Questions for computer-knowledgeable audiophiles

[GM]

I'm wondering if anyone has tried this...

Is it possible to hook up your home computer to your stereo system? I've just upgraded to a new computer with Windows XP, and it seems to be able to do everything else, so why not this I figure? I've loaded about 50 full CD's onto my hard drive now (still room for lots more too!), and I'd like to be able to listen to everything on shuffle mode on the home theater system while I work.

I've just got a standard computer audio setup (one little plug for the speakers, one for a mic, and one other), so I'm assuming I'd have to get a new sound card to utilize surround sound (if it's possible at all). The home theater part of it should be no problem. I've got every input imaginable, so it could accomodate any configuration, number of wires, etc, I am sure. I'd also like to have the ability to record music / audio from my satellite system onto my computer. The satellite's audio is already wired through the home theater system, of course.

One potential problem ... the computer is about 25 feet away from the stereo. This is one thing that I really can't change.

Looking for advice on what kind of sound card and/or additional hardware I'd need, what type of wiring you'd recommend, how many wires, prices (US or Cdn $$ are ok), if surround sound is possible, etc.

Thanks in advance.

 

[hellah10]

yes you can

 

[Simply In The Red]

You can't usually go wrong with Creative stuff for soundcards because their support has been rock solid with Windows. You might start looking at an Audigy with a breakout box to wire your system up but it depends on what inputs your receiver has.

 

[KMA]

To play the music that is on your computer all you need is a $3 adapter from Radio Shack and long enough cables so you can plug the RCA plugs into your speaker jack.

To stream music from your stereo onto your computer you need to adjust the amplitude of your output signal to plug into your microphone jack and also need some software.



http://www.delback.co.uk/lp-cdr.htm

 

[wondo]

There are a fewer better ways, depending on how much you want to spend.

I used to have my MP3s and AACs send wirelessly to a SLIMP3 device (www.slimp3.com, i think) and that was nice. I have about 400 CDs that I've recorded to my hard drive as MP3s.

Now, I got a used tablet pc that I replaced the hard drive with a much larger one that had all my files. I now use the iTunes interface (a software program) and the touch screen to play single songs or manipulate play lists, random, repeat, etc. It's great because you just walk up to the stereo and can touch the screen -- it works like a kiosk jukebox.

Biggest drawback is that I can't use a remote with this -- I am working on that. Since the computer has an infrared port, it should be able to receive commands from a remote control, just as my stereo system does. However, this is software driven and I don't know of any application that sends the correct commands.

But overall I love the new setup. It was costly, but I really enjoy my music and have a nice stereo system.

For someone not looking to spend as much, take a look at the SLIM devices homepage. THey have a wired device and a wireless device. It works well because it doesn't tie up your computer and also allows the equalization to be done with the stereo, which is where it should be. Files are transferred digitally to the receiver rather than through an analog mini or RCA output in the situations described above. Depenidng on your other equipment, you'll really hear a difference. Also it allows you to interact with your existing stereo equipment rather than screw with the computer everytime you want to do something or play a new song.