What do I need to be able to play music from my computer on 4 large stereo speakers?

Question

I want to be able to play music on my stereo speakers that I have outside (wired or wireless is fine) but they are big stereo speakers and I don't know how I would connect them or if the computer has enough power to sound decent on them. Help?

Answer 1

If you pull too much power through your sound card to your speakers, you risk burning out the circuitry in the card. Also if you cannot drive the speakers, you risk hurting them too. It is best to use your computer as a music server to a receiver that powers the speakers. The receiver usually has enough power through it's internal amp to power the speakers. You could also push an amp with your computer, but you'd get deeper sound through a receiver IMO.

Route the audio from your sound card into your aux in connection on your receiver.

Have fun with it.

Answer 2

You need an amplifier to drive the 'speakers.

The "line" output from your computer cannot drive 'speakers directly.

The "receiver" mentioned by the other correspondent is a radio tuner and amplifier in one case. They will usually have a "line in" connection which you can use if you have a "receiver."

There should be no difference in sound quality between an ordinary amplifier and a "receiver."