How do I connect my computer to standalone speakers?

Question

I have two speakers I'd like to connect to my computer. Each speaker has a pair of binding posts - a black (-) post and a red (+) post that will accept banana plugs or bare wire. I'm not sure of the simplest way to go from 3.5mm stereo to two of these speakers.

Answer 1

You need an amplifier. Speakers with binding posts are passive, not active. This means there is no amplifier built in like on most computer speakers.

A cheap option would be a sonic T-amp from http://www.partsexpress.com. These will accept a 3.5mm input and outputs to standard speaker wire connections.

Answer 2

Computer speakers have built-in amplifiers....your standalone speakers do not....so unless you plan on having those speakers a few inches away from your ears you will need to connect a 3.5mm stereo cable from the pc to the receiver and then connect the speakers to the receiver.

Answer 3

As long as your speakers are self powered all you need is a 3.5mm PC Speaker Y-Cable M to F F, 6ft (MUY6MFF).

They cost about $5 bucks.

http://www.pcconnection.com/IPA/Shop/Pro...