Please help with a Simple Audio Solution

Ben3991 · 19 Mar 2018 at 14:11

Hi Everyone,

Looking for some advice please

In the process of building my new desk/office setup.

The new monitors I have don’t have any speakers. I’m not looking for amazing quality sound or anything like that, just something that will meet my needs below:

Can play sound from PC
Can play sound from PS4
Ideally but not deal breaking – can play sound from both at the same time.

As mentioned, doesn’t need to be amazing quality audio, just something that will do the job. The bit that’s throwing me is something that has inputs for both PC Audio and PS4 (optical I believe)?

I’ve also looked at sound bars, think this may be an option?

Thanks for your help!

PapaLazaru · 19 Mar 2018 at 21:46

What's your budget?

Ben3991 · 20 Mar 2018 at 09:08

PapaLazaru said:
What's your budget?

Thanks for replying.

I'd spend up to £100. But really not bothered about amazing quality. (although I would prefer a known brand).

If possible though, £50 would be better!

Marsman · 20 Mar 2018 at 14:14

The problem with looking for something that can play sound from PC and PS4 at the same time, is that if two digital inputs are being used (optical and USB), the DAC (digital to analogue converter) will only work with the selected input. So, only one input can be used at any one time.

Having both USB and optical inputs at a low budget is likely nigh on impossible though. Something with optical and auxiliary inputs is much more likely, such as a soundbar. HDMI aside, the PS4 has to use optical for audio, whereas the PC can use analogue 3.5mm from the motherboard audio. Other than a soundbar, I don't think there is much else in the way of speakers that will have optical input for this budget.

If sound quality isn't a great concern, just something better than what you'd normally get from TV built in speakers, then a soundbar isn't a bad choice, even a low budget one.

Another option would be to get a separate optical DAC and connect the output to any speakers of choice. Speakers would need two inputs though, or you could just split the input from the DAC coming from the PS4 and 3.5mm coming from the PC into one input on the speakers. That would allow both devices to play over the speakers simultaneously, if that is desired.