Speakers enable the audio functionality of any sound system. A monitor with no speaker does not offer the best satisfaction to the audience since no sound is delivered. Therefore, it is essential to connect your monitor to a speaker. The speaker could either be an in-built speaker or a stand-alone speaker.
Built-in speakers are cheaper compared to stand-alone speakers. They save the time used in setting and also the desk space. They are, in another way, disadvantageous since their sound quality is usually low. When setting up stand-alone speakers, only the speaker connection can be run, while for DVI or VGA connection, a different audio cable can be used.
Several ways to connect speakers to your monitor
1. Use of RCA cables
They are among the simplest ways of connecting monitors to speaker systems. RCA cables only carry two stereo sounds containing two channels: the right and left sounds.
The cables and connectors are usually a pair normally marked as red and white. They go from the output ports located at the back of your monitor to the input ports on one of the speakers.
2. Use of HDMI [ARC] cables![Use of HDMI [ARC] cables](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51cXcSbzGwL._AC_SL1200_.jpg)
It is the most preferable as it transmits surround sound without losing any quality. These cables can be used with HDMI receiver inputs.
In circumstances where monitors lack HDMI output ports, channeling your resources is always the best option. You must use two HDMI cables, one through to the receiver while the other one from the device’s output port to the monitor.
By this, use the receiver’s remote control to switch between inputs and not the monitor.
3.Use of an optical cable
Optical cables are not common, though they work just like the HDMI cables. A monitor has an optical output; plug it from the monitor to the soundbar if it supports it. The connection also helps transmit surround sound.
Optical cables appear thin and separate compared to the HDMI cables or the RCA cables that appear complicated.
7 Simple steps on connecting a speaker to a monitor
Step 1 
On your device, trace the card jacks. The jacks are usually three in which they are all round, and their size is similar to that of a headphone jack. All are located at the back of your computer.
They are normally colored pink, blue, and green. If the jacks are not colored, they might hold sound card jacks labeled as microphone, line-in, and line-out.
In the case of a laptop, you will locate the headphone jack on the front or the side of the laptop, depending on the type of laptop you are using.
Step 2
If the model of the speaker allows you to, plug one speaker into another one. This may vary depending on the type of speakers.
Normally, the speaker to be plugged in should contain both the power button and the volume control button.
v Not all speaker models allow you to plug one to the other.
Step 3
Connect the cable connected to the speaker into the green-labeled card jack or the line-out jack of your desktop computer. In most cases, the connector on the speaker cable is usually colored green to help locate it easily.
For a laptop, you are just required to connect the speaker cable to the headphone jack on your laptop, either on the front or the side of the machine.
Step 4
Locate an electrical socket. Connect the power cable from the speakers to an electrical socket. After you connect firmly, turn the speakers on. Be careful on handling the socket after turning it on to avoid electrocution. If no sound is heard from the speakers, increase the volume from your device.
Step 5
To confirm whether your connection was successful, access an application that contains sound or audio or even by playing media. You can play music or a movie on your device. After you turn on the socket, your computer will automatically show a video signal on your monitor.
You must sign in and click on the right of your desktop, then opt on the screen resolution. After signing in, you need to modify the monitor resolution to the ‘Recommended’ resolution.
Step 6
If your monitor is connected via the display port, you have to click the name of your monitor in the list of the devices on your machine. Select ‘Enable’ in circumstances where the speakers appear greyed out in the list of the devices.
To set the monitor speakers as the computer’s default speakers, click on the ‘Set Default’ button. Testing the speakers needs you to press on the ‘configure’ button and click on ‘Test.’
Where needed, restart your computer. After restarting the device, close the whole process by closing the dialog box.
In the case where the connection was via an audio jack, locate an icon labeled ‘speakers’ among the other icons in the notification area of your machine.
Click the ‘speakers’ icon and wait till it opens.
Step 7
Set the volume on your windows to your preferred volume. This is by moving the mixer slider up and down on the volume space.
In cases where the speakers contain a volume control option, adjusting the speakers’ volume will also be required. This helps in equalizing both the volume on the windows and the speakers.
- When setting up the speakers, they should not be too close to you, the monitor, or the other speaker.
- The best range should possibly form an equilateral triangle; between you and your speakers.
Conclusion
Hooking up speakers to monitors is enabled by the use of different types of cables. The commonly used cables include; HDMI cables, RCA cables, and optical cables. Every cable has a unique connection method; thus, always be sure of the type of cable used for an easy flow of work. Connection mostly depends on the type and model of the speaker.
It is always advisable to opt for the best quality sound system or soundbars to avoid various problems connecting the speakers to the monitors. If the above connection steps are followed, and the speakers do not respond, an experienced person or a professional should be consulted. Maximum care should be observed when handling electrical appliances.
