to RCA adapter from eBay for the grand total of Ã‚Â£1.98 ($3.60)

Gonna go into the city tomorrow or Friday and pick myself up a nice amp, shall report back on progress. Thanks for all the help sofar guys.

Wafflesomd · 02-August-06, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CubanConnectionZ


	So if your set-up is all optical on the pc speaker or optical out to a external source??? Which one causes the most problems?

From the pc to the amp, the pc cuases the problems, games arnt encoded to take advantage, or use for that matter, of optical outputs.

And Dex, elt alone everyone, if you ever shop at Best buy for an amp/receiver, dont get thier signature brand, Insignia, I went through two of em before sending the second back and buying a pioneer elite.

Dex · 02-August-06, 02:30 PM

And Waffles, if you ever look at my location, you will realise I am in the UK so recommendations or avoid warnings are pointless for Walmart, Best Buy, USA This, America That...lol

Just kidding, thanks for the tip

Hibiki · 02-August-06, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wafflesomd


	I use 3.5 to RCA with everything, handy little cables. You can pick em up at wal-mart actually. Games dont like optical either, so there's one reason to stay away from that.

He's got a point, the only programs to use digital out are DVD players like PowerDVD, just because the audio file (AC-3) is coded for that purpose.

However, using 3 3.5mm-to-RCA adapters you can have a multichannel experience with games and movies. You use them on the green (front), gold (center and sub), and black (rear) jacks.

Wafflesomd · 02-August-06, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dex


	And Waffles, if you ever look at my location, you will realise I am in the UK so recommendations or avoid warnings are pointless for Walmart, Best Buy, USA This, America That...lol Just kidding, thanks for the tip

Oh, my bad.

One thing I'm gonna try is taking my 5.1 to rca daptor that came with my old logitechs, and hook it up to my receiver.

Dex · 03-August-06, 12:16 PM

Thanks for all the replies guys, went into the city with the missus today and dragged her round several second hand electronics shops and eventually came across this beauty of an amp.

Its a Technics SU-X911 from the early 90s, 40w per channel (thats a very conservative rating), plenty of inputs if I decide to hook anything else up, and overall a very smart, well kept unit.

The 3.5mm to RCA adapter works flawlessly, I bought a cheap one today just to get things up and running. Got a gold plated swanky one coming soon.

Best of all, my Technics F333s still sound as supurb as I remember

So thanks again for all the help.

Wafflesomd · 03-August-06, 12:53 PM

So from what I hear Technics are really good?

Dex · 03-August-06, 01:06 PM

Technics are simply the shiz nit. I wouldn't use anything else speaker wise, apart from maybe a nice Wharfedale setup. Ive always used Technics units and have always been extremely impressed with the reliability, construction and of course sound reproduction.

Technics decks are used by pretty much every nightclub in the world, their status is legendary and most professional DJs swear by them.

Checkit out...http://www.panasonic-europe.com/technics/index.asp?s=8

Wafflesomd · 03-August-06, 01:11 PM

But, but, I just bought this:

Pioneer VSX - 815, 700w, 100w per channel.

Dex · 03-August-06, 01:48 PM

Well fool on you then!

Wafflesomd · 03-August-06, 01:54 PM

But seriously, I'm really happy with the purchase, and it does show up as an audiophile grade receiver.

Besides, an technics that would put out this sorta wattage, would probly be way outa my price range.

02-August-06, 08:17 AM		#1 (permalink)
Dex Retr-hoe Reviewer	Speaker setup recommendations :) I have a pair of Technics F333 speakers, rated at 60w 8Ω that I wish to use with my PC. I used to have the entire setup, integrated amp, tuner, eq, casette deck and turntable, but my mum in all her wisdom has chucked it out whilst ive been away at uni. I used to have it hooked up to my PC using a 3.5mm jack casette adapter, which worked quite well but obviously was not very reliable. So, im thinking all I need is an integrated amp which can provide 60w per channel at 8Ω to hook these babies up to, all I need to know is what is the best way to hook my PC up to the amp to provide the correct input/whatever, having never really done this properly before. Im browsing eBay for a suitable amp, obviously id like one that can provide 60w per channel so I don't accidently damage the speakers or the amp... I also understand it is acceptable to use a more powerfull amp than the speakers can handle, as long as you don't pump the volume too high... Im using the onboard sound on my Gigabyte K8NXP SLi, I hope this won't be a problem as I don't really want to have to splash out on a new soundcard with swanky outputs and whatnot just to get these speakers up and running... So, any suggestions on the best way to do this? Thanks in advance guys Attached Thumbnails

