The Jukebox to Stereo Connection

Connecting your computer running MUSICMATCH Jukebox to your home stereo may give you more control over sonic fidelity, volume, and sound placement. (Be sure both computer and home stereo are powered off while connecting the two components).

• Get a good quality, shielded audio cable with a 1/8" (Mini) stereo plug on one and two RCA plugs (labeled L/R) at the other end.(Radio Shack website part number 42-2481.  Belkin part number F8V235-06)

IMG 1 - 1 Mini Jack connector to 2 RCA jacks.

1. Plug the 1/8" end into the Line Out of the sound card.

2. Plug the RCA end into the CD input of your stereo (observing Left & Right orientation)

IMG 2 - 2 Left and Right RCA connectors to Mini jack

First, you'll need to make sure your soundcard has a line-out jack. On many soundcards this will be a green jack, however that standard has not been adapted by all manufactures.  If not green, look for a small arrow next to the jack with an arrow pointing away from the broken circle.  Some soundcards also have a "digital out" jack. Don't use this one.

Next, verify the home stereo equipment has an "auxiliary in" or "line in" which isn't being used. These will usually be red and white RCA jacks (RCA refers to a type of jack, not the brand name, RCA). A connector will be needed to connect the soundcard to the stereo's jacks (IMG 1 above).  

Once you have made the connection from the soundcard's line-out jack to the stereo's RCA line-in jack you can now make some minor adjustments to get it working.   First, MUSICMATCH sees the home stereo as just another set of speakers, so you wont have to make software adjustments.  On the stereo, you'll need to tell it that it will now play from an Auxiliary source, rather than AM, FM, CD etc.  Typically there is a button or knob to change from one source to another.  Choose Aux1 or Aux2 (depending on which connectors you're connected to on the back of the stereo, and the button labels).

Turn down the volume on the stereo, and start MUSICMATCH Jukebox. Now turn the volume up half way on MUSICMATCH Jukebox and start a track. Slowly turn up the volume on the stereo, do you hear sound? If not, make sure you have the correct source applied to the stereo, and try again.

Basic troubleshooting: Make sure there is a secure connection between the soundcard and stereo. Double check the source you plugged into on the stereo, either Aux1, 2, 3, 4, or Phono. (video, tape, CD, optic, or digital connections generally won't work). Check the source on the stereo panel to make sure it matches the source on the back. Be sure the volume is up on MUSICMATCH Jukebox, Stereo, and system mixer on your computer. Occasionally some cables look correct in appearance, but are wired different than expected and will have adverse affects. If all other components seem correct, try replacing the cable used to connect the computer to the stereo. If you hear distortion when played through the stereo system, you may have an older soundcard, and it may be time to upgrade, or the cable you're using may be bad.