Using PC Speakers through TV/Xbox 360

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tommov

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#28793 11-Dec-2008 19:34

Hi all,

I'm new around here but was hoping to gain some info from some guys and/or gals in the know. So here's a noob like question for those interested.

I'm wanting to get better sound through my TV on the cheap using PC speakers. I'm looking to get some X-530 Logitech Speakers (http://www.dse.co.nz/dse.shop/4940b2de01379c6a2742c0a87f3b06f3/Product/View/XH3579) to use through my LCD TV. Basically I just want to know how I can connect them and get sound, preferrably surround sound if possible. Failing that if it cannot be done, I wouldn't mind just connecting them to my 360 console which apparently requires a 'game console adapter' (very vague unfortunately).

So, is this a way of getting better sound (hopefully surround if possible) from my TV on the cheap? Or am I barking up the wrong tree?

Any help would be great.

Disrespective

1926 posts

Uber Geek

#183625 11-Dec-2008 20:59

This is what i'd do:

1. Connect the speakers to the TV via the TV audio out (this might require an RCA to 3.5mm adaptor depending on what the speakers use)
2. Connect the xbox to the TV audio in and Video in

Play xbox.

Unless your TV has some sort of 5.1 audio out passthrough (and the speakers output this nicely) you won't be able to get surround sound without spending more money i don't think. Does the xbox HDMI have audio passthrough? That should be 5.1 sound and the TV might be able to output that to the speakers...

What you might be able to do is connect the xbox directly to the speakers with some sort of a RCA to 3.5mm adaptor but then your normal TV viewing will not be using the speakers...

Long story short, it should be easy to get the speakers connected to the TV and working as the main speaker, but it might be a bit harder to get 5.1 working from the xbox through these speakers.

tommov

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#183635 11-Dec-2008 21:33

Thanks for that. Would be great if I already owned the speakers, then I could just do trial and error to see how it would work. To get true surround sound apparently some form of decoder is needed, unsure exactly what they are or called but probably pretty expensive.

I've heard of this little gadget being quite useful: http://www.amazon.com/Console-Adapter-Convert-Plugs-Single/dp/B0006U3ACY I don't think it gives surround sound, but I think it splits it into 2 sound channels. Pretty much a poor mans version (i.e me) of surround sound. However I cannot find this product in NZ. Surely it exists somewhere but chances are it's called something different possibly? Anyone know where one can be purchased or of a similar product?

merve0o0

492 posts

Ultimate Geek

#183970 14-Dec-2008 09:12

I Have the X-530 speakers you mention, they have only 3.5mm connectors, but come with a 2xrca to 3x 3.5mm adapter to give 2 channels to all speakers. i also believe that if you just connect the front to channels then it sends the signals to all speakers.

i dont think the Hdmi on xbox 360 is surround. im not sure though but it does have an adapter (sold separately on all but elite) that gives you an optical and stereo rca out to use while using hdmi.

personally i would get something like the Logitech Z5500 if you want to use pc speakers as it has optical inputs so will do surround.

the X-530 aren't very good speakers. they have a muddy sound and have to much bass even with the sub turned right down. they are also very sensitive to power fluctuations and hiss and pop when other things in the same circuit turn off and on.

edit: i just looked at the link you put for the adapter and that is the one that comes with the speakers. at least it did when i bought mine in 2006 in aus

tommov

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#183994 14-Dec-2008 11:52

Yeah I've looked into and decided the x530's probably won't cut it, so I've ordered the x540's instead after doing some research and the reviews have been really positive for those.

The 360 HDMI adapter with the optical and stereo output is handy so I'd like to pick that up, however typical MS and their money-grabbing ways only sell it with a HDMI cable (rrp of $60) which is day light robbery. Really the adapter should be available separately for 20 or 30 bucks maximum.

See how the x540's go straight from the box then I'll probably look into adapter's etc for any possible improvements.

Fossie

1240 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#184150 15-Dec-2008 00:13

You really need something with digital input. The 3x 3.5mm analogue inputs for the x-530s will only give you a headache.

tommov

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#184194 15-Dec-2008 09:51

Digital/optical input would be nice. But I haven't seen anything in my price range (max $200) that has optical important (not surprisingly). I pretty sure the X-540's will be sufficient for the moment, but would like to upgrade to the Logitech Z5500 one day but they are at least $450 or so... they have on-board surround sound and optical inputs. One day...

garvani

1873 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#184203 15-Dec-2008 10:37

I have the z5500's connected via optical to my ps3, rca'd to my tv (for dolby prologic tv, dont have freeview or mysky). The z5500 uses 3x3.5mm jacks which isnt as bad as i thought it was going to be, i was geting a lot of hiss through the laptop though, so have recently got a spidf-optical cable which has cured that. General quality is awesome and for $450 its one hell of a system, i would have paid a lot more for them

Sharesies

Trade NZ and US shares and funds with Sharesies (affiliate link).

Wills1

710 posts

Ultimate Geek

#184647 16-Dec-2008 22:11

I also have z-5500's They are amazing for the price!

Hooked up to PS3 via optical cable. One of the best buys I've ever made.
And they are THX certified so you know they are top quality