If you’re looking for a way to connect HiFi Speakers to PC (your personal computer), then you’re reading the right blog at the moment. In this post, we are going to detail every possible step towards connecting HiFi Speakers to either a laptop or a desktop computer.
But the question is, why not buy a computer speaker and simply connect with USB? Well, the answer to this question is very simple; most USB computer speakers don’t produce the high-level of audio an audio would love to listen to.
Also, typical computer speakers utilize low watts because USB doesn’t support high wattage. That said, there are quite many reasons for most audio lovers to think about connecting their HiFi Speakers to PC to playback sounds.
Most especially, when you just downloaded an interesting title or streaming from Netflix on PC, they arguably the best way to enjoy such moments is by connecting a HiFi speaker to PC.
Also, a lot of people play games on PC and would love to listen to sound from the gameplay; thus, they may want to connect higher quality speakers.
Nevertheless, some old stereo and HiFi Speakers require an amplifier to function, how do you deal with this?
Table of Contents
Is it possible to connect speakers from my sound system to my PC?
Let me start by saying that technology has made virtually everything possible. In the world of today, apparently, everything is possible; all you need is the right technologies and/or systems to get the impossible to become possible.
With all that said, yes! It is possible to connect any speaker to your PC, whether it is a typical stereo speaker or a HiFi model. This article explains how you can achieve this purpose without much stress.
Another person may ask, how then is it possible to connect non-computer speakers PC. Most stereo/HiFi Speakers feature a back panel where you can see and access quite a lot of input ports supported by the speaker; these input/output openings work for specific purposes; however, some serve for more than one purpose.
But, on the other hand, if your speaker doesn’t feature input ports at the back, don’t worry; we also explained some tips here.
Does a computer come with a built-in amp to power stereo speakers?
Well, not really, actually. Computers aren’t packed with a built-in amplifier that can power a pair of stereo speakers.
But this doesn’t mean it is not possible to connect your stereo speakers. Here, you’ll need a special cable that will convert RCA jacks from an external amplifier into a mini-plug connection that is compatible with desktop and laptop computers.
With much being said already, we should start the practical aspect of this article. Altogether, it will take around 10 – 15 minutes to follow any of the methods explained here to connect your stereo/HiFi speaker(s) to your computer.
Profound ways on how to connect HiFi Speakers to pc
Method One: How to connect stereo or HiFi Speakers to a computer
First Step: Get a 3.5mm-to-RCA stereo cable
First of all, you should buy a 3.5mm-to-RCA stereo cable; it doesn’t cost that much (around $9 or less).
I’d recommend the Amazon Basics Stereo Cable, which is about 4ft, 8ft, 15ft, or 25 long, depending on the option you select.
This Amazon Basics Stereo Cable is original and comes with good features; it is also sturdy and reliable.
However, you can get any other 3.5mm-to-RCA stereo cable; it mustn’t be this own I suggested. If you’ve got the cable, then you can continue to the next steps below.
The 3.5mm-to-RCA stereo cable will take audio from your PC’s 3.5mm port and transfer it to an amplifier with the RCA ends (usually white and red).
You will need to connect the other end of the 3.5mm-to-RCA stereo cable (the end with two cables) to your amplifier.
Note: A 3.5mm-to-RCA stereo cable is the same as “Y-Adapter Cable.” Yes, it looks like “Y” because one end has two plugs while the other is the tail with just one plug. Some people may still this cable “y splitter cable.”
So, you know they are referring to the same thing when you hear/see these names. The photo of this cable is shown below.
Second Step: Get a HiFi Amplifier
Of course, you should have an amplifier that you’re using with the speakers. However, if you’re just starting up the connection, then you should buy an amplifier.
There are quite many things to consider when buying an amplifier that will serve you very well. Read how to choose the best amp for HiFi Speakers.
If you’ve got an amplifier already, then you can continue with the next steps below. At this point, you should have your Y Adapter Cable and Amplifier ready.
Third Step: Connect the Cable to Your Amp
Now that your cable is ready and your amp is also ready, it’s time to connect the systems. First, make sure there are no media playing on your PC, and also ensure that the amp is turned off.
After verifying this, connect the Y adapter to your PC and amplifier. In connecting the Y Adapter Cable, the end with just one head plug should enter into your computer’s aux input (3.5mm jack) while the other end with two plugs (connectors) should be inserted into the amplifier’s RCA provisions; connect the red plug “Right” jack and the white plug the “Left” jack.
Usually, the Right and Left jacks are represented with “R” and “L.” Make sure you connect each plug to the appropriate jack.
Once the connection is satisfied, you can now power the amplifier, and move to the next step. You shouldn’t start playing sounds immediately.
Fourth Step: Connect the HiFi Speakers
Up to this point? Now you can connect the HiFi speakers you wish to use in playing back sounds from your computer. Connect the speakers to the amplifier system. You can add a pair of HiFi Speakers.
