Help? Computer sound system gone

[dreamshark]

I had this speaker system I bought from a guy at work maybe 3 years ago - a big old subwoofer that sits under the desk and 5 little speakers scattered around the room. Last week the subwoofer went dead (possibly following a short power outage. Or maybe it just gave up the ghost on its own).  I turn it on, but nothing happens - no lights, no sound, nothing.

I didn't really need such a fancy system, but I do listen to music on the 'puter, so I'd like something better than the tinny little speakers that come with computers.  I used to just put an old stereo amp on my desk, plug the computer into the aux port (I think) and plug in a pair of old stereo speakers. But all my old amps have gotten crackly and been thrown out. 

1) Does anybody have an old stereo amplifier lying around that they want to get rid of?  I still have a pair of stereo speakers hanging on the wall, so that would be the easiest (and cheapest) fix.

2) What can I do with the 5 little 5.1 speakers?  Are they just normal speakers that can be plugged into anything?  Or do they need a replacement subwoofer system like the old ones?

Comments

[barondave.livejournal.com]

I think I have a minimal but okay set of computer speakers around here someplace. Need batteries, which is a good sign. I might even have an amp. Geeze, I have a lot of old electronics... We'll have to check with each other sometime before Minicon, or after, but not during.

For the most part, if the 5.1 speakers use RCA plugs they'll plug into any compatible output. They're probably normal speakers, though they might specialize a bit. Look it up on the net.

[dreamshark.livejournal.com]

They don't have plugs - they connect with wires.

[barondave.livejournal.com]

Hmm. That makes them less likely to be directly compatible. Still, if an output matches your input, you're okay. The speakers themselves are just speakers (with the possible exception of the subwoofer).