TheOscarGoesTo

I have an old SONY speaker system/cd player with jacks that look like this: [OO] for both the right side and the left side speakers. I was wondering if buying a *cheap* connector that somehow puts those two speaker cables into a headphone jack that goes into my Toshiba laptop, so I can use those speakers. If not, I'm throwing them out. Thanks.


EDIT: Oh, and if really don't know the type of speaker inputs I'm talking about, I'd be happy to just take a picture of them and attach to the forum. (:

smz

First Time post here too. I came into this group because I want to find out if anyone knows some detailed specs about a particular Viewsonic Monitor.

Nevertheless, Your post was the first one in this group. I am actually trying to figure out what plugs you are talking about. It seems to me you are talking about RCA Jacks and wanting to take a left and right RCA into a Mini 1/4 Stereo (2 rings on the silver tip)

If you want an accurate answer, you don't need to really post a pic, just list the model number of the Sony Speakers. I'm sure Google's got the specs. Doesn't sound like anything you can't get at Radio Shack.

Take it easy.

TheOscarGoesTo

Actually, the speakers are so old that Sony came out with a new boombox model of the same model number. I'll provide it anyway: CFD-550.

And these are definitely not RCA jacks. Here are the pictures. (see below)


056.jpg is an image of me holding the ends of one of the cables. A bit fuzzy, but should be able to see. The second image, 057.jpg, is another fuzzy image (whoops) of the place where the cable goes into the system.

Thanks for your help again.

Attached Images

	056.JPG (393.9 KB, 7 views)
	057.JPG (401.1 KB, 7 views)

Terrister

You could use a wireless fm transmitter to get the sound in the boombox.
http://www.arkon.com/fmtransmitter.php

smz

If you are dead set on using the boombox for sound you could take the advice of the poster after my reply or even a cassette tape to mini plug adapter. From the look of those two wire plugs, I am guessing that is speaker wire under the shielding and you don't wanna mess with speaker wire being converted to a very rigged setup. Don't even think you could solder each side directly to a mini jack.Would probably still have to make them rca on each speaker then convert with an adapter. I still don't know if the ohm rating and other possible red flags may pop up with this make shift stereo solution.

So I concur with the previous replier and will add that it is a waste of time, money, and time to try to make something out of this boombox for a solution you are trying to accomplish.

TheOscarGoesTo

Haha, thanks anyways.


On a related note, does anyone know any good 2.1 speaker systems under $50 USD?

Thanks.

Fox

I don't know why the FM transmitter system wouldn't work... it would also be convenient, because you could put the system in another room if you wanted to.

In any case, the plugs you are looking at really have nothing to do with the inputs. You'll need to power the speakers with something no matter what, so regardless of how you hook the PC up, there will need to be an amp in between.

As far as a 2.1 system goes... the stuff you find at Wal * Mart is crap. You'd be wasting your time buying it.

If you want decent sound, you'll have to resign yourself to paying at least a little more for it. I would recommend just buying an old receiver and a pair of floorstanding speakers along with an RCA adapter and cable, and you'll be set. The sound from those I've found to be better than almost all average computer speaker systems, and yet tend to cost less.

smz

As far as inexpensive, Creative labs and Logitech do make some fairly entry level products. I think the "Z" series from logitech may suit your purpose.

Altec Lansing as always been a nice product as well.
http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=121I-DT&cat=SPK
This set is $28

They have some really cheap solutions but like the walmart selection, you are best to stay away from generics.

Good Luck.

Fox

My receiver was 10 dollars, and the speakers were 20 for the pair. They're louder than the loudest computer speaker set you could possibly buy, and in my opinion sound better as well. The only difference is that you'd have to look for a similar deal at a garage sale or flea market, but it's not that hard to do. You could probably get what I have now for less than I paid for it.

Of course, if you're pressed for space or time, it might be worth just getting the standard-issue computer speaker set, but I think it's worth the extra effort to have a nice set.

TheOscarGoesTo

Actually, I was thinking more of the Logitech Z-4 white. List price is actually 99.99 USD, but I found a new one somewhere for sixty, I think.


Does anyone have any opinions about that?


PS. I kinda gave up on the boombox ones (:

smz

I have to agree with the poster about the speakers and receiver. No computer system in the world can rock like that, but I eventually caved in on a Creative Labs 5.1 system. Though the old setup was a pioneer receiver with the bose 2.1 home speaker setup. Something like a $700 set of speakers and base module. I have never heard a computer sound so good. But be forwarned, don't invest in a high end speaker system if you are using a garbage sound card. The difference between onboard and a Creative Labs soundblaster is night and day.

Anyways, Here's some price links for the best deals I've found on Logitech X & Z series.

http://www.pcconnection.com/ProductDetail?Sku=5454221

as for the Z-4: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...C-pr1c3grabb3r
pricegrabber promo for newegg $69

Take it easy.

TheOscarGoesTo

Thanks, I appreciate all your help.


Since I just have the Realtrek soundcard that came with my Toshiba, I'll probably just settle for a couple of sticks for less than thirty bucks. (:


But I'm glad that this issue is settled. Thanks again

-TheOscarGoesTo

smz

If you are even a mild sound fanatic like myself, well I am a bigtime sound guy being in radio and all that. You may not like messing with your computer on the inside. That is why they invented the USB sound card. Of course I wouldn't recommend anything but the Creative Labs true soundblaster though I have always been a fan of Turtle beach. But no one makes a more compatible aftermarket card then Creative. You may be able to grab one of those, the altec 2.1 combo for $28 and it will be sort of like having your cake and eating it too!!!

Well if you aren't that big on sound, then your realtek should do. But Even with the new addition of "High Definition Audio on board" it still does not compare to what creative labs extigy does. I also have the realtek on board
so it's a fair comparison.

So $45 for the Soundblaster
and $18 for a Logitech 2.1 System.
Just a thought...

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...C-PRICEGRABBER
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...0052&CatId=488


I'm nit picky about my sound. Heck I run a radio station on I-Tunes so I do listen to alot of music on my machine.

Take it easy.

TheOscarGoesTo

Actually, it doesn't make much difference about my sound (:


Cause all I've ever known are two cheap speakers with one driver each and no subwoofer.

Oh, and the soundcard came with the old six-year-old Dell laptop.


I think it's fair to say that ANY difference is a BIG difference (:



Probably, I'll just keep my old card and get new speakers.

Thanks for the link, I'll look into it.