Connecting Stereo Speakers

Question

Level 2

195 points

Connecting Stereo Speakers

I'd like to connect regular stereo speakers, that is, those with RCA cables, to play music from my iBook G4. Griffin Technologies used to sell a pre-amp called the PowerWave and a nifty inexpensive adapter, but both have been discontinued. Can anyone recommend other third-party peripherals that will do the trick? Any advice would be most appreciated.

Posted on Oct 7, 2005 7:29 AM

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Answer 1

Oct 7, 2005 12:53 PM in response to Gregory Lypny

Can you not use a simple audio "Y" adapter cable that goes from your headphone port and splits into RCA plugs? Something like this? If the speakers aren't powered, you won't get much volume out of them...

-Doug

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Answer 2

Gregory Lypny Author

Level 2

195 points

Oct 8, 2005 1:09 PM in response to Douglas McLaughlin

Thank you for responding, Douglas. I think the Y-connector would do the trick, but I'd still need the pre-amp because, as you pointed out, there won't be much volume out of passive speakers, which is what I have. However, I do know that the Ys work well be themselves on iMacs because iMacs do provide enough juice to run passive speakers.

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Answer 3

Oct 8, 2005 9:45 PM in response to Gregory Lypny

Gregory,

If you are asking how to connect your iBook to a Stereo Receiver, then the 1/8" mini to RCA (phono) plug connector would be all you need. The RCA jacks would plug into any open "Line IN" on your receiver. Or for that matter most modern televisions etc. However if I'm understanding your message you want to hook up a pair of non amplified speakers directly to your iBook. If this is correct you will need some type of Stereo Amplifier. Not a pre-amp, which is a specific type of amplifier for increasing sub line level signals before going into an amplifier. Any inexpensive stereo receiver will work for you, there are units for less than $100.00 at any electronics/mega mart.

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Answer 4

Gregory Lypny Author

Level 2

195 points

Oct 9, 2005 9:23 AM in response to QuestarKen

Hi QuestarKen,
Thanks for your reply. It is non-amplified speakers that I want to connect, and you're right: it's not a pre-amp that I'm after but an amp. Griffin's now discontinued PowerWave is an inexpensive 20-watt amp that was designed with a variety of ports to work with Macs, particularly for recording with GarageBand, so it fit the bill nicely. But now that I know that any receiver will do, I'll check out Radio Shack and see what they have. I just thought that a third-party Mac accessories company might be the best first stop.
Gregory

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Answer 5

Oct 9, 2005 8:37 PM in response to Gregory Lypny

Just an fyi, I checked the ads for radioshack and found nothing less than $149.00 . Circuit City had one advertised for only $79.00, and I'm sure a search of the megalomarts would find others.

As for the Griffin powerwave, even the least expensive home audio receiver will have far superior audio specs to that. The limiting factor in hooking up an ibook to a home stereo is the iBooks audio processing and your encoding method. regardless of that, I use my 14" ibook in my home entertainment center and find it worthwhile. I used a sound blaster audigy card when I was on Windows, and although technically there is a difference, these old ears do not notice it anymore.

By the way, I did find a few retailers still selling the powerwave if you are intent on it, although honestly, I'd go the home receiver route.

http://www.adorama.com/GFPOWERWAVE.html

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Answer 6

Oct 10, 2005 7:01 AM in response to Gregory Lypny

Okay, I found the perfect amp here. It's called the T-Amp. Audiophiles are going crazy, it has excellent quality of sound, and it also has the abilty to run on 8 AA batteries (or AC). It's about the size of a Mac Mini, and it only costs $30.
http://www.thinkgeek.com/electronics/audio/6cd8/

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Answer 7

Gregory Lypny Author

Level 2

195 points

Oct 10, 2005 9:50 AM in response to QuestarKen

Thanks for the heads-up. I think I will look at home audio receivers. I'm sure that there are modern ones that come with a few ports that make them compatible with computers.

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Answer 8

Gregory Lypny Author

Level 2

195 points

Oct 10, 2005 9:52 AM in response to Daniel Naito

Looks interesting, Daniel. But it appears that the only input it accepts is a standard audio line from the sound system.

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Answer 9

Oct 10, 2005 6:40 PM in response to Daniel Naito

Daniel,

there is no free ride in audio equipment, you really do get what you pay for. I notice that in te ads etc they never post actual specs, and the output into 4 ohm is useless. unless you need to go for a portable unit, you really are better off with even the cheapest home audio receiver.

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