Mac mini and audio Y-cable?

[dont24]

Just purchase a mini. I'd like to send the audio to my speakers and my home receiver, sitting nearby. Is anyone doing this? I purchased this from RadioShack, but it's not working.
http://www.radioshack.com/product.a..._name=CTLG_007_002_001_002&product_id=274-313
Volume is very low on my speakers. Getting a "hum" through the receiver. Did I get the wrong adapter?

 

[CanadaRAM]

I don't see how a stereo headphone Y splitter (the RS part referenced) is working for you.

You are looking for a cable that has a 1/8" stereo plug on one end (for the Audio out of the Mini) and two mono male RCA plugs on the other, which will go into some Left and Right line inputs on your receiver. These inputs may be labelled "CD", "Tape In" or "Aux". "Phono" inputs on the receiver are not the correct ones to use.

You may have to play with the volume levels on the Mini to get a good match for the stereo.

It sounds like right now you have either 1) a bad cable 2) plugged into the phono inputs, or 3) the volume on the Mini turned way down.

Thanks
Trevor
CanadaRAM.com

 

[Blue Velvet]

Yes -- you got the wrong adapter.

That adapter is not even 'earth-shielded' hence the hum.

You need something like this. You will need RCA leads to hook it up to your stereo.

This one comes as a complete cable unit.

 

[dont24]

You can ingore. Very dumb "user error" I have the correct cables and adapter. One is a 1/8" to right/left rca, which goes to my receiver. Other is 1/8" on both end , connect to my computer speakers. No more hum. My son partially unplugged on of the cables, hence the hum. What do you mean by 'earth-shielded'? Should I be using a different type of adapter?

 

[crowdaddy]

I have a monstercable splitter with the red and white RCA's on one end and a headphone jack on the other, the whole cable being around 10 ft. long, and it works great.

 

[Blue Velvet]

What do you mean by 'earth-shielded'?

Low-signal cables (line audio etc.) typically have an internal stranded wire with a braided cable around its core, separated by an insulating layer.

This braided cable is connected to the earth path and provides shielding from interference... similar to the way AM radio in the car might disappear if you go into a tunnel.

Cut open an RCA cable and you'll see what I mean. Ordinary TV aerial cable is the same...

However, if your adapter is working now then no need to worry...