speaker output

[fenix]

The speaker output from a soundcard works with powered as well as unpowered speakers. Since there are only 3 contacts on a mini plug, left, right, and 'the other one', does the power to drive unpowered speakers exist on the this third wire? Wouldn't this be too much when you send the signal to an amplifier. I always thought it was a ground. Don't understand how it can do both. thx.

 

[hotfusion]

The third wire is a 'common return'. What happens is the signal for the different channels is sent out along the two 'live' wires to each speaker or whatever, and because electricity has to travel in a closed loop, there has to be a return path from each speaker. This can be the same wire if you want, as the two signal paths are separate before reaching the load therefore do not combine into one channel. For your information, the section of the contact pin nearest the main body of the plug is this common terminal. Is that what you wanted to know? My suggestions are what I would try myself. If incorrect, I welcome corrections to my knowledge. Andy.

 

[fenix]

yes, thx, I also found out that the speaker outputs
produce about 4 watts of power from the sound card amplifier, whereas it is better to use the line out if you are going to an amp.