Plugging computer output into stereo problem

I plugged my computer output into my stereo. Its an old 1970s stereo
with built in cassette tape deck and phono input. There is no AUX
input, so I put it in the phono input. It works but it's overdriven
and distorts unless I keep the computer level real low. I know what's
wrong. Phono inputs are highly pre-amped. Too much pre-amp for what
I'm doing. I believe they sell attenuators, (maybe Radio Shack), but
I was wondering if all I need to do is put a resistor on each channel
cable. There are no longer any Radio Shack stores nearby me. Will
the resistors work? Do I put them in series, or across the input to
the ground? What value should I use.

Thanks

James W.

 

Right, and where should I plug it? I said there is no AUX and no
other inputs. The tape deck is built in, so no tape inputs either.
The phono is the ONLY input.

I'll try the resistors as posted.

I was also wondering what would happen if I put an equalizer in
between? Suppose all I can do it try it. I have a small 6 band one
that I'm not using. I guess that could compensate for the RIAA too.
Although I really find the bass and treble pretty much ok. Besides
using the bass and treble controls on the receiver, I can fine tune
the sound in Winamp.

Thanks

 

Try this...

http://sound.westhost.com/project80.htm

 

I dont know if you can find it, but there is a small gadget, that
goes into a tapedeck, and feeds the signal to the tapereader head.
A friend of me uses it often.

 

Apparently you missed the part where the OP said "I said there is no AUX
and no other inputs."

Here's another suggestion to the OP: since you're contemplating doing a
little project where you have to solder up stuff, why not just tap
directly into the stereo's line-level input? Wouldn't be difficult at
all: just locate the volume control (undoubtedly a 2-gang
potentiometer), and wire a connector for the computer input across the
ground and high sides of each pot. Should work fine.

 

They vary quite a bit -- I've got a cheapie Goodmans one that's awful,
and a Sony one that works very well. I don't think I'd want to use one
on something other than a car stereo, though; even if the sound
quality's OK, you're going to have the cassette deck's motor running all
the time.

That'd be my preference, if the OP's reasonably comfortable with
electronics or can find somebody else who is. A few minutes' careful
poking around will probably find a couple of tracks that can be cut to
inject line-level audio at the output of the preamp; you could even add
a switch if you want to retain the phono input. But I'd imagine the OP
will be quite happy just using an attenuator and fiddling the tone
controls...

 

Another easy place to find is the top of the volume control, add
a changeover switch and series caps -- drawback is that you likely
lose the tone controls.

Grant.

 

Yes, that was my contention. Everything that has been said about reverse
RIAA compensation etc is absolutely true, and yes, such a network is
reasonably easy to knock up, but I got the impression that, given that
you know that what you are doing is not ideal in the first place, but
the *only* way that you can do it, then it is just a QAD 'fix' that you
are looking for, and the simple two resistor potential divider network
will do that just fine. I am also sure that between the Winamp G.E. and
the tone controls on the stereo, you will be able to compensate
adequately (but not perfectly) for the non-linear frequency
characteristic of your phono input.

Arfa

 

Given that it will be highly compressed and messed-about-with MP3s played
via Winamp, the
additional tonal distortion introduced by flinging the signal into an RIAA
equalised phono input,
will be the least of the OP's problems ...

Arfa