Computer as a amplifier?

R

remember

New Member
I know nothing about computers or stereo equipment, but my question is. . .

Can I build a computer with the necessary components to store and play all my music (like 20,000 IPOD songs) connected to about 10 speakers all throughout the house?

What is required to do that?
 
I dont even know what an amplifier really is

When I think of an amplifier or the "device" needed to have all the speaker wires plugged into for creating the sound for every speaker, I think of a huge case- pretty much the same size case as a HTPC or mediacenter case.

Is there any way to use some sort of Audio Card? or anykind of computer component that I could just insert into my computer case for performing the same function as a standard huge case stereo receiver/amplifier?

I really want to streamline everything and minimize space wastage.
My speakers are not that powerful- I think they are about 40 Watts each. I'll have to research them to be sure, but Ive seen computer speakers advertised as having 500Watts, so naturally I think that my puny 40 Watt speakers will be less than what some other computers are capable of and thus my speaker wattage should be able to be handled by whatever type of computer component is allowing the 500 Watt computer speaker system to handle? (I think it was an option from Dell)

Can somebody tell me if there are any audio cards or whatever computer device that can handle about 400Watts of speakers throughout the house? all from a single computer case, without the need of an additional big space occupying separate amplifier?
 
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A computers sound card does work as an amplifier, but doesn't provide anywhere NEAR The power you need, even for 40watt speakers. Regardless, you need some form of amplifier if you want to power amplified speakers.

You don't need anything huge. Heck with some work you could probably find an amp that would fit inside a computer. Something like a car amp might work. They also run off 12v, so connecting it to your PSU should power it just fine.
 
The_Other_One said:
You don't need anything huge. Heck with some work you could probably find an amp that would fit inside a computer. Something like a car amp might work. They also run off 12v, so connecting it to your PSU should power it just fine.
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But then you'll need a REALLy strong powersupply. And the amp will heat up the entire case ;)
 
Ok, so I guess forget about my idea of sleek designing my computer/stereo equipment.

But Id still like to know why does Dell,(probably one amongst many) sell computer speakers that claim they put out? 500Watts? or rather how come they can do it, without overheating the amp or power supply or basically overheating anything and thus preventing the computer system from functioning safely? And I dont think they give you an additional ONKYO(or whatever) amplifier to go with those computer speakers. It must just be a really really good sound card and a very well ventilated/air flow computer case?
 
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remember said:
Ok, so I guess forget about my idea of sleek designing my computer/stereo equipment.

But Id still like to know why does Dell,(probably one amongst many) sell computer speakers that claim they put out? 500Watts? or rather how come they can do it, without overheating the amp or power supply or basically overheating anything and thus preventing the computer system from functioning safely? And I dont think they give you an additional ONKYO(or whatever) amplifier to go with those computer speakers. It must just be a really really good sound card and a very well ventilated/air flow computer case?
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The sound card sends out a reference signal to the computer speakers, which then amplifies the signal. Thus, the amp itself isn't in the computer.
 
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