The other option is to patch your sound card into your stereo system for really amplified sound and for support of superior Dolby Digital sound for DVD playback. Test plugs and jacks at both ends of connection. Most stereos utilize pin plugs, known as RCA or phono plugs, for input. Though pin plugs are standard on some sound cards or breakout boxes, most utilize miniature 1/8'' phono plugs, which need an adapter when attaching to your stereo system. E.g. from Radio Shack you can buy an audio cable that gives a stereo 1/8'' miniplug on one end and phono plugs on the other. If you would like to connect your sound card to Dolby 5.1 speakers, be sure you utilize cabling intended for S/PDIF connectors on your sound card. Some use RCA-type plugs, whereas others utilize an optical cable with a square end.

Attach this cable output from your audio adapter to auxiliary input of your stereo receiver, preamp, or integrated amplifier. If your stereo does not have an auxiliary input, other input options contain in order of preference tuner, CD, or Tape 2. You can attach the cable's single stereo miniplug to sound card's stereo line-out jack, e.g. and then attach the two RCA phono plugs to the stereo's Tape/VCR 2 Playback jacks.

The first time you utilize your audio adapter with a stereo system, turn down volume on your receiver to avoid blown speakers. Just turn up volume control and then choose appropriate input on your stereo receiver. Lastly, start your PC. Never raise the volume to more than three-fourths of way up. Any higher and the sound might become distorted.