iPod how much power can a computer send out to speakers?

[Keebler]

hey there,

quick question: a neighbour wants to run itunes to 4 speakers, mounted in walls, what would a computer need to do this? a specific video card? I wouldn't need an amp right?

They wouldn't be using a mac - a pc.

any ideas? Is it feasible to connect 4 speakers to an aiport express? would that work?

Cheers,
Keebler

 

[GimmeSlack12]

Speakers are connected to an amp, not the Airport Express directly. This is how all stereos work unless its a mini-plug computer speakers. No audio card is needed (I think that was a typo right?).

 

[Keebler]

Speakers are connected to an amp, not the Airport Express directly. This is how all stereos work unless its a mini-plug computer speakers. No audio card is needed (I think that was a typo right?).

ok..so unless the speakers are powered themselves, they definitely need an amp.

i thought if you had a great audio card, you could connect them directly to the computer, but as you can see, i'm not a jedi in these matters.

 

[CanadaRAM]

Nope, even the best sound card (or Airport express) is outputting a line level or headphone-level signal, not an amplified speaker-level signal.

Your friend's best bet might be to recycle a stereo amp or receiver that has been made redundant by a 5.1 home theatre system. Most stereo amps or receivers have 2 pairs of speaker outs. Just jack the computer or AE into the CD input of the amp, and away you go.

 

[Keebler]

Nope, even the best sound card (or Airport express) is outputting a line level or headphone-level signal, not an amplified speaker-level signal.

Your friend's best bet might be to recycle a stereo amp or receiver that has been made redundant by a 5.1 home theatre system. Most stereo amps or receivers have 2 pairs of speaker outs. Just jack the computer or AE into the CD input of the amp, and away you go.

thanks CRam.