Connecting speakers to a computer

[Caladon]

I have been given 2 very large speakers and I want to connect them to my computer, as I currently use a small mini hi-fi with a cord from line out to the mic socket.
The new speakers have the black and red clips at the back.
Do I need an amp to run them through? Do I need a special sound card, or is there a simple usb device I can simply plug in? They are huge things, so presumably need their own power source derived from an amp, rather than the computer itself.

Much appreciated

[peanut]

sounds to me like the speakers you are referring to are 8 ohms. even with the amp that you would need to run these; i think you would run the risk of burning up your sound output on your computer. your sound output is not intended for 8 ohms impedence.

[EDLEE]

You will certainly need an amplifier of some sort to feed large speakers. It may be possible to use the mini hifi you mentioned. Look it over to see if there are output jacks or terminals. If not any device you might have with both an audio in and out may work. If all else fails it's time for a shopping trip. Your first stop should be to a computer store if their people are knowledgable. Otherwise an audio shop.

The other choice, and the one I would go with if money were to be spent, is to look into a DVD burner. You could then burn your favorites to a DVD and play it on your telli. Most tellis have audio outputs as do most DVD players.

Good luck

[Caladon]

Thanks chaps.

Edlee, burning them is a good idea, but I really want them plugged to my computer as 1 i have nearly 10,000 downlo... legally bought *coughs* songs and using itunes is a simple way of accessing them and 2 I play battlefield 2 so need the better sound on my comp.

My little hifi that is currently connected, via a single wire from the line out to the mic on the hifi... would that same line be ok to run to an amp and then from the amp to the speakers? or would a usb, or upgraded soundcard, be more appropriate?