How to Connect a Computer to a Stereo System

Co-authored by Stan Kats

Last Updated: April 3, 2024

Do you need to connect a desktop or laptop computer to a stereo using an RCA cable? Follow these simple steps to connect your computer to your stereo system.

1

Find the audio out jack on the computer.

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You'll typically see it on the back of the computer. The out audio jack is usually coloured green.

2

Plug in the male audio prong of your cable into the jack.

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3

Plug the other end of the audio cable into the adapter.

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4

Plug the RCA cable into the Y cable.

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Then, plug the red male RCA with the red female RCA.

5

Find the “AUX IN” red and white ports on the back of the stereo.

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6

Plug the other end of the RCA cable with the stereo system ports.

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Plug in the white male RCA with the white female port, and plug the red male RCA with the red female port.

7

Choose "AUX" on the stereo.

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1
This tells the stereo to receive the sound from the computer. ===
There might also be a switch on the face of the stereo.

8

Play audio from the computer.

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Check for connectivity on your computer. This may vary depending on what kind of computer/OS you have.
- If you're not hearing any sound, you may just need to change the audio output.

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Question

How do I connect wired speakers to my PC?

Community Answer

Make sure the speakers have a jack end which can fit into the audio jack port behind or in front of your computer. Stick the jack end of the stereo's wires into the audio jack of the computer.

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Can my computer be near the receiver, or is there a "safe" distance I should keep between them?

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Yes, your computer can be close to the receiver. There isn't any difference if you put it farther away.

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Tips

This process can be significantly simplified by purchasing a cable of sufficient length that has a male 1/8" mini jack (headphones style) connector on one end and two male RCA connectors on the other end. This decreases the number of components required and also saves you a couple bucks.

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To adjust the volume settings:

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You may run into a "ground loop" problem in which a low-pitched hum (from your electric wiring) plays through the stereo speakers. This is quite common, but you can often solve this problem by purchasing a ground loop isolator and installing it between the computer and stereo. Ground loop isolators contain transformers that eliminate ground loops by isolating the stereo from the computer. Major online retailers such as RadioShack and Amazon sell these devices.

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Warnings

Make sure to start with the lowest volume on both systems or you could damage your speakers.

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While it is not necessary on modern systems, to be safe, turn off the computer and stereo until you're done connecting the cables.

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Things You'll Need

RCA Cable
2 x RCA / 1 x 3.5mm Stereo Female, Y-Cable
Male to Male 3.5mm (1/8") Stereo Audio Cable
- You can also find a cable at an electronic supply houses, like Radio Shack, that has the 3.5mm male plug on one end and the RCA Phono plugs on the other end negating the need for the Y-cable adapter.
- Alternatively, many computers these days have a digital audio output. If your computer has digital audio output it will be an optical connection, or a coaxial connection or both. Get a cable to match with the corresponding jack on your home stereo system.
- An optical connection will be a black or dark gray rectangular jack. It may have a dummy plug in it or it may have a tiny door that swings out of the way.
- A coaxial digital audio connection with be like an RCA Phono jack with, typically, an orange center.