I've just upgraded my main sound system, which leaves me with an old JVC all in one system which I'd like to (partially re-use) as speakers for my PC.
The system in question is a MX-J75R (User manual)
This system has seen better days (the tape decks haven't worked for many years and the CD changer also stopped working a couple of years ago). The amplifier and speakers however are in perfect working order. So, no longer ideal as a main system, but definitely a potential upgrade for my computer's audio.
The front (bookcase size) speakers I definitely want to keep. While the styling has dated badly and an audiophile probably wouldn't have them in the house they're actually quite decent and definitely more than adequate for the job:
The rear and centre speakers (smaller satellite sized units) are less impressive. While not really good enough for movies they should however be enough for with the computer (I just want to know when a zombie is behind me, not top notch audio quality from these):
My actual question is how best to connect these speakers to the computer. Obviously the lowest cost (free) option is to use the JVC hi-fi to drive them. However although this is a five speaker system it is only Dolby Pro Logic, not 5.1 - so in reality the sound effects aren't that great, if they work at all.
Next option is to get a cheap 5.1 amp/receiver from ebay and use this to drive the speakers. However I'm not sure if connecting speakers with massively different impedances and power handling capabilities to the same amp is a feasible option??
Final option is are the centre/rear speakers small enough that the PC could drive them directly without an amp involved? (Fronts only connected to the JVC unit in this case).
Any input on the feasibility of these options would be appreciated.
The system in question is a MX-J75R (User manual)
This system has seen better days (the tape decks haven't worked for many years and the CD changer also stopped working a couple of years ago). The amplifier and speakers however are in perfect working order. So, no longer ideal as a main system, but definitely a potential upgrade for my computer's audio.
The front (bookcase size) speakers I definitely want to keep. While the styling has dated badly and an audiophile probably wouldn't have them in the house they're actually quite decent and definitely more than adequate for the job:
■ 6 Ohms. Max 120 watts
The rear and centre speakers (smaller satellite sized units) are less impressive. While not really good enough for movies they should however be enough for with the computer (I just want to know when a zombie is behind me, not top notch audio quality from these):
■ Centre: 8 Ohms. Max 30 watts.
■ Rear: 16 Ohms. Max 30 watts.
My actual question is how best to connect these speakers to the computer. Obviously the lowest cost (free) option is to use the JVC hi-fi to drive them. However although this is a five speaker system it is only Dolby Pro Logic, not 5.1 - so in reality the sound effects aren't that great, if they work at all.
Next option is to get a cheap 5.1 amp/receiver from ebay and use this to drive the speakers. However I'm not sure if connecting speakers with massively different impedances and power handling capabilities to the same amp is a feasible option??
Final option is are the centre/rear speakers small enough that the PC could drive them directly without an amp involved? (Fronts only connected to the JVC unit in this case).
Any input on the feasibility of these options would be appreciated.