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You are here: MacNN Forums > Hardware - Troubleshooting and Discussion > Consumer Hardware & Components > Speakers with multiple inputs?

Speakers with multiple inputs?
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ajprice
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Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: UK
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Jul 28, 2009, 06:16 AM
 
I'm looking around for a set of speakers, nothing definite yet as I'm on holidays next month and just bought a G25 wheel.

At the moment I've got my MacBook connected to Soundsticks (original USB ones, not Soundsticks II), and my PS3 and 360 connected to some PC 2.1 speakers bought for £20 some time ago, probably back when I had a PS2. So I'm looking for a set that I can connect all 3 into, and be able to switch between them. I don't mind if they're 2.1 or 5.1, 5.1 would be nice if they are the right money.

I've seen Logitech Z5500 as having multiple inputs, but not much else. I'm not much of an audio techie, but the PC speakers are connected (through a not ideal arrangement of adapters) to the red/white audio plugs on the consoles cables (the Xbox is connected through VGA to my Dell 2407 screen, the PS3 by HDMI with a DVI adapter, and the Macbook shares the HDMI cable with adapters (adapters are my friends ), and the MacBook Soundsticks are USB as I said before. Would new speakers use the red/white connectors or a digital connection to the Mac and the consoles, or something else?

Any suggestions or recommendations for the speakers?

Look after my manor, or I will bum you, literally, to death.
     
ajprice  (op)
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Join Date: Dec 2000
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Aug 1, 2009, 06:10 PM
 
I may have found an answer that will let me use any set of digital audio speakers... 3-Way Optical Digital Audio Switcher : A/V Splitters & Switchers : Maplin

3 inputs to 1 output digital audio switch. This should allow me to connect my 360, PS3 and MacBook through digital audio to any digital audio speakers, so I wouldn't be stuck with Z5500 (which as the only other option I can find are more than I want to spend). Any reason why this switch wouldn't work?

Look after my manor, or I will bum you, literally, to death.
     
mikejaz2
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Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Oak Park IL
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Aug 3, 2009, 11:52 PM
 
ah, you've discovered the wonderful world of signal routing.

As a tv veteran, I urge you to go check out what the big boys use to send signals all around a typical broadcast plant, in case 1 x 3 just isn't enough:

PESA - Routing Switchers Video/Audio
Harris Corporation :: Broadcast Communications / Products & Solutions / Routing Systems

There are, of course, smaller systems that are much easier to use,not to mention affordable:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...&Go=submit
(Last edited by mikejaz2; Aug 3, 2009 at 11:57 PM. (Reason:more info))
--Mike
     
   
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