How would I hook up book shelf speakers to my PC?

broidk

Estimable
Oct 22, 2015
18
0
4,570
So I want to possibly get either
Mackie CR4 LTD Limited Edition 4" Creative Reference Multimedia Monitors
Or
Micca PB42X Powered Bookshelf Speakers
(Or something else if there is better within that range)

I honestly want to know if I will be able to hook them up without having to buy anything extra at the start except maybe another wire or whatever. I am probably going to get a sub later if I want to spend the money and feel it would benefit. I don't have a sound card on my PC either. Or if these are not possible any recommendations for speakers that look similar to these because I want great sound but also great look.
 
Solution
http://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-Premium-3-5mm-Stereo-Plated/dp/B002K8A75I/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1451798800&sr=8-3&keywords=3.5mm+to+rca+6ft

there is one. 6ft in case you need to move things around on your desk a bit. if you think that is not enough cable length then they make longer versions. (measure your desk and possible placement of speakers to see what would work. there are cheaper versions out there, amazon has plenty and even your local stores should have them so there is no need to order online really.

as for connecting speaker to speaker, standard speaker wire is what you would want to use. any gage should work on such light output speakers. bananna clips (if buying the micca) are completely optional

not sure if they come...

ingtar33

Honorable
Dec 17, 2012
249
0
10,910
well the Mackie CR4 LTD Limited Edition 4" Creative Reference Multimedia Monitors will connect to your pc via BLUETOOTH, so if your pc has bluetooth connectivity you should have zero issues. If it doesn't or you get the other speaker option, read on.

get a receiver, and use the audio cables that work with the receiver. some PCs have optical outs for 5.1 surround, others have digital out plugs for 7.1 surround, others just have normal "stereo out" analog plugs, you'll need adapters to make them work with most modern receivers. basically you'll need to chose a receiver for those speakers that will work with your pc as well. It's not that hard to do, you just have to know what your pc will work with, then chose a receiver that allows those inputs. Heck a <$200 BluRay player will have that functionality (and you'd have the added advantage being able to set it up so you can watch BluRay disks at your pc error free, as pc's notoriously have huge issues with bluray DRM)
 

R_1

Estimable
Herald

the speakers are self powered and need a simple adaptor to make it work. a reciever would be throwing away money.
 

nukemaster

Distinguished
Moderator
Connecting self power speakers just requires a 3.5mm to dual RCA adapter.

Once you add a sub it gets a bit different because the sub will need access to both channels as well. You should be able to use a splitter(Y cable) for that, but I can not be 100% sure(I have used y cables to run multiple sets of power speakers without issues.).
 

R_1

Estimable
Herald
given that you want to just buy a cable and have them work, stick with powered speakers like you have listed. either of them are good choices. as stated above, a simple 3.5mm to rca red/white adapter cable is what you need and in the future if you get a subwoofer a splitter would work.

the mackie uses spring clips to connect speaker to speaker. this accepts bare wire.
the micca uses binding posts to connect speaker to speaker. this accepts either bare wire or banana clips (your choice, but i like banana clips for convenience)

 
http://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-Premium-3-5mm-Stereo-Plated/dp/B002K8A75I/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1451798800&sr=8-3&keywords=3.5mm+to+rca+6ft

there is one. 6ft in case you need to move things around on your desk a bit. if you think that is not enough cable length then they make longer versions. (measure your desk and possible placement of speakers to see what would work. there are cheaper versions out there, amazon has plenty and even your local stores should have them so there is no need to order online really.

as for connecting speaker to speaker, standard speaker wire is what you would want to use. any gage should work on such light output speakers. bananna clips (if buying the micca) are completely optional

not sure if they come with cables or not.

 
Solution