How do I connect my computer audio to an AV Receiver? My current computer is an older model. I do not see any RCA jacks for audio outs. It does have USB jacks. If I can make such a connection, I need to know what type of cable to run, as I am in the process of closing in the walls soon. I don't know if it would make any difference, but the type of audio I am most interested in running through my stereo system is live streams of major league baseball broadcasts, as I can not get AM reception where I live.

Bob,

A good idea would be to get a new audio card with a SPDIF out. Otherwise known as optical cable. creative labs sell some good ones for home theatre pc's.

Can't I also use a mini headphone plug in the computer connected to an RCA jack adapter, and then run RCA cables to the inputs on the receiver?

Yup. As long as you don't have a dreaded ground loop hum like mine appears to.

Is there a better alternaitve that would avoid the ground loop hum?

I doubt that you will have a problem. I just happen to this time around--I've done it several times in the past.

You can get 1/8" stereo mini to L/R RCA cables all in one. I use a USB DAC on my office setup. But if you have a free digital input on your receiver I would get a new sound card and connect that way.

save your money on the sound card.

apple tv all the way!
http://www.apple.com/appletv/

Bob, for several years I've used the Xitel HiFi Link (paid about $40)to listen to stations streaming classical music from all over the world(using Classical Webcast ). Basically this is simply wiring to take the clean digital output from the USB output on the computer, a DAC to convert it to analog, and more wiring to send it into unused analog inputs on a receiver. Works very well, of course, and there are a couple other similar items at slightly lower prices.

Your suggestion of using the computer's headphone output works, but sometimes can be a bit noisy since it's analog material in an interference-prone computer environment. If your listening is talk rather than music this might not be significant, and in any case, streaming audio isn't of the highest quality.

John, I like the looks of that Xitel unit, but I have one question. You said it plugs into a USB output on the computer. Is there actually a USB output that would be different from a USB input? I know I have USB input jacks on my computer, but I am not sure about USB outputs. Xitel's website says you can plug it into any USB port. Are all USB ports both in and out ports? (I know less about computers than I do aout surround sound.)

USB ports on computers are all the same. The interface is bidirectional.

Hi Bob, I go wireless to listen to audio from my pc to my receiver. I use the RCA Lyra RD900W which I think would work great for you. Basically, you hook up the transmitter to your USB port on your PC, then the receiver with RCA cables to your stereo receiver. Voila! No wireless network needed either.

Anyway, it comes with MusicMatch software which you DO not need to use although the remote only will work with MM. All you need to do is just go to your pc's control panel and change your audio device to use the Lyra and basically it replaces your pc speakers. So anything you listen to will go through to your stereo receiver instead of to your pc's speakers. I use mine all the time to listen to music on my bedroom system.

The product is sort of old and outdated because of the Sqeezebox and Roku (with nice LED screens), but it can still be found at fairly cheap prices on some internet stores. Here's some reviews at Amazon just to give you more of an idea of what is does.

I'd slap John's wrist for calling it a USB "output" if it weren't for the fact that I must beg his forgiveness for answering a question directed to him. You are correct. What you have on your computer are USB ports. They can be used for both goesinta and comesaouta. (Man I love using all those geeky technical terms )

I love my ATV. But that's $300 vice $20 for a cable. Just sayin'.