How to connect speakers to a computer without an amplifier?

Component acoustics without an amplifier is a high-quality sound reproduction system due to the separation of speakers, each of which is responsible for emitting a range of sound waves of specific frequencies. This system has found application in creating high-quality sound in vehicles. The source of sound is the radio; to create powerful sound, some car enthusiasts install power amplifiers. However, this is not necessary if the radio itself is capable of driving this speaker system, then installing additional equipment is impractical.

Main factors influencing the quality of speakers

How to choose speakers for your car radio

What does everyone want when considering purchasing speakers? Of course, achieve powerful and, most importantly, clear sound in your salon. Naturally, the quality of the speakers alone will not be enough for this, because many factors influence surround sound, but still. High-quality speakers, selected correctly and in accordance with the rules, are the basis of the basics. So, in order to get clear and spacious sound, you should take into account at least these main factors:

• location of speakers in the car interior;
• high-quality noise and vibration insulation;
• speaker cable and much more.

Column types

The first question that will be asked to a buyer in an acoustics store will be the following: which speakers do you prefer to purchase, coaxial or component?

Coaxial speakers

Three-way coaxial speakers

Coaxial speakers are devices that are equipped with several speakers and they differ accordingly. In other words, it is customary to classify coaxial speakers as 2-way, 3-way, and so on. This will mean that they have two or three speakers built in, respectively.

Note. Coaxial speakers are made primarily in order to save space and reduce the cost of the assembly process.

One coaxial speaker is capable of playing the entire range of sounds, and to find out how many bands there are in it, you should count the number of speakers attached to the leg.

Component speakers

Component speakers are a device where high-frequency speakers are located separately from mid-range and low-frequency speakers. These are already completely professional speakers that allow you to parse a melody into its components and enjoy the music to its fullest.

Note. Even an inexperienced person who listens to music through these speakers will be able to recognize the playing of individual musical instruments, everything is so effectively thought out in them. Needless to say, the sound quality in these speakers is much higher than in coaxial ones, but they also cost much more.

Component speakers are designed to reproduce sound within a specific frequency range. The sound quality is always at the proper level with these speakers, and the speakers must be installed according to the following rules. So:

• If the speakers selected are small, then they reproduce only high frequencies (this is described in detail below). For this reason, you should try to place them so that the sound goes directly to the driver or passenger. If you can mount them on the front panel or on a rack, that would be ideal.
• You can’t install larger speakers in front (although this is possible), but they reproduce mid and low frequencies. They can be easily installed in the car doors or behind them, directly on the glass shelf. In principle, there is no difference in the placement of large speakers.

Speaker size

Of course, this is the second most important question that a store salesperson will ask. It is usually not possible to install huge dimensions in a car, and every owner should remember this. In addition, if you purchase speakers larger than the standard ones intended for this car by the manufacturer, who has prepared a place for them in advance, you will have to make modifications.

Note. You need to know that speakers measuring 10-13 cm (4-5 inches) diagonally are capable of reproducing only high frequencies. But speakers measuring 16-17 cm (6-6.5 inches) diagonally reproduce low frequencies in addition.

We can say that this is the main difference in size. The speakers are large, and in any case they will reproduce sound better, but this is not an axiom.

Power

How to choose speakers for a car radio

This is probably the most important parameter for amateurs who imagine that they understand music. But we hasten to disappoint them. It turns out that the power of the speakers in itself cannot act as a quality characteristic. There is even a rule according to which this very power must be selected, otherwise you cannot expect clear sound. So, according to the rules, the power parameter should not be less than the power of the car radio. This is already an axiom that you can’t argue with. Loss of sound quality and much more is the result of incorrect selection of speaker power. On the other hand, the power of the speakers should not significantly exceed the parameters of the car radio, as this will also not lead to anything good. Power, as such, is usually divided into:

• rated power;
• maximum power;
• peak power.

The smallest of the three is, naturally, the rated power, but it is also the most correct. Some unscrupulous manufacturers, in order to attract clientele, indicate maximum or peak power in the passport data. In reality, a competent buyer who knows about the rated power should look for its value in that data, as the determining and only correct one.

Note. It is the rated power that determines the limits within which you can listen to music loudly and for a long time.

It is not uncommon for a speaker with a lower power rating to be able to produce the same sound level as a more powerful speaker (provided its sensitivity is higher). Power cannot act as the only criterion for high-quality sound, because you can improve the performance in another way: by installing a speaker system with a resistance of 2.5-3.5 Ohms. In addition, the amplifier, which must be adapted to the power, is of great importance, otherwise it will not be possible to avoid the imminent failure of the equipment, no matter how expensive it is.

Music Center

If you have a music center at home, you can easily output sound from your computer to it without spending money on buying additional speakers. How to connect the music center to your computer:

• you will need a special wire, at one end of which there is a 3.5 minijack connector, at the other - a white and red tulip;
• insert tulips into the sockets of the music center of the corresponding color;
• place the other end into the PC audio output, marked in green;
• turn on the center, select AUX mode - playback from an external source.

