budget hifi, and extra speakers

ptm_jc · 16-11-2009, 1:52 PM

Hello there, I have a mini hifi which came with 2 speakers. These plug into the back with just bare wire. there is no other output on the back.
is it possible to have a 2nd set of speakers connected?
is it possible to use a 2nd set of speakers which are active ones with an rca connection?
ive read briefly about the issue of line level and speaker level but someone i know tells me theyve done it but im not sure we are talking about the same thing, any ideas?

Many thanks

mrbenn · 16-11-2009, 4:31 PM

i doubt the mini system would have the power to rubn a second set of speakers -
Some amps do have two speaker stages - this was the cheapest i could find £169:

Cambridge Audio AZUR 340A Silver | Stereo Amplifier | Richer Sounds

Gaspode_TWD · 16-11-2009, 4:59 PM

When you say there are no other output do you mean for speakers? Are there RCA sockets for a tape out (or other recording output)? If so you could connect active speakers. These would need to have another volume control because the record out wouldn't be controlled by the units volume control. Some active speakers do have a volume dial built in.

If there are no other outputs at all then I can't see there is anything you can do.

ptm_jc · 16-11-2009, 5:17 PM

it has the 2 speaker outputs for bare wire, aux in, coax, and then video output which are labelled y, pr cr and pr cb. cant see any others.
i was hoping it could be as simple as take then end off the rca cable from the speakers im trying to use and bung the wire in with the existing ones

Gaspode_TWD · 17-11-2009, 11:30 AM

I'm afraid that I can't see a way that you can safely add the speakers. You could bodge something up but I wouldn't recommend it. Maybe you have a headphone socket that you could take a signal from?

Jay J · 17-11-2009, 3:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gaspode_TWD

I'm afraid that I can't see a way that you can safely add the speakers. You could bodge something up but I wouldn't recommend it. Maybe you have a headphone socket that you could take a signal from?

The only problem in using the headphone socket is most systems cut the sound to the main speakers when headphones are plugged in.

The only problem if you bodge some up using the only speaker outlets is resistance or impedance may be different. Sorry I'm not a HiFi or electronics expert so I may be wrong on this.

Gaspode_TWD · 17-11-2009, 5:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay J

The only problem in using the headphone socket is most systems cut the sound to the main speakers when headphones are plugged in.

True, but it appears to be the only practical option.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay J

The only problem if you bodge some up using the only speaker outlets is resistance or impedance may be different. Sorry I'm not a HiFi or electronics expert so I may be wrong on this.

Again, true. The load on the amp is not predictable, and likely to throw up any number of problems. It is possible to do, but not recommended. It may result in permanent damage.