Topic: PC to Stereo

[Scotty_CFC]

Is there a way i could link up my PC to my stereo, a cheap way would be nice. Thanks

[Rodders]

It shouldn't be too hard to plug a lead into the headphone socket of your soundcard (or audio-out socket on your case) and stick the other end into your hi-fi.

The trick is then to find a lead with the right plugs on each end.  The PC end needs a stereo mini-jack, whilst the other end is determined by the sockets on the back of your amp, but which is likely to be twin phono plugs.

Please don't plug into the record deck socket as your amp won't like it at all.  The 'Aux' or 'Tape' sockets should be fine.

Hope this works helps!

[Scotty_CFC]

Oh, I didnt think you could just plug straight into "line 1". Thanks, ill have to look for this lead before i try anything. Do you reckon i could bodge one together?

[Sandra]

If you can use a soldering iron then it should be easy enough or there are plenty of hi fi or electronics shops, even places like maplins, will have leads ready made to do what you need. Just identify which plugs your stereo input takes  

[Rodders]

I dunno.  That largely depends on your level of bodging skill.  You might also find it cheaper to buy a ready-made lead than get the bits seperately.

One more tip:  When connecting for the first time, turn the volume down to avoid blowing yourself and your equipment to smithereens.  

[GillE]

I tried something similar myself some time ago.  I just visited the local hi-fi shop, told them what I wanted to do, and they sold me the cables.  I think it cost less than £5.

I've tried recording from my turntable to the computer and found it only worked if I had:

a.  a pre-amp on the turntable; and,

b.  a power source from a different room.[/list]

Using the same circuit for both the turntable and the computer caused interference - running an extension lead from a different room overcame the problem.

Gill

[Sandra]

Was your turntable earthed Gill ?
Thats usually the cause of that type of interference  

[GillE]

Hi Sandra

Yes, both turntables I tried were earthed.

I'm trying to remember who suggested that I should use a separate power point - I think it was a forum I found whilst searching the internet for an answer to the problem.  Apparently, it's quite a common phenomenon.

Sorry if this is a bit off-topic, but I thought it might be useful info for somebody.

Gill