Bookshelf speakers can prove excellent computer speakers. This is possible if you know how to connect them to your PC. However, connecting them two is not as simple as connecting an AUX cable. How to connect your bookshelf speakers to the PC depends on a few variables. We will break down everything about establishing this connection in this article. Since speakers can be either passive or active, they have different methods to connect. Read this guide before buy bookshelf speakers. Let’s start with connecting passive speakers.
How to Connect Passive Bookshelf Speakers to PC
The process of connecting passive speakers to a PC is a bit more complex as compared to active speakers. Since these speakers don’t have their own power supply, an amplifier or receiver is used to typically power them. Either of the two provides these speaker powers via speaker wire. For this, you can buy either a banana plug or a bare wire. After this, you need to connect your computer to a receiver or amplifier to send the audio signal.
Connecting Passive Speakers and PC to Amplifier
For this use case, the 2 channel power amplifiers are the most simple and straightforward solution. Moreover, they are also more convenient and more complicated for small desks. Especially when you want to use only bookshelf speakers. The AIYIMA A07 is not only a 2 channel amplifier but also a perfect example of the bass functionality it needs.
Equipment Needed
- Computer
- Passive bookshelf speakers
- Power and Amplifier cable
- 3.5mm to RCA cable
What to Make Sure
- Make sure your amplifier is not plugged
- Connect wires of each speaker to an amplifier
- The wire of each speaker comes with two separate wires
- You need to connect each speaker wire to the left or right bookshelf speaker.
- Connect the positive/red-lined side of the wire to the red input
- Connect other speaker wire inputs to the negative side.
- Connect wires of a speaker to the binding post of each speaker
- The left bookshelf speaker should be connected to the left speaker wire. The same is for the right side.
- Make sure the negative and positive/red cables also match the speaker
- After this, connect the RCA end of the wire to the amplifier input
- To the red input connect the red side of the RCA cable. And same is the case with the white side.
- Connect the AUX end of your wire to the PC
- Now plug in the amplifier power wire.
Now you have successfully connected them to the amplifier. There are a few things that you should keep in mind about this setup. Amplifiers such as receivers are different in their connectivity. The instructions mentioned above will be relevant for most as RCA cable is the standard connection option. What it means is that connection via 3.5mm to RCA cable is a popular option. Just like the AIYIMA A07, many other amplifiers are also good to go for a direct AUX connection. In this case, you only need an AUX cable.
Many amplifiers such as the Fosi Audio DA2120C come with extensive audio input options and a Digital-to-analog converter (DAC).
Some others may have a subwoofer-out line to ensure an easy 2.1 setup. This is very much like a sub-pre-out which sends audio to an active subwoofer. This is an ideal choice for those who want to add deep bass and low frequencies to their setup. And in order to create an impactful bass, you need a subwoofer with bookshelf speakers.
For those amplifiers, connecting speaker cables can be a very identical process. The options for connecting your PC are numerous like Bluetooth. Although a wireless connection such as Bluetooth is convenient and easy, the wired connection is perfect for the best sound quality. Due to this, the RCA cable is the priority option for most people to connect their speakers to a PC.
Connecting Passive Speakers and PC to a Receiver
Similar is the process of connecting your passive bookshelf speakers and PC to a receiver. An AV or stereo receiver will offer more audio input options. They will also come with many other features by default. That includes audio features such as radio, phono input, codec support, DAC, music streamer, etc. AV receivers have even more features but are more effective for home theatre. Many receivers also come with the ability to power more than two speakers. If your budget does not allow this, you can ignore this. Their large size also makes them unfit if your space is limited.
How to Connect Active Bookshelf Speakers to a PC
Compared to passive speakers, connecting your active bookshelf speakers and PC is much simpler. Due to their built-in amplifier, active or powered speakers come with their own power supply. Thus, you don’t need to play around with binding posts, banana plugs, or speaker wire. After you have turned your active speakers on, connectivity options differ according to the product. The best active bookshelf speakers come with plenty of connectivity options such as Coaxial, 3.5mm, RCA, Bluetooth, etc. Powered speakers are a great pick if you are searching for an affordable option. What is more, you don’t need to spend extra money on a separate amp. The majority of them also accompany convenient remote control. Due to these reasons, these speakers are your best option for quality, compact speakers that have a simple setup process.
How to Find Whether Speakers are Active or Passive
To find this, turn around your speakers. If you find binding posts with black and red inputs for speaker cables, your speakers are passive bookshelf. In case you find audio ports and a power plug on the back panel, you have active bookshelf speakers. In addition to this, the majority of these speakers also come with onboard controls to adjust bass, treble, and volume.
Closing Words
Since the audio on computers is usually subpar, people want to enjoy a better sound quality whether they are watching YouTube videos, or listening to music. Here come bookshelf speakers that amplify your music listening experience. Connecting them to your PC is an issue no longer once you read this article.
