Sub for computer speakers, need some insight

[Cpt.America]

So its time to replace my computer speakers. My old ones are just falling apart. I was wondering if it is possible to buy a powered sub woofer, a couple of small satalite speakers, and run them all of it off the amp that is built into the sub? I don't want to have to have an external amp sitting at my computer station.

So, will this do what I need?
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-631

If so, will i need a sound card with an RCA out?

Thanks for the advice!

Cpt.

 

[MidnightSensi]

One thing I've noticed is that computer speakers are pretty important because you end up doing a lot of listening at your computer...I do at least.

If you wanted to go with that subwoofer, what you would do is get an 1/8" (headphone) in to 1/4 RCA (stereo RCAs) conversion cable, and then run some RCA's into the inputs of the subwoofer. You don't need RCA outs from your computer, but RCA out sound cards are available (I have a M-Audio one actually) if you want to swap your sound card out.

That subwoofer has a high pass filter in it, so you can get some active (powered) speakers and connect the high-pass out on the back of the subwoofer into the inputs of the active speakers. That subwoofer won't power the speakers of course, so, you'll need speakers with internal amplifiers. There are lots of good options.

Depending on your budget is the route to go. Based on you buying a sub 100 dollar subwoofer, I'm going to assume your budget is conservative.

For 150 bucks you can get M-Audio BX-5's, which I think is a bangin' deal.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/386231-REG/M_Audio_9900_50785_00_BX_5A_Studio_Reference.html

The little desktop DX4's are tempting at even less, but I think the BX's are worth the extra bit of cash.

If you are willing to spend a bit more cash, I'm picking up a pair of the new active Bag End PM6 monitors which are about 650-700 bucks depending where you buy it. I plan on posting impressions, but remind me if I don't.

Lots of other options, if you narrow down your budget we'll figure something out.

 

[Cpt.America]

So that sub wont power a set of normal (unpowered) satalite speakers... hhm. Yeah, my budget is somewhere around $100. Just need decent quality with a little thump for video gaming is all.

 

[MidnightSensi]

So that sub wont power a set of normal (unpowered) satalite speakers... hhm. Yeah, my budget is somewhere around $100. Just need decent quality with a little thump for video gaming is all.

No, those speakers outputs are just a high pass filter.

You got me stumped for a total of 100 bucks. I'd say save more unless someone else has a good idea.

What about headphones? Maybe a 80-100 dollar pair of headphones might be a good solution?

 

[Cpt.America]

Here is a another question... what if I WERE to use a 2 channel stereo receiver. I have an old Kenwood 2 channel that I will likely never use again. Could I run speaker wire to the camp on the sub, then back out to a pair of un powered speakers? Im not sure how to wire up a sub and satalites to a stereo amp/receiver.... any help there?

 

[MidnightSensi]

Here is a another question... what if I WERE to use a 2 channel stereo receiver. I have an old Kenwood 2 channel that I will likely never use again. Could I run speaker wire to the camp on the sub, then back out to a pair of un powered speakers? Im not sure how to wire up a sub and satalites to a stereo amp/receiver.... any help there?

If the Kenwood doesn't have a subwoofer out, you can run a 1/8" out to stereo 1/4" RCA's into the back of the Kenwood. Then from the Kenwood you would run speaker cable from the speaker outs (L and R) to the speaker wire input jacks on the subwoofer and then another speaker wire pair from the outputs of the subwoofer to the speakers.

When that signal goes into the subwoofer, anything below the crossover frequency will go to the subwoofer and it will cut that material going to your speakers. So if the crossover is set at 80Hz, then the speakers will see 80 and greater only.

 

[Cpt.America]

So running speaker wire from the amp to the satalites... but with the sub in the middle, yeah? The sub can pick out the signal from the speaker wire?

 

[MidnightSensi]

Yup, you got it.

 

[Sherardp]

You could do a nice set of bookshelf speakers, pair of Polk Audio Rti4s can be had for very cheap now, with a BIC-H100 Sub and be done. If money is to spare a SVS PB10NSD would be awesome also. If my klipsch Ultra Promedia setup dies, its so on.

 

[ThA tRiXtA]

You could do a nice set of bookshelf speakers, pair of Polk Audio Rti4s can be had for very cheap now, with a BIC-H100 Sub and be done. If money is to spare a SVS PB10NSD would be awesome also. If my klipsch Ultra Promedia setup dies, its so on.

Same here, I'm almost hoping my set kicks the bucket just so I can go toy shopping.

Doesn't seem like they are about to anytime soon though, grumble grumble grumble...

 

[Exit]

Here is a link to Cambridge Soundworks Multimedia subwoofer/satellites systems from as low as $79.

http://www.cambridgesoundworks.com/store/category.cgi?category=mul_spk_csw

They are made for computers and are probably very easy to hook up.

 

[annunaki]

This was a nice option and was about $50.00 or so for the parts!

http://www.parts-express.com/projectshowcase/indexn.cfm?project=TheTriskaSub

It looks to be nice little setup for said duties.

 

[Cpt.America]

I think I might try that triska sub idea. looks like a fun little project. It would seem to me that there SHOULD be a flat type amp that could not only drive the sub, but could also drive a couple of satalites speakers at the same time so that one wouldn't need to use an external amp like my old kenwood. Are we SURE we can't do that with one of these amps?

 

[annunaki]

I think I might try that triska sub idea. looks like a fun little project. It would seem to me that there SHOULD be a flat type amp that could not only drive the sub, but could also drive a couple of satalites speakers at the same time so that one wouldn't need to use an external amp like my old kenwood. Are we SURE we can't do that with one of these amps?

The plate amplifier in this DIY project is not equipped to handle this. I am unaware of any plate amplifiers that offer this feature.

 

[Cpt.America]

The plate amplifier in this DIY project is not equipped to handle this. I am unaware of any plate amplifiers that offer this feature.

Yeah.. but there are a million different pre-fabbed computer speaker setups that have a little powered subwoofer, that ALSO drive a pair of satalites.