Monitors and PC'S...

[SOUND DIAGNOSIS]

How do most home-reckers amplify and hookup their monitors to their PC? I am presently using an upgraded Altec-Lansing system with a real deep and tight sub-woofer, but I think I want to upgrade. Shit, these 3 speakers actually sound great and the few test demos I have made and mixed with these speakers sound dang good to me, whether I auditioned in a boom box, home stereo, car stereo, or a boat stereo!. Should I bother upgrading and HOW do you drive 2 monitors from your basic PC sound card?? Thanks for any responses in advance -----ROB

 

[tdukex]

If you are already that pleased with your mixes, why upgrade? It'll cost you $400 - $600 for a decent entry level monitoring system. Maybe you should spend your money on other equipment.

However, if you do decide to upgrade, you can either go with powered monitors (they have their own amps) or you can buy unpowered (passive) monitors and also buy a separate reference amp like a Hafler to drive the monitors.

 

[Chris Shaeffer]

If it sounds good, why upgrade?

The only reason I can see to upgrade would be to ensure that your mixes sound good on every playback system. That's a tricky game, anyway, and takes a while to get down even with good monitors.

Doh! Tdukex beat me to the punch.

So the output from your soundcard either goes directly to the powered monitors or to the amp that drives the passive monitors.

Have fun!
Chris

 

[SOUND DIAGNOSIS]

Thanks Chris and Dukey. That all makes a hell of alot of sense I guess I would need powered stuff since I believe that these Altecs are powered by an AMP in the sub-woofer itself . Boy, is it against the law to have as much fun as we all are having with our toys, OR WHAT???? ROFL!!! Thanks again, guyzzz -----ROB

 

[Fangar]

If you did decide to get some new powered monitors, you would simply remove the 1/8" output jack that is used for your Altec's and plug in a stereo 18" to (2) mono Y (1/4" for most) and you are set. If you wanted to, you could also get 1/8" stereo to (2) 1/8" stereo to allow you to have both speaker sets plugged into the PC at the same time. Then you would control them with the power switches. Works well for me this way.

Fangar

 

[SOUND DIAGNOSIS]

If you did decide to get some new powered monitors, you would simply remove the 1/8" output jack that is used for your Altec's and plug in a stereo 18" to (2) mono Y (1/4" for most) and you are set. If you wanted to, you could also get 1/8" stereo to (2) 1/8" stereo to allow you to have both speaker sets plugged into the PC at the same time. Then you would control them with the power switches. Works well for me this way.

Fangar

Thanks, Fangster. Appreciate the additional in-foe-ma-shun. ----ROB

 

[Fangar]

You bet Rob,

Good Luck.

Fangar