Passive monitors for PC

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rainmaker1011
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2010/09/09 15:55:02 (permalink)

Passive monitors for PC

hi,
my friend wants to buy new speakers for his PC for music listening, watching movies and plying games. I suggest him something "quality" and better then just regular "cans".

For example: http://www.thomann.de/gb/alesis_monitor_one_ii.htm

My question is, will his on-board sound card be capable feeding those passive monitors with audio signal?? Or some PCIe sound card would be more suitable?

His budget is something around 150 EUR.

Thank you for tips.


Best Regards,  
Marek

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    Beagle
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    Re:Passive monitors for PC 2010/09/09 16:35:17 (permalink)
    no you can't use passive monitors with the output of an onboard soundcard.  the output of onboard soundcards are LINE level (as are most recording soundcards).  you'd need an amp between them and the soundcard or he'll need powered speakers.

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    #2
    rainmaker1011
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    Re:Passive monitors for PC 2010/09/11 12:44:31 (permalink)
    thanks, Beagle 

    Best Regards,  
    Marek

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    The Maillard Reaction
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    Re:Passive monitors for PC 2010/09/12 09:22:47 (permalink)
    A lot of folks simply route their entertainment sound card to a home stereo line (or tape if it's an old system) input. The idea is the computer becomes just another entertainment appliance.

    best regards,
    mike


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    Bristol_Jonesey
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    Re:Passive monitors for PC 2010/09/13 05:43:07 (permalink)
    That's exactly what I do Mike.

    I've gone one stage further and have hooked up the outputs of the computer, TV & stereo ro an old, small mixing desk, so I can route what I want, to where I want. There's also a feed into the next room where the TV/Computer outputs feed into the stereo system.

    This all began due to my 50th birthday party (a few years ago). We wanted music to be heard in the garden, but wanted to avoid having it so loud in the house to be heard at the top of the garden, so I eventually set up 4 seperate amp/speaker systems and fed them all from the pc.

    Result - you could walk form the sitting room to conservatory to the different areas in the garden, witth the same music playing everywhere and all at a comfortable listening level.

    We also switched over to the cricket commentary from the TV at one point during the day!!

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    Guitarhacker
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    Re:Passive monitors for PC 2010/09/13 09:07:42 (permalink)
    You would need to use a stereo Y cord to R/L (mono) and send the signal to some sort of amp to use those speakers.

    It is probably just as easy and relatively inexpensive to buy powered monitors. from an on board (factory soundcard) you still need the y cord.

    On my external interface (Focusrite Saffire)... I have 8 outputs using 1/4" jacks so I simply output to my reference monitors and I can use the other outputs (which I do) as needed for stereo system (to use my headphones) and to my sub.... I still have other outputs available if I need them.

    My recommendation is to buy powered monitors since the amps are matched to the speakers and give a flat frequency response.  Some (actually most)  stereo amps have sound coloration built into them at the circuit level. You might not want that if it's for studio work.  If it's not for studio work....  if it sounds good, that's all that matters.

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