Car Speakers to PC?

[Dalgaard]

What's the easiest way to get a pair of car speakers connected to the computer? I've never worked with audio equipment before, and have tried googling this. One page recommended simply splicing the wires to a minijack? But on the same page, some guy said that there wouldn't be enough power for the speakers that way?

Do I need an amplifier or perhaps using an active subwoofer is easier?

The simplest setup possible...if anyone could help, that would be great

[elkameleon]

First, get yourself an amp, whatever works for your budget and speaker wattage. You'll need to get one with a power supply brick, unless you want to install a car battery into your project! Next get one of these:

I'm sure there are others out there with more knowledge than I, but this will get you started for sure.

[HaRuMaN]

Yes, you need an amp, and be careful to keep those speakers away from any crt monitors, hard drives, and your computer.  They aren't shielded.

[Dalgaard]

Thanks a lot for the help

[matsadona]

There are a lot of solutions to choose from, but if you want to go the 12V road here are two examples:

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/y148-audio-amplifier-module-93121

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/60w-stereo-audio-amplifier-for-car-motorcycle-golf-cart-red-91350

In my cabinet I use a standard 2.1 PC speaker setup (built in amplifier/sub), but scrapped the satellites and connect two car speakers instead.

[drventure]

Greyhnd did a LOT in this area for his ratrod

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=104021.msg1252470#msg1252470

[portugese pirate]

believe or not I used the wifes cookie sheets to sheild the monitor and hard drive from the speakers........a word of advice if your going to use wifes cookie sheets, its easier to ask for forgiveness then to ask for permission

[toeknee1973]

maybe you should look into powered speakers.... they are better and easier than having to modify your project to use car audio equipment.. just my opinion.

[dholcombe]

I'm using car speakers and a lepai amp I got off parts express that is typcially between $20-$25. The amp takes mini jack as one type of input