2.1 PC speakers that support audio output of 2 inputs simultaneously

[Goi]

Hi,

I have 2 PCs, and I wish to share 1 set of PC speakers between them since they're gonna be side by side. Are there any decent 2.1 PC speakers that accomplish this? Note that audio input from the 2 PCs has to be played simultaneously rather than switched between them.

Budget is about $100 or slightly more.

Thanks!

 

[unfalliblekrutch]

Klipsch Promedia 2.1

 

[Throckmorton]

I've always just used a splitter in reverse. Is that bad for the electronics/speakers?

 

[corkyg]

You can also use an audio control box where you can select a, B, or A+B. I can't imagine trying to listen to two different audio channels at the same time - imagine two different songs at once - the result is cacophony.

 

[unfalliblekrutch]

You can also use an audio control box where you can select a, B, or A+B. I can't imagine trying to listen to two different audio channels at the same time - imagine two different songs at once - the result is cacophony.

i can imagine usage patterns in which both PCs have alert sounds, perhaps. Say, one PC might be running work related stuff and the other running non-work stuff and perhaps one needs sound to alert you of new emails while the other needs sound for music or videos or what have you

 

[vbuggy]

I'd get a low-end mixer. Something like a Soundcraft NotePad 102 ($100) - or if you're looking for the lowest price, the Behringer Xenyx 802 ($60) - to which you will need to add speakers. You get additional flexibility of inputs, ability to simple-EQ your inputs, and monitoring controls this way.

 

[Goi]

i can imagine usage patterns in which both PCs have alert sounds, perhaps. Say, one PC might be running work related stuff and the other running non-work stuff and perhaps one needs sound to alert you of new emails while the other needs sound for music or videos or what have you

Exactly.

So other than the Promedia 2.1s, anything else?

 

[Rifter]

Any speakers can do this, just use a Y splitter cable. 1 male 3.5mm end into speakers, and 2 female 3.5mm plugs to take the audio signal from the 2 PC's.

why would you need special speakers fo this i do not understand?

 

[ecom]

Any speakers can do this, just use a Y splitter cable. 1 male 3.5mm end into speakers, and 2 female 3.5mm plugs to take the audio signal from the 2 PC's.

why would you need special speakers fo this i do not understand?

The output signal will be introduced into the output interface of the other soundcard if this is done. Whether or not it causes any damage though, I don't know.

 

[0roo0roo]

Any speakers can do this, just use a Y splitter cable. 1 male 3.5mm end into speakers, and 2 female 3.5mm plugs to take the audio signal from the 2 PC's.

why would you need special speakers fo this i do not understand?

sounds logical, but many times using y cables introduces badness..bzz and all that weird stuff.
someone will explain it technically.