How to Hook Sound Speakers Up to a Computer

Connecting an external set of speakers to a computer can enhance the multimedia experience while gaming, listening to music or enjoying web content. Listening to audio on a laptop practically demands a set of speakers since the built-in speakers on many laptops do not produce high-quality sound. The external speakers must be self-powered by an internal amplifier since the computer is not equipped with a power amp sufficient to drive the extra speakers. Most speaker packages come with audio cables equipped with mini-plugs; no extra supplies are needed.

Step 1

Check the back of the computer tower to determine the available connections. Some newer computers will be equipped with separate audio jacks for the left, right, center and rear surround-sound speakers. Older PCs will have a single "Line Out" jack for connecting a pair of stereo speakers or a subwoofer, which will have its own jacks for connecting the other speakers.

Step 2

Connect individual speakers directly to the back of a newer computer with individual audio jacks labeled for each speaker. For example, connect the mini-plug on the end of the left-channel speaker cable to the jack marked on the computer for the front left speaker.

Step 3

Connect a multi-channel speaker system to a computer with only one "Line Out" jack by hooking up the speakers to the labeled jacks on the subwoofer (the largest speaker in the package), then connect the subwoofer cable to the "Line Out" jack on the computer.

Step 4

Hook up a pair of stereo speakers to the computer by plugging the left speaker cable into the jack on the back of the right speaker, then inserting the right speaker cable into the "Line Out" jack on the computer.

Step 5

Plug the DC power cord into the socket on the back of the subwoofer or the right-channel speaker and connect the plug on the other end to an electrical outlet.

Step 6

Turn the On/Off/Volume knob clockwise on the right speaker or the subwoofer, depending on the model, and adjust to the desired sound level.

Warning

• Dial down the volume before connecting speakers to prevent a jarring and potentially damaging power surge.

References

• Hardware Secrets: Connect 5.1 Speakers to Your PC

About the Author

James Clark began his career in 1985. He has written about electronics, appliance repair and outdoor topics for a variety of publications and websites. He has more than four years of experience in appliance and electrical repairs. Clark holds a bachelor's degree in political science.

Photo Credits

• computer speakers image by sarit saliman from Fotolia.com