Outputting from PC to Home Stereo

[Oldskool]

I want to output from my PC jukebox to my home stereo, and was wondering if a plain old "stereo mic" to RCA adapter is the right way to go?

I know it'll work, but will my onboard (Nvidia chipset) audio provide me with the best sounding option?

Will the sound be distorted?



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[meltman]

If you have optical output from the pc, then that is the way to go.

2nd best - coax digital (ground loop potental)
3rd best - analog sound via 1/8" phono to RCA adapter and a standard RCA cable.

[Kevin Mullins]

Also use the "line" output versus the regular "speaker" output if you have that port option on your sound card.

[Jess--]

also try and avoid onboard sound, I know they say its just as good but to me a decent soundblaster card always sounds a lot better.

hard to describe how but onboard sound always seems thin to me lacking bottom end, top end and just no punch to the sound.

soundblaster always sounds punchier with far better top and bottom end regardless of the output type (running audigy and Live-Drive here so have optical, 2x coax, 2x line out)

[StephenH]

Outputing from a PC to a Stereo is not difficult, regardless of which sound card you have.  You basically need a cable with an 1/8" plug on one end, and two RCA jacks on the other.  Connect this to a LINE input, not phono or mic input.   Often, an unused Tape, CD, or Aux input will work.   


Notes

1) There are some older amps, and some higher end PA type amps that use 1/4" or even XLR inputs.     If this is the case, you need an appropriate cable.

2) If an amp is Mono (one channel), you may need to connect the left and right channels together.

[Oldskool]

also try and avoid onboard sound, I know they say its just as good but to me a decent soundblaster card always sounds a lot better.

I don't mind the onboard sound for my PC speakers, but for my amp, and my half decent speakers, I'll probably take the advice regarding an optical output.

Is TOSLINK and SPDIF one and the same?

I see that the Turtle Beach cards are relatively inexpensive. I've heard great things about them in the past.


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