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Main => Audio/Jukebox/MP3 Forum => Topic started by: ArcadeMaze on March 06, 2005, 04:36:38 pm

Title: Wiring computer speakers onto the computer power supply
Post by: ArcadeMaze on March 06, 2005, 04:36:38 pm

Is it possible to bypass the AC/DC transformer and wire the computer speaker amp board to the computer's power supply?  The Transformer puts out 9V 200mA so from what I can tell, 5V is not going to be enough, but I am not sure if 12V is going to be too much.

Title: Re: Wiring computer speakers onto the computer power supply
Post by: Dermbrian on March 09, 2005, 10:26:02 am

It may or may not be possible, but I'd also be concerned that the DC may be too noisy to power an audio amplifier in the speakers.  I had been waiting to see if anyone responded that has actually tried this, though.

There was a time when some manufacturers were actually making amplified sound cards.  I wish I had one of those to try.  I enjoy using 'regular' speakers, so I currently use an old 30 watt Technics integrated amp and some Realistic Minimus 7 speakers.

I do plan on buying a T-Amp that I mention on another recent post, as soon as the sellers get more stock.  For ~$35.00, it sounds like a real value and it is tiny.

My long term goal is a portable tabletop jukebox in an attractive case.  Kind of like an old suitcase-style record player.

Brian

Title: Re: Wiring computer speakers onto the computer power supply
Post by: krick on March 10, 2005, 12:47:07 am

I originally tried an amplifier from one of those "drive bay" speaker units that gets its power from the PC.

Title: Re: Wiring computer speakers onto the computer power supply
Post by: Dermbrian on March 10, 2005, 11:47:44 am

Quote from: krick on March 10, 2005, 12:47:07 am

After some searching, I ended up using an amplifer from a pair of USB powered speakers in my MAME cabinet.  I'm completely pleased with the results.

See this thread...
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,16381.0.html

Thanks for the interesting read.

Title: Re: Wiring computer speakers onto the computer power supply
Post by: krick on March 10, 2005, 11:51:49 am

Quote from: Dermbrian on March 10, 2005, 11:47:44 am

Thanks for the interesting read.

You're welcome.

Here's a follow-up post to that one where I show the amp with wiring and mounting feet....

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,20839.0.html

Title: Re: Wiring computer speakers onto the computer power supply
Post by: ArcadeMaze on March 12, 2005, 11:37:20 am

Thanks for the input!

Title: Re: Wiring computer speakers onto the computer power supply
Post by: krick on March 12, 2005, 03:47:53 pm

As soon as places start having the T-Amp back in stock, I think I'm going to get one and give it a try.  It gets great reviews and the cool thing is that it is designed to run off of a 12V DC source.  It should be a cinch to hook it up to a PC power supply.

Sonic Impact TA2024 "T Amp" Manufacturer's page...
http://www.si-5.com/frontEnd/cm_productDetail.jsp?productID=18

Here's a couple of links to reviews...
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/sonicimpact/t.html
http://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/t-amp_e.html

Let the hacking begin...
http://home.pacifier.com/~gpimm/sonic-impact.htm
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/ampbox/page2.html

Title: Re: Wiring computer speakers onto the computer power supply
Post by: Dermbrian on March 12, 2005, 06:28:10 pm

Quote from: krick on March 12, 2005, 03:47:53 pm

As soon as places start having the T-Amp back in stock, I think I'm going to get one and give it a try.

Title: Re: Wiring computer speakers onto the computer power supply
Post by: krick on March 13, 2005, 02:13:29 pm

I have no need for the cardboard speakers.  I'll just wait until places have it back in stock.

There are places selling it for as low as $18.99
Here's the results of a Froogle search...
http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=SONIC%20IMPACT%205066%20

Title: Re: Wiring computer speakers onto the computer power supply
Post by: gsoul on November 25, 2005, 01:05:37 am

I actually tried this with some success.. grabbed a set of crappy powered speakers and discovered that they had a 240/12v transformer.. cut the +/- wires off the amplifier PCB and soldered on a Molex plug with the RED/BLACK cables removed. Usually the yellow wire is 12v. Now I just plug the amp into one of the spare molex plugs from the power supply. It works great with no issues.