Laptop/Computer to receiver

[JDeschain]

Hi there,

I'm looking to build a 2 channel setup for my home office...My budget is about $1k for the system, I'm going to be checking out some speakers locally (Paradigm and PSB) but am unsure of what to do for the receiver. My laptop has the traditional 3 output soundcard, so it's rather limited.

What would be the best option to connect the laptop to the receiver? Or, are there any 2 channel/5 channel receivers that would have some sort of mini-jack input?

Thanks in advance,

Keegan

 

[Adam]

Hi, Keegan. Just so that I understand, does your sound card have the three minijacks for output that are used for 5.1 audio? If so, you can hook those up to any receiver with 5.1 analog inputs. You just need to use cables that have a stereo minijack on one end and two RCA jacks on the other (like these from Monoprice, but many people sell them).

Which sound card do you have, and are you sure that it doesn't have a digital output?

EDIT: I just reread that you are looking to set up a two-channel system. If so, that's easy. You can use just about any receiver as far as connecting it to your computer. You'd still use one of those cables to which I gave a link.

 

[JDeschain]

Ah perfect, that's exactly what I was looking for! Thanks for the quick answer

EDIT: Just thought I'd share my in store experience...when asking the store rep about how I would do this, he told me I would need a Logitech Squeeze box ($399), or need to get an optical connection...Anyhow, this is much cheaper, and what I wanted! I love this site

 

[Adam]

Glad to help!

It's not really any cheaper, though. The cable is $0.66. My assistance is $398.34.

 

[JDeschain]

Would pictures of the setup when it's done work?

Cute dog btw!

 

[Adam]

Would pictures of the setup when it's done work?

That would be great.

Cute dog btw!

Thanks!

 

[JDeschain]

I'll just post here instead of starting another thread. So, my system will be stricly a 2 channel setup, but I think I want to add a sub in the future, and am wondering if there are any 2 channel receivers that would allow this? If not, what are the alternatives? Would there be any negative affect sound quaility wise if using a 5.1 receiver?
Also, any recommendations on 2/5.1 channel receivers would be fantastic. I'd say my budget for the receiver is 500ish max.... Current speaker in mind are the Paradigm Mini Monitors. (I need to go back and compare them to the similiar PSB model)

 

[Adam]

Yep, there are stereo receivers that have subwoofer outputs. I didn't do an extensive search, but here is a list of the ones available from Crutchfield. There are several that will fit in your budget.

 

[JDeschain]

^
Thank you sir