Are there any accessory TV speakers you can use with the TV remote volume

[johnharlin]

Two months ago I purchased a Samsung Series 403 32 inch TV. The screen/video is fine but the sound is shit. Maybe I'm being too picky but in my older model non-lcd the sound would come out of front speakers. I can't understand why all those LCD TV companies feel either that the sound is better from the back or feel that they can't technically make speakers in the front. Does it make sense to anyone in the world to have speakers in the back projecting sound to the wall. It sure doesn't to me. And I strongly sense the difference. Yes, you can get used to it but why should I. Why should anyone when better sound is available. I looked for other LCD TVs but could not find any with speakers in the front so I stuck with the Samsung TV.

Does anyone have any recommendations. I have some old Sony speakers I can hook up that have their own power adapter. All I need to do is get a cheap one dollar 3/5mm female to RCA male adapter. The problem is that I am pretty sure that I would not be able to adjust volume with the TV remote control. That wouldn't be an issue if they didn't increase the volume on TV commercials so much. So I was wondering if there are any accessory speakers that allow you to use the TV remote control to adjust volume.

[jagabo]

I plug computer speakers into the headphone output on one of our TVs. The TV remote controls the volume of the headphone output. On another TV, I opened up the back, disconnected the internal speakers, and ran speaker wire out to external speakers.

[dragonkeeper]

An external set of amplified computer speakers or if you have a set of speakers you really like you can purchase a T-amplifier from someplace like parts express.The ideal is to connect a set of amplified speakers to the headphone jack of the TV, in if you are using a set of computer speakers this will require a 1/8 to 1/8 mini adapter..

RCA jacks are what is called low-level signal and is to be used with a amplified piece of equipment( i.e. receiver). your TV remote will have no control over the sound levels.

[wulf109]

Some LCD TV's have variable audio outputs which you can hook up to computer speakers or a soundbar and control with the TV remote control. I have 32" Toshiba and JVC HDTV's with variable outputs. I have computer speakers hooked up to the JVC and a soundbar hooked up to the Toshiba.

[MOVIEGEEK]

Yeah a 2.1ch PC system sounds much better than the crap speakers in TV's, you can get a Logitech system for $25USD.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121014

If your TV doesn't have a headphone jack then you can use a soundbar with the optical port, Crutchfield has a nice selection.

[jagabo]

Decent sounding powered speakers start a little over US$100. For example:
http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Studiophile-Powered-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B0051WAM64/

If you're willing to open up the TV's case and run speaker wire to external speakers you can get a pair of these from Fry's for about $90 every now and then:
http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-performance-floor-standing-loudspeaker/dp/B000NW11WQ/

Or these for $10 to $20 more:
http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-M20-Speaker-2-way/dp/B0017VF36W/

[MOVIEGEEK]

The problem with connecting an external speaker directly to the TV speakers is the amplifiers in TV's are usually 10w per channel, not enough to drive quality speakers. Besides the hassle of opening the case to solder wires.

[jagabo]

Soldering may not be necessary. The internal speakers are often connected with quick disconnects, aka push-on connectors. You can use crimp on connectors on the end of some speaker wire and run the wires out through some ventilation holes. Done this way the mod is completely and easily reversible.

Regarding power issues, just be sure to use efficient speakers.

[dragonkeeper]

If your TV has a headphone jack this is all you need.
* Amplified computer speakers
Connect green adapter to headphone jack on TV.*

If your TV does not have a headphone jack and you are willing to open the unit up do as Jagabo suggested. But i would use a set of amplified computer speakers (this should be much cheaper than buying a set of efficient speakers also you can buy a 2.1 speaker set and have the benefit of extended lower end i.e more bass). To prevent over driving the amplifier of the speakers I would also you a line level converter.
Here's what you need.
* Amplified computer speakers
Line level converter.
1/8 to RCA adapter
solderless quick connects
couple of feet of 18 gauge speaker wire.

1. Use the solderless quick connects to connect to a lengeth of speaker wire to both of the internal speakers (bring both wires to a central location).
2. Use solderless connectors to connect the input of the line level converter to speaker wire, at this point i would disconnect the internal speakers.
3. Turn the settings on converter to their lowest setting.
4. Connect 1/8 inch adapter to converter.
5. Plug green connector from computer speakers into adapter.

Now to adjust the speakers
1. Turn the TV and computer speakers on.
2. Turn Volume on TV all the way up, turn volume on computer speakers about 3/4 of the way.
3. make sure something is playing on TV, turn the settings up on the line converter just till computer speakers start to clip then dial it back down by 10%.
Now you should be good to go.




If your TV does not have a headphone jack you can go the route moviegeek suggested. if your TV has optical out try connecting a sound bar to the TV. (I'm not sure if you will be able to control the volume using this method most likely depends on the TV. Also some sound bars need a PCM signal make sure your TV is compatible.


*If the cable is not long enough use a 1/8" extension cable.

[wulf109]

Many,many years ago I opened an old CRT and used alligator clips to add external speaker.