How to Connect a Computer to a Stereo System

Last Updated: June 6, 2022

Do you need to connect a desktop or laptop computer to a stereo using an RCA cable? Follow these simple steps to connect your computer to your stereo system.

1

Find the audio out jack on the computer.

This jack is usually green. You'll typically see it on the back of the computer. The out audio jack is usually coloured green.

2

Plug in the male audio prong of your cable into the jack.

The plug should fit securely into the port.

3

Plug the other end of the audio cable into the adapter.

The other end of the cable goes into the female end of the stereo audio Y cable.

4

Plug the RCA cable into the Y cable.

Plug in the white male RCA with the white female RCA. Then, plug the red male RCA with the red female RCA.

5

Find the “AUX IN” red and white ports on the back of the stereo.

The red port stands for right, and the white port stands for left.

6

Plug the other end of the RCA cable with the stereo system ports.

Connect each plug to its corresponding color port. Plug in the white male RCA with the white female port, and plug the red male RCA with the red female port.

7

Choose "AUX" on the stereo.

1
This tells the stereo to receive the sound from the computer. ===
2
On some stereos this is either done by the remote control. There might also be a switch on the face of the stereo.

8

Play audio from the computer.

Check for connectivity on your computer. This may vary depending on what kind of computer/OS you have.
- If you're not hearing any sound, you may just need to change the audio output.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I connect wired speakers to my PC?

Community Answer

Make sure the speakers have a jack end which can fit into the audio jack port behind or in front of your computer. Stick the jack end of the stereo's wires into the audio jack of the computer.
Question

Can my computer be near the receiver, or is there a "safe" distance I should keep between them?

Community Answer

Yes, your computer can be close to the receiver. There isn't any difference if you put it farther away.

Warnings

Make sure to start with the lowest volume on both systems or you could damage your speakers.

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While it is not necessary on modern systems, to be safe, turn off the computer and stereo until you're done connecting the cables.

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Things You'll Need

RCA Cable
2 x RCA / 1 x 3.5mm Stereo Female, Y-Cable
Male to Male 3.5mm (1/8") Stereo Audio Cable
- You can also find a cable at an electronic supply houses, like Radio Shack, that has the 3.5mm male plug on one end and the RCA Phono plugs on the other end negating the need for the Y-cable adapter.
- Alternatively, many computers these days have a digital audio output. If your computer has digital audio output it will be an optical connection, or a coaxial connection or both. Get a cable to match with the corresponding jack on your home stereo system.
- An optical connection will be a black or dark gray rectangular jack. It may have a dummy plug in it or it may have a tiny door that swings out of the way.
- A coaxial digital audio connection with be like an RCA Phono jack with, typically, an orange center.