Connect a Computer to a Stereo System

Follow these simple steps to connect your Computer to your Stereo System.

Steps

  1. Locate your audio out jack by looking at the back of the computer. The out audio jack is usually coloured green.
  2. Plug in the male stereo Build a Professional Audio Cable. Put the male prong side of the stereo audio cable into the out audio jack that is located on the back of the computer.
  3. Take the other end of the stereo audio cable, and plug the male prong side into the stereo audio female Y cable.
  4. Plug one end of the RCA cable into the Y cable. Plug in the white male RCA with the white female RCA, and plug the red male RCA with the red female RCA.
  5. Locate the “AUX IN” red and white ports on the back of the stereo. The red port stands for right, and the white port stands for left.
  6. Plug the other end of the RCA cable with the stereo system ports. Plug in the white male RCA with the white female port, and plug the red male RCA with the red female port.
  7. Choose "AUX" on the stereo itself to receive the sound from the computer. On some stereos this is either done by the remote control, or manually.
  8. Check for connectivity on your computer. This may vary depending on what kind of computer/OS you have.
    • Navigate to the Add a Control Panel to Your Talk Page (usually through the Start menu). Click on Hardware and Sound, then the Sound icon. Click on the Playback tab. Look at where it says Speakers. If it has a green check mark, that means it's been recognized. If it has a red down arrow that means it has no audio input. Make sure all wires are plugged in correctly to avoid the computer from not recognizing the audio input.



Tips

  • To adjust the volume settings:
  • You may run into a "ground loop" problem in which a low-pitched hum (from your electric wiring) plays through the stereo speakers. This is quite common, but you can often solve this problem by purchasing a ground loop isolator and installing it between the computer and stereo. Ground loop isolators contain transformers that eliminate ground loops by isolating the stereo from the computer. Major online retailers such as RadioShack and Amazon sell these devices.
  • This process can be significantly simplified by purchasing a cable of sufficient length that has a male 1/8" mini jack (headphones style) connector on one end and two male RCA connectors on the other end. This decreases the number of components required and also saves you a couple bucks.

Warnings

  • Make sure to start with the lowest volume on both systems or you could damage your speakers.
  • While it is not necessary on modern systems, to be safe, turn off the computer and stereo until you're done connecting the cables.

Things You'll Need

  • RCA Cable
  • 2 x RCA / 1 x 3.5mm Stereo Female, Y-Cable
  • Male to Male 3.5mm (1/8") Stereo Audio Cable
    • You can also find a cable at an electronic supply houses, like Radio Shack, that has the 3.5mm male plug on one end and the RCA Phono plugs on the other end negating the need for the Y-cable adapter.
    • Alternatively, many computers these days have a digital audio output. If your computer has digital audio output it will be an optical connection, or a coaxial connection or both. Get a cable to match with the corresponding jack on your home stereo system.
    • An optical connection will be a black or dark gray rectangular jack. It may have a dummy plug in it or it may have a tiny door that swings out of the way.
    • A coaxial digital audio connection with be like an RCA Phono jack with, typically, an orange center.

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