Computer speaker compatible?

Xyphon112

I'm looking to upgrade my speakers, but before I drop 200 bucks on a new set, I was wondering if I would be able to use the amp on my computer speaker subwoofer with the new speakers. The sub is part of a Logitech 4.1 system that my friend gave me and I want to make sure I'm not going to damage anything if I do connect the speakers to this amp.

I think some potential problems are the impedance rating of the amp versus the 8 ohm impedance rating of the speakers. I have no idea what resistance this thing is operating at. Other than that, power is power as long as it comes from somewhere, I suppose.

Anyone have experience with this kind of thing?

Thanks.

WilliamM2

The 8ohm load should be no problem for the Logitech amp. But if it's anything like the Logitech 4.1 system I have on my computer, there is built in equalization on the speaker outputs, it's not adjustable, and is designed to boost frequencies that are lacking on the cheap speakers that come with it. It's doubtful this curve would sound good with other speakers.

I tried hooking up my T20e's (same as monitor 30's) to mine, the sound was horrible.

SivaNevets

which logitech speaker u were talking abt? ive audited several ive to say those r the worst speakers ive ever heard for the price (cant even compare to my first Creative Cambridge soundworks 2.1). i havent heard the z-5300s, the reviews r good but i doubt it.
i recently hooked up my new RTI6 (Rtia3) to an klipsch iFi 2.1 sub, it has 200W class D amp, similar situation as urs but i assume its a better amp than urs, they sound a lot better than the original klipsch RSX-3 satelite, but theres no bass coming out from the speaker as it suppose to. Then i checked the specs and find out the crossover is set at 160hz and not adjustable.
my M10 also arrives few days ago, they sound suprsingly well, detailed,crips, only a bit light in mid range (i prefer heavier tones in mid range), because they r known for bass lacking I would suggest u either throw away ur 4.1s (or use them as rear), get a RTIa1 (or RTI4, same thing), plugin to ur sub for now and buy a cheap 2 channel amp later. they suppose to have some good musical bass, the logitech sub ive heard are way TOO boomy for me. Or grab a pair of M10 use them as front, plug into your subs see if u like them or not. M10 + an entry level 2 channel amp would cost $200. you can always use them as rear later if u want to upgrade and likes 4.1 setup better.

SivaNevets

btw i can tell u know now how much improvement u can get by getting some bookshelves. theres a long way i came thru pc speakers
if we categorize low end pc speakers into different classes, heres the path, based on stuff ive been owned or listened for a long time (bigger is better)
class 0 (worst) (based on music)
ur logitech:D, i really havent heard worse
class 1.
Creative/Cambridge sound works, 2.1 / edfier
class 2.
altec lansing mid range ($50~120)/ all bose pc 2.1s(sweeter mids than altec lansing, weaker highs, i actually prefer bose sound but it does not worth the $$$ while klipsch is much better)
class 3.
klipsch promedia 2.1/ ULtra 5.1 (i argue this class enters audiophile)
class 4.
klipsch iFi (RSX-3 satelite, very rich mids)

---

(below r not powered)
class 5.
polk M10 / R150
class 6,
polk RTia1/3

u see im 6 class ahead of u , it took me 12 yrs to get here

nguyendot

The amp in those all in sets is designed specifically to output to the kit speakers. Swapping them out with other speakers will have lackluster performance.

Use a dedicated amp or receiver, it will sound much better. I think that's what I'm going to do with my RT25s. I currently have some JBL-wannabe Monitors connected to a Yamaha M-35 amplifier for my pc!

Xyphon112

Thanks for the replies, guys. I found an AudioSource 2 channel 50w amp for 100 bucks on Newegg, which is also where I was going to get my speakers. Sounds like the best thing to do would be to try both setups out and see which yields the best sound to cost ratio as I'm on an extremely tight budget. ~300 is my max at the moment.

I'm going to check out a Pioneer VSX-108 and an Audiosource EQ right now for less than 100 bucks, so I think that should do it.

Thanks for the help.

SivaNevets

grab a pair of RTIa1 (RTI4 if theres a better deal) and an external amp u will be happy ever after
i find my RTI6 (Rtia4) is a little too big for close up listening, as the sound stage is a bit undefined, so i think RTIa1 will be the right choice. (i assume u put them beside ur screen)

Xyphon112

Alright cool. I really appreciate all the replies. I picked up a Pioneer VSX-108, an Audiosource 11 band EQ, 5 disc RCA CD changer and 4 rather lengthy sections of monster speaker wire all for 100 bucks. The Pioneer is rated at 50w RMS and is supposedly a 4.1 channel receiver according to the specs I could find, but there is a space for a centre channel, which is weird.

For speakers I'm using a set of Polk RTi6 that we had downstairs and they sound 100 times better than my damn computer speakers. There's a lot more detail in music than I thought, but Siva you are right, the sound stage is a bit muddled up close. I'm about 1 - 1 1/2 feet away from the speakers and if I take two steps back the whole sound really comes alive. For replacements I was thinking of getting the Polk monitor 40 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290011 It's a really good deal, and Polk is selling some refurb ones on ebay way cheap. Either those or the TSi 100's which are ~200. What do you guys think? 150 is what I'm looking to spend right now, and 200 at the most.

And, as far as the Equalizer goes, how do I get it to work with my receiver? When I plug everything in to the In and Out with the RCA's all I see is the little lights in the middle going up and down, but when I move the knobs up and down nothing happens. What gives? :X Is the EQ even able to hook up to the receiver at all?

Pics of front and rear RCA inputs of EQ and receiver below:



EQ RCA's below


Receiver RCA inputs below. Also, you can see the centre speaker inputs. What's up with that? Lol