02-August-06, 08:23 AM		#2 (permalink)
Computerking Banned	Re: Speaker setup recommendations :) i think you can use it with amplifre because if you use with out i think the sound card will burn because it can't handle this thing Cool Speakare Good luck

02-August-06, 11:59 AM		#3 (permalink)
Hibiki Apex Tech Maniac Supreme	Re: Speaker setup recommendations :) If you use a mic, you'll need to have a setup where the 3.5mm-to-RCA adapter won't crowd the jacks and block the mic jack. If I recall correctly, the digital outputs in most computer audio solutions are only useful in a 5.1 configuration, so don't spend too much on an amplifier unless you'll eventually go all the way. A 3.5mm digital out jack can be utilized by a 3.5mmMONO-to-RCA adapter available at Radio Shack. If you have optical or SPDIF, those would be much better. And one more thing, there might be software equalizer functions available with the latest drivers for your motherboard's onboard sound card.

02-August-06, 12:25 PM		#4 (permalink)
Wafflesomd Banned	Re: Speaker setup recommendations :) I've got a 340w JVC receiver, wanna buy it?

02-August-06, 12:50 PM		#5 (permalink)
Dex Retr-hoe Reviewer	Re: Speaker setup recommendations :) Thanks Hibiki, that was some usefull info, I wont be spending all that much on an amp... im hoping to pick up a second hand Technics unit in the next couple of days. So I could just use one of these (pic attached) to hook up the standard 3.5mm output on my mobo to the RCA plugs on the back of whatever amp I get? Apart from maybe not sounding as good as an optical or SPDIF connection, is there anything else I should consider if I take this route? TIA Attached Thumbnails

02-August-06, 12:53 PM		#6 (permalink)
Wafflesomd Banned	Re: Speaker setup recommendations :) I use 3.5 to RCA with everything, handy little cables. You can pick em up at wal-mart actually. Games dont like optical either, so there's one reason to stay away from that.

02-August-06, 01:33 PM		#8 (permalink)
Dex Retr-hoe Reviewer	Re: Speaker setup recommendations :) Well ive just bought a gold plated 3.5mm to RCA adapter from eBay for the grand total of Ã‚Â£1.98 ($3.60) Gonna go into the city tomorrow or Friday and pick myself up a nice amp, shall report back on progress. Thanks for all the help sofar guys.

02-August-06, 02:30 PM		#10 (permalink)
Dex Retr-hoe Reviewer	Re: Speaker setup recommendations :) And Waffles, if you ever look at my location, you will realise I am in the UK so recommendations or avoid warnings are pointless for Walmart, Best Buy, USA This, America That...lol Just kidding, thanks for the tip

03-August-06, 12:16 PM		#13 (permalink)
Dex Retr-hoe Reviewer	Re: Speaker setup recommendations :) Thanks for all the replies guys, went into the city with the missus today and dragged her round several second hand electronics shops and eventually came across this beauty of an amp. Its a Technics SU-X911 from the early 90s, 40w per channel (thats a very conservative rating), plenty of inputs if I decide to hook anything else up, and overall a very smart, well kept unit. The 3.5mm to RCA adapter works flawlessly, I bought a cheap one today just to get things up and running. Got a gold plated swanky one coming soon. Best of all, my Technics F333s still sound as supurb as I remember So thanks again for all the help. Attached Thumbnails

03-August-06, 12:53 PM		#14 (permalink)
Wafflesomd Banned	Re: Speaker setup recommendations :) So from what I hear Technics are really good?

03-August-06, 01:06 PM		#15 (permalink)
Dex Retr-hoe Reviewer	Re: Speaker setup recommendations :) Technics are simply the shiz nit. I wouldn't use anything else speaker wise, apart from maybe a nice Wharfedale setup. Ive always used Technics units and have always been extremely impressed with the reliability, construction and of course sound reproduction. Technics decks are used by pretty much every nightclub in the world, their status is legendary and most professional DJs swear by them. Checkit out...http://www.panasonic-europe.com/technics/index.asp?s=8

03-August-06, 01:11 PM		#16 (permalink)
Wafflesomd Banned	Re: Speaker setup recommendations :) But, but, I just bought this: Pioneer VSX - 815, 700w, 100w per channel.

03-August-06, 01:48 PM		#17 (permalink)
Dex Retr-hoe Reviewer	Re: Speaker setup recommendations :) Well fool on you then!

03-August-06, 01:54 PM		#18 (permalink)
Wafflesomd Banned	Re: Speaker setup recommendations :) But seriously, I'm really happy with the purchase, and it does show up as an audiophile grade receiver. Besides, an technics that would put out this sorta wattage, would probly be way outa my price range.

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