How do I connect my bose bookshelf speakers to my computer so that I get TRUE stereo sound?

Question

I know I probably have to get a receiver, but after that do I need a new sound card or something? The speakers are Bose 201 series. I only have the integrated sound card right now. Thanks.

Answer 1

This will depend on your definition of "true" stereo sound.

Really, any speaker setup with two speakers connected to a receiver that is connected to your computer will be stereo sound (as long as the receiver-computer connection is not mono).  To allow yourself the greatest flexibility for adding more speakers in the future, I would recommend using optical or coaxial S/PDIF outputs to connect the computer to the stereo if possible.  That allows the signal from the computer to remain digital until it is actually transmitted from receiver to speakers.  But, it will depend on if you have the proper ports on your onboard sound.  If not, most new sound cards have these outputs and are fairly cheap.

The use of S/PDIF outputs allows you to expand in the future to 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound if your computer supports it and gives a cleaner signal.  Another useful idea if you use surround with your computer is to have a receiver that has Dolby Prologic II, which allows even a two-channel computer output to be turned into 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound.  For your application, the use of a receiver with Dolby Virtual Speaker would be helpful.  Virtual Speaker is able to create a surround effect with only two speakers.

Answer 2

You will need a stereo amplifier at least. (of course: All AV recievers that are able to work in stereo mode (they all should be able to) would work, too.)

You might want to check wheter your sound card has a optical or coaxial digital output. Most of the more recent onboard soundcards have at least one of both. The analog connectors of onboard soundcards often have a very bad quality. (even to the point where not-all-that-great Bose speakers could use a better source) In that case you should try to go for some amp that has a corresponding digital in connector. If your soundcard doesn't have a digital out you can still try the stereo jacks (which all soundcards have) and use an adapter cable to hook it up to the analog in of a reciever. (Which will most likely be RCA connectors on the amp ... and all amps should have those, too. ;) )