How to send audio from computer to a reciever?
 

Is there some sort of an output cable that will convert the output from a typical computer soundcard (i.e. like a headphone output) to the left and right audio inputs on a reciever?

Yeah, Rat Shack should have a stereo mini-plug to dual RCA cable if you're not talking about going digital.

Good, that sounds pretty easy, rat shack has lots of junk. Thanks a bunch X.

By the way, do you know around what size it is? 1/8? 3/32?

You'll need to match the line out jack on your soundcard, but it is most likely a 1/8 stereo jack..

If your soundcard has a digital out jack (Soundblaster Live series or Turtle Beach Santa Cruz or whatever) and you're going to a digital receiver, go that route.

I have my Santa Cruz feeding a Denon 1601 (only $160 at ubid last year) and it's quite capable. DD and DTS signals are fed straight to it, cds play great and even the pc sounds are fed to it.

Don't worry about what fraction size the plug should be as all consumer sound cards use the same standard Mini Stereo DIN plug. Just buy a Mini Stereo DIN plug to Stereo RCA adapter and you'll be golden!

"mini stereo DIN plug"?

Again, I'm pretty sure what you're looking for will be a 1/8 stereo to RCA converter.

Yes Mini Stereo DIN plug! Do I studder? That is how the packages will be marked at RS!

If you have a SoundBlaster or Turtle Beach sound card, it will have 1/8" jacks on it, in addition to the 15 pin midi/joystick port. There may also be a coax (RCA-type) digital out, depending on the model. The only DIN cables on your pc will be for your mouse and keyboard, if they're not USB. But what you're talking about doing will involve a 1/8" stereo (plugs in to the line-out jack on the soundcard) to RCA adapter (to plug in to the input of your receiver). There is no electrical conversion, just a change in connectors.

Here's one of several 1/8" stereo to RCA connectors from Radio Shack that will serve your purpose: link .

If you (or Frank S) are curious, here's a page that explains differences in output plug types, including DIN: link .

Good luck!

FYI- Harman Kardon also makes a usb to rca with an inline mp3 converter. I think its around $150 though.

Yep the DAL150, I want one but I don't know if it would be worth $150 (I have a H/K receiver with onboard mp3 decoding).link