Don’t have a HiFi speaker? Check out our best suggestions at MHS Best HiFi Speakers. You can pick any pair and add to your amplifier to start playing back sounds in hi-fidelity.
Once the speakers are connected, you can play a media file on the connected PC, and then gradually tune up the volume to monitor the sound performance.
If everything sounds okay, then you did the right thing; just sit back and start enjoying high-quality clean sounds.
Some Frequently Asked Questions on Connecting HiFi Speakers to PC
Is the phono input used for this type of connection?
Before answering this question, let’s understand what the Phono input means and what it is meant for.
The phono input is available on most amplifiers, some speakers, and quite another sound equipment with input/output options.
Simply, Phono input is a jack input port where you are to connect a turntable or a phonograph.
It looks the same with RCA ports and is typically seen on old radio sets and audio equipment.
The phono input is sometimes indicated as MM or MC, which stands for “Moving Magnet” and “Moving Coil,” respectively.
It is meant for recording purposes (Phonograph recordings to be specific).
You won’t see this input option (phono input) on many contemporary amplifiers and audio equipment.
However, even if you use the Phono input options on your old amplifier, the connection would still work, but you’ll most likely get distorted sound.
Also, if you’re going to use this option, then you don’t need the Y adapter cable with RCA plugs, you should search for a compatible phono cable for this connection.
Method Two: If you have a DAC
There are some good USB DACs that will transmit high-quality sound from your PC to speakers. Typically, a DAC transmits converted analog sounds to your amplifier, which in turn pushes the sounds to connected speakers.
So, a USB DAC will take the digital audio signals from your PC, convert them to analog signals and send them to the amp, and then to your HiFi speakers.
It’s quite a smooth process, and you’ll likely enjoy high-quality sound. Most audio experts have proved that USB DAC conversion is superior, and as such, you can enjoy high-quality sounds.
First Step: USB DAC
You need to get a good DAC (preferably, USB DAC) for this purpose. Why you need a USB DAC is because your computer supports USB connections, so it will be easier to connect the DAC with your computer.
Once you’ve got a good DAC like the Signstek HiFi USB DAC, then you can continue with the next steps below.
Second Step: Get the Necessary Cables
Apparently, you need two different cables for this connection. First, you need a USB that will connect your PC and the USB DAC. Secondly, you need an audio cable that will connect your powered speakers or amplifier.
However, some amplifiers come with built-in DAC features; if you have such amplifiers, this is still the procedure to make the connection.
Third Step: Connect Everything Together
As hinted above, connect the USB DAC to your computer using the USB cable you bought.
After connecting your PC to the DAC, you can now connect the DAC to either your speakers directly (if they’re powered HiFi speakers) or to an amplifier.
Fourth Step: Stay Playing Sounds
Once you’re done connecting the devices, you can now playback a sound (media file) from your desktop or laptop computer to test the setup.
If the connections were correct, you’d hear the sounds play from the connected speakers; however, if you didn’t hear any sound, then the connection is wrong, or the cables aren’t good.
The first troubleshooting tactic to practice is to ensure that the cables are well fixed into their respective ports, both on the DAC and the AMP or Speakers.
If the cables are well fixed inside, then the most likely problem would be faulty cables. This is why we advise that you buy only original audio equipment following experts’ recommendations and reviews.
What more?
Some DACs are portable and are designed to be plugged directly into a computer’s USB port without the need for any wired connection. This type of USB DACs is handier and preferable because they minimize the number of cables that clutter your work desk.
Also, these portable USB DACs feature an audio out port (3.5mm) where you can now connect an audio cable (Y adapter cable) and send audio to your speakers through an amplifier.
Author’s thoughts
Personally, I don’t like this type of connection to use HiFi speakers with my PC. Why this will definitely provide you with high-quality sound (up to the level an audiophile will love), I’d rather prefer to get a premium soundbar for PC and enjoy HiFi sound reproduction from the robust drivers.
Yes, there are good soundbars you can easily pair with your PC even without cables. Some soundbars for PC support wireless connectivity, and that’s the best for someone like me who hates seeing cables everywhere.
Nevertheless, if you still want to connect HiFi speakers to a PC, it is an advisable act. This type of tutorial is mostly searched by gamers and studio owners.
Well, we’ve also carefully reviewed the best HiFi Speakers under 100 bucks; you can check it out and pick out a pair to use and try out this tutorial.
Final words
Finally, you should note that no matter the method you wish to use in connecting stereo/HiFi speakers to PC, an amplifier must come in between the connection from the PC to the speakers. However, except for where the speakers have a built-in amplifier system.
Not introducing an amplifier in the connection will leave you with no sound, and you may end up damaging something if you insist on tweaking your way out. All in all, we would love to hear your thoughts regarding this tutorial; have you tried it out before?
Lastly, if you’re looking for how to connect two Bluetooth speakers to play sounds at the same time, we’ve written an extensive tutorial in this regard; check it out here – MHS Exclusive Tutorials.
