PC Speaker/Subwoofer Setup Question

[moosepatrol]

This is a simple question for you smart folks that visit here regularly. Any help is greatly appreciated.

My current setup is:
Sound card -> Stereo Y-Adapter (one port for PC speakers line, one port used for subwoofer line)
Stereo Y-Adapter -> Stereo to Dual Phono (RCA) Plug Y-cable (Subwoofer)
Stereo Y-Adapter -> Cable to PC speaker

My main question is, is there a better way to configure this setup to have better sound quality? The current setup works well, however, it seems like this is not the optimal way to connect everything and I am worried I may cause some of my equipment to fail.

The subwoofer only has RCA line in. The subwoofer speaker output are for speaker wires only (currently not being used since my speakers are PC speakers and not bookshelf speakers).

Here is the equipment I have:
Powered PC speakers:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=36-116-043&IsVirtualParent=1
Powered subwoofer:
http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-10-Inch-Monitor-Subwoofer/dp/B0002KVQBA
Sound card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102033
Phono Jacks to Stereo Y-Adapter:
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103225
Stereo to Dual Phono (RCA) Plug Y-cable:
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3449316

 

[counterpoint]

No, that sounds about right given your gear. The only thing is that the volume control on the speakers does not affect the volume of the subwoofer so it will always be mismatched unless you leave it on one setting. This leaves you having to control the volume from the PC. Not a negative, but just something to keep in mind.

 

[dandragonrage]

The way you have it set up is fine. If you're wanting more quality, the next step is to upgrade your speakers themselves. That subwoofer, while not being AMAZING but decent enough, can handle working with somewhat better speakers as well.

 

[moosepatrol]

Thank you both for your input. Any recommendation for bookshelf speakers that can achieve high volumes with little distortion for less than $350? Maybe: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000UW07MO?tag=intercept-kb-20

Would I need any additional equipment if I used bookshelf speakers with my subwoofer?

 

[atarione]

Thank you both for your input. Any recommendation for bookshelf speakers that can achieve high volumes with little distortion for less than $250? Maybe: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290269

those would be nice ... they are rather big ...make sure you have some room for them

and they are passive bookshelf speakers so you will need a amp to drive them... T-amp, receiver, integrated amplifier

t-amp example

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=310-320


or the popular and cheap (not my personal choice) lepai

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=310-300


or any working used receiver / amp you can scrounge up... or a new one if you go new or used stereo gear it will be much larger obviously than a little t-amp... but if you have room it is nice... t-amps are nice and all ..but i prefer using my vintage stereo receivers or amps

 

[counterpoint]

Any recommendation for bookshelf speakers that can achieve high volumes with little distortion for less than $350?

1.) One option would be to go with active monitors. This way you don't have to worry about the amplifier since it is integrated.

M-Audio BX5 D2 5" Active 2-Way Studio Monitor Speakers: http://amzn.com/B005F3H6Q8


2.) The other option is to get a pair of bookshelfs and an amplifier. Please keep in mind that T-amps do distort at high volumes so I would recommend a class A/B amplifier instead.

Polk Audio New Monitor 35B Compact Bookshelf Loudspeaker (Black) Pair: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290268 (also comes in cherry)

OR

Polk Audio New Monitor 45B Two-Way Bookshelf Loudspeaker (Black) Pair: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290269 (also comes in cherry)

+

Dayton Audio APA150 150W Power Amplifier: http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=300-812

Would I need any additional equipment if I used bookshelf speakers with my subwoofer?

You would need an amplifier if they are passive. If they are active (like the first one I linked above) then you do not need an amplifier.

 

[moosepatrol]

those would be nice ... they are rather big ...make sure you have some room for them

and they are passive bookshelf speakers so you will need a amp to drive them... T-amp, receiver, integrated amplifier

t-amp example

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=310-320


or the popular and cheap (not my personal choice) lepai

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=310-300


or any working used receiver / amp you can scrounge up... or a new one if you go new or used stereo gear it will be much larger obviously than a little t-amp... but if you have room it is nice... t-amps are nice and all ..but i prefer using my vintage stereo receivers or amps

I was not aware that those needed an amplifier, thanks for the information.

1.) One option would be to go with active monitors. This way you don't have to worry about the amplifier since it is integrated.

M-Audio BX5 D2 5" Active 2-Way Studio Monitor Speakers: http://amzn.com/B005F3H6Q8


2.) The other option is to get a pair of bookshelfs and an amplifier. Please keep in mind that T-amps do distort at high volumes so I would recommend a class A/B amplifier instead.

Polk Audio New Monitor 35B Compact Bookshelf Loudspeaker (Black) Pair: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290268 (also comes in cherry)

OR

Polk Audio New Monitor 45B Two-Way Bookshelf Loudspeaker (Black) Pair: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290269 (also comes in cherry)

+

Dayton Audio APA150 150W Power Amplifier: http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=300-812



You would need an amplifier if they are passive. If they are active (like the first one I linked above) then you do not need an amplifier.

I think active speakers are the best option for me. Thanks.