How to connect two PC speaker systems?

[pmc]

I finally got around to hooking up my new Creative T3000 2.1 speakers (the ones that were recently at Circuit City for $10). The  powered sub-woofer makes all the difference in Asteroids. Awesome boom!

But I already have a speaker rig built into the cabinet. The second system is added using a "Y" cable coming from the PC soundcard. The most desireable thing for me to do is to combine the volume controls together so I can use both systems (and don't have to uninstall the old system or retrofit for the new). But how do I do that?

I have the volume pot from the existing A-open rig extended through the cabinet and mounted with a knob on the outside. I'd like for that volume control to change volume on both speaker systems.

For now, I am tweaking two volume controls. The Creatives are left on low volume but with the bass cranked. The rest of the sound comes from the A-Open mid-range speakers mounted right below the marquee. The ratio between both volume settings is critical for the right sound.

Here's a drawing of both set-ups and the wattages are illustrated too. I'm not sure how to proceed. Any feedback would be welcomed.

-pmc

[Minwah]

I think the best thing to do would be to have the two volume levels setup appropriately (permanently) and use a volume pot on the audio at line level (before it reaches the amps) so the volumes of all speakers is controlled at once (& in the correct proportion).

Oscar fitted a volume control like in this scenario: http://www.oscarcontrols.com/volume/

Edit: thinking about it tho, I reckon you should just remove the old speakers and go with the new ones.

[pmc]

Edit: thinking about it tho, I reckon you should just remove the old speakers and go with the new ones.

I knew you were going to say that! 

Ya know, I really like the multi-dimensional sound of the six speakers. The existing speakers have a nice mid-range but no highs and no bass. The new sub is awesome for boom. And the new mains have really nice high-end. I'm thinking about mounting them in the top of the cab or top-rear vents pointing up and out -- but for now they face out the back.

The net result is a really nice full sound. The direct sound comes from where it should, but then there's another dimension of sound from "elsewhere" that fills the room. And then the boom! Pacman rocks when you hit the big dots and then start nailing blue ghosts!

So for now... I avoid the obvious and explore another re-wiring job. 

I'll play with that idea of adding a volume pot "upstream" of both speaker systems. That could work nicely and doesn't burn any future bridges.

Thanks for the feedback.

-pmc

[mccoy178]

I've seen where a buddy of mine has 5.1 surround with the extra speakers going through the side.  It is nice because the reverberation off the walls is great.  Lights up the whole room.  If you put them out the back, I believe you will be able to notice there is a difference.