How to Connect a PS3 to Computer Speakers

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Here’s how you can connect computer speakers to a Playstation 3 video game console without the use of an amplifier or stereo system. Methods will vary in accordance with your speakers’ input and output options. Prepare to use some tricky combinations of audio cables, adapters and converters for this project.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Connecting to Digital Optical Input

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    • Find computer speakers with digital optical inputs for the best results with your PS3.
    • Since this method creates a direct connection to the system’s digital signals with no adapters or converters, it will deliver the highest quality sound with little or no latency.
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    • Attach one end of the cable to the digital optical output jack on the back of your PS3.
    • Connect the other end of the cable to the corresponding input jack on your computer speakers for the optimal PlayStation 3 audio experience.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Channeling Through a HDTV with a 1/8th Inch Socket

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    This is the most common type of input for computer speakers.
    • You cannot plug these directly into your Playstation 3, but you can certainly connect them to the system by other means.
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    You will find a 1/8th inch socket if you are lucky. In this case, getting PS3 audio through your computer speakers is simple.
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    Hear all the audio signals from your television through the computer speakers, including those of your properly connected Playstation 3.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Channeling Through Any Viewing Device with RCA Inputs

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    If it did not, you can use the one from your PS2 or obtain one from a trusted retailer.
    • The cables plug into sockets that match them in color.
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    The audio connectors are marked with red and white for the right and left speaker channels respectively. They are usually found right next to each other. This one is from a PS2.
    • All the other connectors are associated with video functions and have nothing to do with carrying audio signals to the speakers. This is where the arcane cable and adapter combos come into play.
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    • The connections should look like the illustration above.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Connecting an 1/8th Inch Input to a Computer or Laptop

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    Use the AV multi out audio cables and the same configuration of adapters described in the 1/8th inch input to RCA method.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I just use the HDMI-to-Laptop/PC without doing anything but adjusting the display settings on the PS3? I did that once with a projector.
    Peter Parker
    Community Answer
    You can connect a PS3 to laptop/PC, but not for display purposes; the HDMI ports on both devices are for output. It's possible to connect a PS3 to computer with an Ethernet cable to perform unofficial modifications on the console.
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      Tips

      • Do not place your PS3 console near your speakers, as they tend to contain strong magnets which could damage your system’s memory storage.
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      • Make sure all devices are powered off and no signals are traveling through the cables before you attempt to connect your audio or video equipment.
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      • Do not place your PS3 console near your speakers, as they tend to contain strong magnets which could damage your system’s memory storage.
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      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      There are a few different ways to connect a PS3 to computer speakers. If you have speakers with a digital optical input, connect one end of an optical output jack to the back of the PS3 and the other end to the audio jack on your computer. Or, if your speakers use a â…› input jack, plug one end of a headphone jack into your computer speakers and the other end into the â…› socket on the back of the TV. Alternatively, if you’re playing your PS3 on a computer, you can use the AV multi-out audio cable to connect audio directly from the PlayStation to your computer. To learn how to use RCA inputs to connect your PS3 to computer speakers, read on!

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