You can output sound to a 5.1 speaker system in the same way, observing the colors of the plugs. But the computer must have a discrete sound card installed, with an increased number of connectors. In addition to the usual outputs for a microphone and front speakers, it has inputs for additional speakers and a subwoofer, and digital S/PDIF.

Acoustic design

This is one of the important factors affecting sound reproduction. There are many varieties of acoustic design, but it is customary to divide it into two main ones: unloaded and loaded.

Note. Unloaded design implies limiting the vibrations of the diffuser by the rigidity of the suspension. As for the loaded design, it implies limiting vibrations not only by the rigidity of the suspension, but also by radiation resistance.

In addition, it is customary to divide acoustic design into single- and double-acting systems. The first is characterized by sound emission from only one side of the diffusers, and the second - from both sides. Now let's look at the most popular types of acoustic design:

• A “closed box” is a speaker housing that is covered with sound-absorbing components that effectively dampen waves. This type of acoustic design is ideal for those music lovers who put high-quality playback first, or, in other words, so that there is a slight loss of sound pressure and all this is compensated by the simplicity and small size of the speaker.

Speakers in “closed box” acoustic design

• A bass reflex is a housing in which a special hole is made. It is responsible for the connection between external and internal air. Ideal for music lovers who prefer to listen to sound in two blocks at the same time.

• Free acoustic design, implying the use of a large body acting as a screen.

Subwoofer in free design

Other factors

Component speakers built into the car door

In addition to the types of speakers we have analyzed, their sizes and power, there are other factors that many perceive as trifles. But let’s not forget that sometimes it’s the little things that decide the outcome of an event:

• Sensivity – or the input sensitivity of the speakers. The higher this parameter is, the better. Again, not everything is so simple here and in order not to confuse anything, we remember that the recommended indicator of this sensitivity should be within 92.

How to choose speakers for your car radio

• FS is already a resonant purity of reproduction, which also acts as a separate factor influencing the sound. The lower the value, the better and the speakers will be able to produce deeper bass. The normal and recommended value in this case is the limit of 60-75.
• The range of reproduced frequencies is an indicator that indicates frequency boundaries. Recommended value is +/- 3 dB.
• QTS – or sound quality factor. This factor must also be carefully paid attention to. The fact is that if the speakers are installed in the car door (which is fashionable today), then the Q value of the speakers should exceed 0.6. Otherwise, there can be no talk of any sound quality.

Note. Normal correct sound should reach the person in front. This is a law of physics, but there is no such option in a car to install speakers in front.

Some owners, however, manage to do this by making fundamental design changes, modifying the pillars and dashboard, but not everyone can afford it. In this regard, the sound from the speakers installed in the door will come from the side and to the feet. Therefore, the quality factor must be assessed correctly.

Sound settings

After successfully connecting the acoustics, all you have to do is configure the sound parameters. How to set up speakers on a computer in Windows OS: right-click on the volume icon in the tray and go to “Sounds”. On the “Playback” tab, check that the correct device for transmitting audio is selected - your speakers. To ensure that music is always sent to the speakers, click on “Default” at the bottom.

In the same window, additional tools are available that will help in case of problems. Right-click on your speakers, select "Test" from the submenu to test the devices. You can also turn off the equipment from here.

How to choose speakers for your car radio

To choose the right speakers for your car radio, you need to evaluate the following selection criteria:

1. Number of bands - their task is to provide high and surround sound for music playback. The standard system has 2 bands, but more advanced systems use 4-way technology.
2. Build quality of the case. The most reliable manufacturing material is considered to be wood with a silk tweeter. If you choose low-frequency speakers, give preference to models with pressed cardboard or paper. Consider the presence of a protective layer - it will extend the life of the device and protect it from damage. The dome should be titanium, and the magnetic element should be neodymium. This tandem contributes to better aging.
3. Power indicator. There is a nominal and maximum value. The first indicates a stable operating mode, and the second determines the ability to connect amplifiers and bass. The permissible difference between the indicators cannot be more than 3 times. The standard range varies from 50 to 150 W.
4. Shape and size. Products with round, oval or square shapes are available for sale, and their sizes are 13, 16 or more cm. Compact designs are often more powerful than larger ones.
5. Manufacturer's reputation. Choose products from trusted brands with good reviews.
6. Price. The cost varies from 2.1 to 30 thousand rubles.

It is extremely undesirable to be distracted while driving a car. However, how to overcome the fatigue and monotony of a long road? Most drivers answer this question unequivocally: turn on music or broadcast a radio station. And everyone wants to have high-quality sound, without which listening turns into real torture.

If you buy a new set for your car, it is important to know how to select speakers for the radio. If you choose the wrong components, a situation may arise when one component of the system cannot fully reveal its capabilities. Or the likelihood of a breakdown with subsequent need for repair increases.