Speaker connections?

Question

I'm designing a new desk area, but couldn't find exactly what I wanted in terms of audio.

I want to go with a modern wall panel design -- without the speakers visible. Ideally, I'd like to mount speakers on a wall, and put a large frame over them, which has been wrapped with a very thin paper-ish product. (It's less sound inhibitive than Kleenex.) If possible, I may instead mount the speakers inside the frame. (I'll be using flat panel speakers.)

I'd like to use four total speakers, however, they must be connected to equipment separately. I don't have that many audio jacks in the CD player I'll be using with this.

So, I wish to do this: using dual-headphone adapters (each with 2 jacks), connect the speakers in two sets of two. Then, use a third headphine adapter, connect the two sets, then have a single wire running out from behind the frame.

Is there any hazard potential for this; could it be a fire hazard or damage the equipment?

Answer 1

This won't work, honey.

The CD player headphone jacks sends a very weak signal. Speakers need power. You will need an external amp. They usually allow for 2 sets of speakers - just make sure when you buy. The good news is they're not too expensive. You can pick a good one (like Cambridge Audio) or choose an open box model at your local all-in-one electronics store.

HOWEVER! Don't get sucked into anyone telling you that you need expensive speaker cables. Go to Home Depot and buy whatever kind of speaker wire you can find by the foot - say 12 or 14 gauge. Speakers only need current and any extension cord could be cut at the edges and it would work like a charm.

Answer 2

You need a home theater receiver.  This Onkyo is about $100 shipped when you log into the website:

http://shoponkyo.com/detail.cfm?producti...

Answer 3

Since the CD player does not have that many audio jacks, maybe you can hook-up the CD player to a stereo receiver which does have multiple speaker-out connections.  Or even get a box which splits the signal among different sets of speakers, in case you want to turn off certain ones or switch among them.

With headphone adapter cables, be wary if they split the audio signal into two stereo signals or two mono signals.  But you might not be concerned with this detail if you don't care about surround sound or stereo imaging anyway.

There should not be any fire hazard as long as the wires are not exposed or cut.  Nor should there be any damage to the equipment, but you might want to experiement with lower volume levels first.