Amp for New Dell Using Satellite Radio

[megabit]

I purchased a new dell and a set of Bose 201 bookshelf/wall mount speakers for our store. We have used an inexpensive pair of speakers with a very generic "computer desktop speaker w/amp" with some success in the past to just produce sound, which obviously had very little quality at best.

The Dell is your run of the mill with a Pentium Dual Core, XP Pro and an Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio sound card. Running these Bose speakers directly from the PC in stereo mode isn't anywhere near loud enough.

I walked in a little guys store and looked over a couple higher end amps they had on sale for about 399 (a little more then I had in mind), however the rep sounded somewhat hesitant that it would work without a pci sound card w/ RCA outs. He did say that I could perhaps acquire a cable (mini to RCA) and possibly it would work but could damage the amp if the signal wasn't strong enough from the source.

The high bandwidth internet connection makes for a flawless way to listen to an uninterrupted satellite at no cost through aol radio. I do this at home with a Logitech that cost me about 300 back when. This set up/amp would be fine however I just want the amp and the wall mounted Bose for the store.

Has anyone had any experience with using an amp with a Dell or any PC for that matter? Any input would be appreciated, Thanks in advance.

 

[markw]

Assuming you will be using the 3.5mm speaker output and one of those adapter cables to convert it into two RCA plugs, virtually any amplifier of receiver will provide juice to those two speakers. This adapter works great with MP3 players and portable CD players, too

Of course, a lot depends on what you want to spend for a,plification.

If you have an old receiver lying around the house, draft it into service. Look for a working vintage integrated amp or receiver in garage sales. J & R sells a little Sherwood stereo receiver, new in box with full warranty, for less than $100 that will work just fine.


As for this:

He did say that I could perhaps acquire a cable (mini to RCA) and possibly it would work but could damage the amp if the signal wasn't strong enough from the source.

I think someone's got it backwards. You need to worry about too STRONG a signal.

 

[megabit]

That helps a great deal, thank you. I actually have an Onkyo with a blown rear channel I believe that my be a superb candidate.

Assuming you will be using the 3.5mm speaker output and one of those adapter cables to convert it into two RCA plugs, virtually any amplifier of receiver will provide juice to those two speakers. This adapter works great with MP3 players and portable CD players, too

Of course, a lot depends on what you want to spend for a,plification.

If you have an old receiver lying around the house, draft it into service. Look for a working vintage integrated amp or receiver in garage sales. J & R sells a little Sherwood stereo receiver, new in box with full warranty, for less than $100 that will work just fine.


As for this: I think someone's got it backwards. You need to worry about too STRONG a signal.