Connect computer to wire inputs

[sslane]

Hello,
I have ceiling speakers installed in a house that I recently purchased. My grandson was able to wire them to his stereo receiver by using speaker wire, so I know they work.

What I'd like to do is connect the stereo wire to my computer in order to play something like say, Pandora, throughout my house. I have a 5/1 set of speakers on my computer now.

As far as I know, the wall switch which controls the ceiling speakers has two sets of inputs, labeled 1 and 2. Each set has 2 pinch plugs.. one red and one black.

Fortunately, my computer is only about 6 feet from this wall mounted input for the ceiling speakers.

Obviously, the regular computer speakers are plugged into the computer now, and I'd like to leave those attached, and have a switch or something in order to activate the ceiling speakers. (LOL I don't need the entire house hearing that I've got mail!)

Can you give me an idea of how to make this work?

Thanks in advance!!!
Sharon

 

[lazyperson17]

The stereo receiver may already have "Sound In" inputs for LR/Surround Audio. You could possibly just purchase a normal Left/Right Audio Cable to 3.5mm jack and go from there. If not, let me know and ill get a bit more extensive

 

[sslane]

I appreciate your answer. However, my grandson uses his stereo receiver upstairs, so there is not a receiver on the ceiling speakers currently. I had hoped I might be able to connect the ceiling speakers directly to the computer.

If not, could you tell me what all inputs and outputs I would need for a receiver to have to make this work? Thanks!

 

[lazyperson17]

OK, after doing some digging, here are the 2 items that you will need. (and if you need more speaker wire, just buy matching gauge copper wire)

First, you need a RCA to Speaker Wire converter:

http/www.google.com/products?hl=en&q=RCA+to+Speaker+Wire+Converter&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=l5xOTNncCYr6sAPyvazkBw&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=image&resnum=1&ved=0CDUQzAMwAA

Then, you need a 3.5mm (headphone jack) to RCA:

http/www.google.com/search?aq=f&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=3.5mm+to+RCA

You combine these two, and you should be able to use the speakers. If you want a more complex system, you will need to get a Receiver system, which cost so much by themselves, your better off buying a new surround sound system for the same price.... (but thats just my opinion)