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Quick Guide: How to Connect Bookshelf Speakers to a Computer

Are you looking for how to connect bookshelf speakers to computers? Many computers, especially laptops, have mediocre speakers that give poor audio output, and some PCs don’t have a speaker.

Budget laptops and midrange computers have poor sound performance because their built-in speakers have little or no tuning. Therefore, listening to music or playing games on your system becomes less thrilling.

computer and bookshelf speakers connected
Photo by Ryan Yao on Unsplash

But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a top-notch audio performance when consuming multimedia on your computer. All you need are your regular bookshelf speakers, and once connected to your computer, you’ll get super immersive audio output. Gaming or watching Netflix becomes exciting again.

However, connecting your bookshelf speakers to a computer is tricky. You’ll have more to worry about than cracking sounds if you do things the wrong way. This guide shows you how to connect bookshelf speakers to a computer quickly.

What You Need to Connect Your Bookshelf Speakers to Computer

bookshelf speakers and a computer
Photo by Damian Patkowski on Unsplash

Firstly, when looking at how to connect bookshelf speakers to computers, you need some things, in addition to your computer and bookshelf speakers. Each of these components plays a role in converting the electric signals from your computer into sound.

Four Things You Need to Connect a Bookshelf Speaker to a Computer

1. PC or Laptop

Your PC or Laptop is the first thing you should get. It’s the main component in this setup. The music you wish to play originates from your laptop. Therefore, you should make sure there’s enough juice to carry it. If not, plug it in and warm it up before starting the connections.

For PCs, plug it in, and the necessary software is already installed, such as music player software.

2. Bookshelf Speakers

A pair of bookshelf speakers hit the sweet spot for the best audio output. The Bookshelf Speakers take in the converted electric signals from your computer – PC or Laptop – and turn them into sound waves which you hear.

In addition, check to see they are in good shape. You may pretest the speakers before starting your connections.

3. External Desktop Amplifier

This device powers the Bookshelf speakers. The electric power that runs the speakers comes from the amplifier. In addition, the external desktop amplifier converts electrical signals from your computer into sound. And for this purpose, it’s a vital device you need.

Getting an amplifier with a USB input and 3.5 mm input is the best, so you take advantage of any port you wish in case the other port is occupied.

The 3.5mm RCA cable connects the external desktop amplifier to your computer.

4. 3.5mm to RCA Cable

This cable does the rest of the job by connecting these individual pieces. The wire is where electric signals flow.

This cable is also an essential part of this setup. Therefore, make sure you’ve got the correct wires ready before starting.

How to Connect Bookshelf Speakers to Computer in Five Simple Steps

computer connected to bookshelf speakers showing wires
Image by shaneaugustus on Pixabay

Now, let’s look at the actual process of connecting the bookshelf speakers to your computer. There are five easy steps here, and make sure you follow them carefully, so you do not have to repeat the process.

Five Steps to Connect Bookshelf Speakers to Your Computer

  • Firstly, connect the bookshelf speakers to the external desktop amplifier. Take a speaker wire and insert it in the right terminal of the external desktop amplifier.

Then, take the other speaker wire and insert it in the left terminal of the external desktop amplifier.

  • Next, take the free end of the ‘right’ speaker wire and put it in the terminal of the right speaker. Likewise, take the free end of the ‘left’ speaker wire and insert it in the same terminal for the left speaker.

You’ve connected the right and left bookshelf speakers to the external desktop amplifier. Do the same for your PC or laptop. At this stage, you need the 3.5mm RCA cables.

  • To connect the external digital amplifiers to your computer, take the 3.5mm to RCA cables and insert the two pins to the amplifier’s right and left RCA channels.

In addition, since the amplifier allows 3.5 mm input and USB input, you have the option of using the auxiliary input. Just use the 3.5mm cable to connect your PC or laptop to the amplifier via their 3.5mm ports. That is, put one end in the 3.5mm port of your PC and the other end in the 3.5mm port of the amplifier.

  • Take the other (USB) end of the RCA cable and insert it into your computer. Make sure that it gets recognized by your PC or laptop.
  • Connect the power cable to the amplifier and insert the plug into a power source. Finally, turn on the power source and test the connection with a song.

That’s all it takes to sit back and enjoy sweet music or top-level gaming from your computer.

How to Get the Best Music Out of Your Bookshelf Speakers

computer playing through a bookshelf speaker
Image on Pixabay by Pixabay

Getting your bookshelf speaker connected in the right way doesn’t necessarily mean you will get fantastic music or game audio. Other factors affect the quality of sound produced by the speakers. These factors are also part of what you should know about the question, “how to connect bookshelf speakers to computers.”

Five Factors Affecting Bookshelf Speaker Sound Quality

Speaker Placement

Top on this list is speaker placement. The way you keep your speakers on your desk or floor affects the audio quality coming from your speakers.

Place the speakers to form an equilateral triangle with you at the tip. The right and left speakers should point inwards while facing you. This way, your ears receive a synced sound from both speakers.

Angle Between the Speakers

The next factor that can improve your audio quality is the angle between the right and left speakers. Look at your wall clock, so you get an idea of the angle. The best angle is when the clock’s hands are ten and two.

Then, adjust your speakers till you hit the sweet spot.

Distance Separating the Speakers

Keep the speakers four feet apart for the best audio performance. If free space is a problem, for instance, on crowded tables, a distance of three feet between the right and left bookshelf speakers also gives excellent audio.

However, distances less than three feet increase the interference between the two speakers, and therefore, you have more noise than music. Likewise, distances more than four feet reduce overlap drastically in a way that makes the sound coming from the right and left speakers unsynced.

Height of the Speakers

The size of your speakers also affects the quality of sound you get. It is best to keep your speakers on a secure surface, like a table, and not on the floor.

Use heights or stand to elevate the speakers a bit, so their tweeters are at the level of your ear. Angled or tilted speaker stands also increase the sound output significantly by filling the room with powerful sound.

Objects in Your Room

Avoid placing objects in front of the bookshelf speakers as these tend to reduce the audio quality drastically. Moreso, make sure your speakers are not close to any wall as they increase sound reflections.

The more reflections there are, the more dampened the sound gets. And this ruins the audio quality.

Conclusion

You’ve seen how to connect bookshelf speakers to a computer in five easy steps. Use this simple maneuver to boost your audio quality, especially when gaming or watching movies on your PC or computer.

This way, you’ll have a super immersive experience while chilling out at home.

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