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Howdy!
This may sound elementary, but how do I connect (2) additional speakers to my existing (2) computer speakers.
My speaker system is a (3) speaker system, 2 speakers and a woofer.
I just want more listening quality.

Acctually now that I think about it, Do I want a "Surround sytem" ?

Thanks in advance,
Walt

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TheJackAttack Mon, 05/11/2009 - 08:47

Short answer:
You would need a different sound card probably.

Go get a drink and visit the lou because here comes windy answer:

Some sound cards come with as many as six 1/8" output jacks in addition to the mic and line input jacks. If you have more than three 1/8" jacks on the back then happy day, you will be able to add more small computer speakers easily. Just plug them in and configure in the sound properties.

The average computer however likely only has mic in, headphone out, and maybe line in. In this scenario, you have no good way to add additional speakers.

In a desktop you would add an additional (or change the original) PCI/PCIe card with the qualities you wanted and disable the motherboards onboard audio. This PCI/PCIe card could be the usual consumer Soundblaster type or a PCI/PCIe card designed for actual professional level audio. Lots of either out there so research in what you personally need should be done.

If this is a laptop with or without a dock, you are looking at needing a firewire or PC Card or Express Card audio card. These also come in the prosumer or professional variety and there are even more options on the market.

Which option is best for you depends on:
1-what computer type you actually have (desktop or laptop)
2-what audio requirements you actually have; just audiophile listening, recording and editing, etc.
3-your budget

anonymous Mon, 05/11/2009 - 17:24

TheJackAttack,
Thanks for the reply.
My sound card "SB X FI Gammer" has 5 jacks I use 2.
I just tried the other 3 and they don't do anything.
I was just on-line to see if they give any info as to what they do, but couldn't find anything pertaining to that.
Maybe you know...!

I'm kinda lookin for another sound card that would be more sutiable for recording and music, any suggestions??? (Cheap) $100.00 ???

TheJackAttack Mon, 05/11/2009 - 17:52

There is no such thing as a cheap sound card that you can be happy with inre recording quality audio.

If you installed all of the soundblaster software you will have access to those other ports. In WinXP you would click Start->Control Panel->Sounds and Audio Devices Properties->(speaker settings) Advanced. From there you would choose the appropriate speaker setup. On my office desktop in West Yellowstone there is an actual interface applet that allows me to choose what each jack does and which color that is. There should have been a book that came with the Soundblaster detailing the schema. There is an additional program download (other than drivers) at the Creative website so perhaps this is the user tool you need as well.

TheJackAttack Sun, 05/17/2009 - 19:56

Using the stereo headphone jack will not generate any sort of surround environment. He has the jacks built into the card and just needs to find the program/setting to access them. Also, most folks don't really want to chain their computer to a mixer.

I'm all for the sledge hammer approach when required but this ain't it.

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