New Build - Computer/Audio Questions

[mkannen]

Hi all,

I'll be shortly beginning my first jukebox build.  I've already purchased an old Philco upright radio which, once I perform some restoration, will house the entire setup.

I have an old desktop lying around I could drop in, but I'd build a small computer using a mini-ITX motherboard.  My primary concern is the audio output.

I plan house speakers/sub-woofer within the jukebox, but I'd like to have the option to output audio to my AV receiver as well.  What is the easiest way to do this if I use a mini-ITX motherboard, which has limited onboard audio options?  I don't have the receiver yet, but I'll be purchasing a new one soon so you can assume it will have the standard inputs.

Thanks for the help.  Here's a picture of the radio... I'm excited to get started!

[BobA]

Simplest way is to run your audio output to the aux input of your receiver.   If you don't want to run the wire to your receiver use an FM transmitter like the ones that transmit mp3 player sound to a car FM receiver.   Your results may vary but I got a fair one for $10 made by iriver that lets you set any FM freq you want for clear reception.   It works to about 25 feet then the signal gets a little static.

[richms]

You can rig a change over switch between the line out going to the inbuilt speakers or to a reciever.

The thing is if you use the volume on the computer with the speakers, then you need to turn it up to get a line output for the reciever, which means turning it down before changing back to the inbuilt speakers.

Otherwise use a splitter or multiple outputs if its a HD Audio board - cant recall if you get seperate control over the volumes or not on those.

[Blanka]

Check those new ION based mini ITX boards. They have optical out for your receiver and stereo out for the internal audio system.

[mkannen]

Thanks for the suggestions.  Those new Zotac mini-ITX boards are slick.

I just finished up exams so I'll finally be able to turn some of my attention to this build.