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Ways to connect headphones and 5.1 speakers to computer?

post #1 of 5
12/31/05 at 1:45pm
Thread Starter 
Disclaimer: I searched the forums already and didn't come out with a satisfactory answer.

I recently got a 5.1 speaker (Logitech Z-5500) setup for my computer, and it takes up all the jacks on the soundcard (an audigy 2 zs). The 5.1 system has a headphone out that is a lot worse than the out on the soundcard (which is used up by the speakers for the front channels). However, I only want to use the 5.1 system for games and headphones for everything else.

So what is the best way to connect headphones? I have thought of these options:

-I have a Monster splitter that I could attach to the jack on the soundcard and use to split between headphones and the front channels, but I am afraid this could cause damage. Also I believe it lessens the signal (at least the sound gets quieter) when I use it.

-Radio shack makes a headphone/speaker switcher, but it looks kinda crappy . . . did anyone try this?

-Or would it be better to get one of those headphone-to-RCA adapters and connect to an AV switcher?

-Or is there another way to get the sound out of my computer without using the headphone jack on the soundcard?

Thanks in advance!
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post #2 of 5
1/2/06 at 7:59pm
Bump.. since I'm wondering the same thing.
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post #3 of 5
1/7/06 at 5:44pm
Your best option would be to, first get rid of the crappy 5.1 set up. Then get a good reciver. Go out find a good pair of speakers for a 2ch set up. Then once you have that, get a mini to rca cable. Put that into the revicer. And now you got speakers, and as long as the reciver has a headphone jack you got headphones also.
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post #4 of 5
1/7/06 at 7:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sahwnfras
Your best option would be to, first get rid of the crappy 5.1 set up. Then get a good reciver. Go out find a good pair of speakers for a 2ch set up. Then once you have that, get a mini to rca cable. Put that into the revicer. And now you got speakers, and as long as the reciver has a headphone jack you got headphones also.
...Or you get a second (cheap+good) soundcard, such as the av710, and a headphone amplifier, install them and you can listen to a nice, clean sound through your cans with your speakers turned off
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post #5 of 5
1/7/06 at 8:01pm
I think it's not really helpful to tell the OP to get rid of his current speakers, considering that he plays games and a 5.1 setup is really important for any hardcore gamer.
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