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Connecting vintage HiFi & PC to same speakers

spark1 said:
My working assumption is that the OP wants his PC in the mix because he either a) uses it to stream music from the internet, b) has music stored on it, or both.

My other working assumption is that he wants to get some better, passive speakers for use with his stereo/hi-fi system.
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Hi, I’ve been quiet the last day as I’ve been researching speakers, but still haven’t been able to decide on anything.

Your assumption for B) is correct. I never stream music from any streaming services be it music, shows or films, I just have music stored on my computer. I have a huge collection of digital music in lossless FLAC format.

Also, you’re correct in that I am wanting to get some better passive speakers for my hifi setup.

I am starting to get on board with the Wiim streamer. In your opinion, does the Ultra have significant features to warrant the jump from the Pro Plus? If I get one, it’ll be the Pro Plus or Ultra.

My PC is not plugged into an Ethernet, just wifi.

I’m not sure where the Wiim will get plugged in as I have no available ports on my hifi setup as everything is taken up on the back of my preamp with my turntable, tuner, amp, R2R and cassette deck. I’ll show you a diagram that came with the system back in the day, along with a photo of the back of my system with nothing plugged in. Note, in the diagram it doesn’t show anything plugged into the AUX on the back of the preamp, but that has my cassette deck plugged into it for playback only.
 

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My only knowledge of the Ultra is what I've read about it. As opposed to the Pro (I have one) and the Pro Plus (I have two).

Seems to me that the only reason to consider it, vs the Pro Plus, would be if there is something it provides that your current preamp does not. The little screen doesn't seem to be all that useful, and I think you will still have the same problem, or maybe even more of a problem, with having enough input connections.

On that topic; for analog inputs, you can purchase an inexpensive RCA switch box with multiple inputs. Plug its output into AUX, and plug multiple devices into its inputs.

One last comment; your amplifier is not designed to handle anything less than an "average" 8 ohm load. While the SVS bookshelves are rated at 8 ohms, just be aware that some manufacturers (many) do not adhere to the IEC standard for impedance ratings. The standard requires that the actual impedance - which varies with frequency - does not drop below 80% of the specified impedance at any point of the speaker's impedance curve (6.4 ohms in the case of an 8 ohm-rated speaker).

I was able to find an impedance curve: Full review (video and written) is available at the link. Those speakers seem pretty pricey!


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flatuswalrus said:
Hello all, I have a little vintage HiFi stack in my living room along with my PC which is our main entertainment source. I am wanting to connect the HiFi amp & PC to the same set of speakers and sub.
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I've read some of what has been posted but not all of it so here's my suggestion based on the op question...

Treat your PC like any other source, i.e., CD player, tape player, turntable, etc. and connect the analog audio "out" of the PC to the aux "in" of your amp or receiver.

It could be as simple as that but without seeing your setup, we are just guessing

It would save us all a lot of time if you would simply post photos of your gear, (stereo & computer) front and back
 
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malden said:
Treat your PC like any other source, i.e., CD player, tape player, turntable, etc. and connect the analog audio "out" of the PC to the aux "in" of your amp or receiver.

It would save us all a lot of time if you would simply post photos of your gear, (stereo & computer) front and back
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Does that mean when I listen to anything on my PC I just make sure my hifi is turned on? If so, that’s easily done.
malden said:
It would save us all a lot of time if you would simply post photos of your gear, (stereo & computer) front and back
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Yes, I did do that previously. I’ll attach them again for you, I’ll attach the diagram that came with my system back in the day, my system with nothing plugged in, and the rear of my PC’s sound card; thanks for the ply.
 

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I could keep asking questions forever, but despite the fact that I still have an enormous amount to lean, you all have cleared up quite a lot for me and I appreciate it. I think for the most part, I am pretty right now with connecting everything. I just have to pick some speakers! Unfortunately, I do not have the ability to audition any speakers of any substantial quality as I live in a small town with no dedicated hifi shop(s). At the moment, the Paradigm Monitor SE 6000F Speakers are at the top of my list; not because they are the greatest out there, but they seem to tick a few boxes like compatibility with my system, acceptable amount of bass, budget; however, come talk to me tomorrow and I will have likely changed my mind, haha.
 
spark1 said:
And of course that assumes the PC is physically connected connected to the stereo. Not necessary with a streamer.
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I can easily connect the PC to a RCA switch box that I’ll buy with a 3.5mm stereo-to-RCA cable that you mentioned in a previous post.
 
I was so glad not to need my laptop sitting next to my system when I wanted to listen to my FLAC library that once I got my first streamer 5 or 6 years ago I've never connected it again.
 
spark1 said:
I was so glad not to need my laptop sitting next to my system when I wanted to listen to my FLAC library that once I got my first streamer 5 or 6 years ago I've never connected it again.
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I’ve been okay with my PC listening setup/experience as I have a little side table next to my couch with my mouse on it, and I simply use that to select what music I want on Foobar200. Though, I’m sure a streamer would be a nice touch. How do you select the music on your PC with the streamer. Is your music library on your PC displayable via an app on your phone?
 
flatuswalrus said:
I’ve been okay with my PC listening setup/experience as I have a little side table next to my couch with my mouse on it, and I simply use that to select what music I want on Foobar200. Though, I’m sure a streamer would be a nice touch. How do you select the music on your PC with the streamer. Is your music library on your PC displayable via an app on your phone?
Click to expand...

You can see your library, including metadata, by artist, album, genre, etc. Interface is quite good. Pick and click. App can be loaded on PC, tablet, laptop, desktop, smartphone

All you have to do is make your music folder available for media sharing and then point the Wiim to it. Very slick.

Wiim does app and device updates on a regular basis, including new features and functions. For example, they added room correction to my existing devices. No cost, more capability. Impressive.
 
spark1 said:
You can see your library, including metadata, by artist, album, genre, etc. Interface is quite good. Pick and click. App can be loaded on PC, tablet, laptop, desktop, smartphone

All you have to do is make your music folder available for media sharing and then point the Wiim to it. Very slick.

Wiim does app and device updates on a regular basis, including new features and functions. For example, they added room correction to my existing devices. No cost, more capability. Impressive.
Click to expand...
Hopefully my collection will transition well into the software as I am extremely meticulous with my files, all the meta data is up-to-date with album art, genre etc.

I just bit the bullet and finally made a decision regarding speakers. I got a pair of black Mission 700s.
 
flatuswalrus said:
Hopefully my collection will transition well into the software as I am extremely meticulous with my files, all the meta data is up-to-date with album art, genre etc.

I just bit the bullet and finally made a decision regarding speakers. I got a pair of black Mission 700s.
Click to expand...

Good luck with everything.
 
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