Active speakers to laptop - does this work

[admin_exported]

Hi forum,

I am trying to get some decent sound out of my computer for a moderate amount and came across Yamaha's HS 50 speakers. Would it be possible to connect these via jack cable to the mic/line in socket? I've also read that these sort of speakers require a mixer to set the level - can I not use the volume control on Windows for this?

Many thanks,
Simon

 

[Craig M.]

in theory, yes you can use the volume control. you would lose some sound quality at lower volumes because of the way the software volume control works, but it might be subtle enough not to interfere.

however, i would want to be very sure that no system sounds could come through at full volume before trying it.

i've never tried it so can't offer any more advice. could you swing for something like a beresford dac? pretty cheap on ebay and include a pre-amp and headphone amp, just plug your pc into it.

 

[CustomCable]

Best bet imho would be to invest in some MM-1 speakers from B&W. I realise they are a small amount of money more however these sound excellent for computer music.

 

[Anonymous]

If you want to use the Yamaha speakers you'll need a preamp with balanced outputs. The Yamahas don't have RCA nor minijack inputs. The Beresford mentioned above does have them, so would be entirely suitable. Also try the pro music shops.

 

[Anonymous]

However, conversion cables would do the trick: http://www.audiospares.com/home.php?cat=775. You'd then use the computer to set the volume.

 

[basshead]

However, conversion cables would do the trick: http://www.audiospares.com/home.php?cat=775. You'd then use the computer to set the volume.

yup, with a cable like that you can plug the speakers strait into the laptop and use the volume control on there. the sound quality may not be quite as good as through a dedicated mixer, but it's the cheapest and easyest method, and works perfectly fine.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all the replies, I think I got my inputs and outputs mixed up again but that cable looks to be the trick. Not sure if I'll be playing it at very high volumes but I think they should perform well enough for the price, it's just slightly preferable to going down the DAC path.

 

[Anonymous]

Be interested to hear what you think. A change of circumstances means that's the road I'll be taking now.

 

[Anonymous]

you'll also have to remember never to pull out the jack plug from the computer while the speakers are turned on, or you'll make a massive THUMP sound.

 

[Anonymous]

I've also found some active monitors for a lot less than the Yamahas - the Wharfedale Diamond 8.1 Pro costs under £200 and has phono inputs. Might be worth a look into.

Simon