[kwang411]

Hey guys, I usually use my Sony X player as my source, but currently I got myself a Little Dot MkIV SE and a pair of K701s, so I want to listen to the lossless files I have on my PC.

How would I connect BOTH computer speakers AND headphone amp at the same time, so that I can switch between the 2 outputs? So for example I want to use speakers to watch movies/play games, but use my K701s to listen to music. Right now I don't have a sound card, but I'm planning on getting one sometime.

Thanks in advance!

 

[CSMR]

Option 1: use the volume control on the sound card/switch on the headphone amplifier and the switches on the speakers (for active speakers) or amplifier (passive)
Option 2: use a passive switch from the analog out of your speaker. (works if you are using a headphone amplifier) These can be more expensive than they need to be.
Option 3: if you really vary your use of speakers and headphones so definitely between tasks, get a multichannel sound card, set as the OS default the output corresponding the speakers, and set your music player to output to the sound card outputs corresponding to headphones.

 

[Hybrys]

Easiest: 1/8" splitter / Y adapter.

Moderate: Manually activated switch that has one in, and multiple outs. (See: STEREO AUDIO SWITCH - A B Audio Switch Box MK2 on this site.)

Best: Install a sound card, and have it drive one, and the other drive the... other. Sound Card --> Amp. Onboard --> Speakers. Somehow bridge the sound, or select dedicated audio devices inside your programs.

 

[kwang411]

Thanks CSMR, but I don't think options 1 and 2 are feasible because my speakers are just normal PC speakers. I think I will look into option 3.

I'm thinking about buying either a Onkyo SE90/SE200 or Creative 0404 card, though the 0404 seems better because it has 2 RCA outputs, which one could go to my speakers and one to my amp. I guess the only problem is that sound would come out from the speakers as well if I'm using my headphones..