What would it take to get my speakers hooked up to my computer?

[AuthenticGinger]

I'm new to the whole speaker thing, and I've done some research but still don't have an answer. What I want to do is hook up my 4 speakers and 2 ...tweeters(??? yes im that new) to my computer via 3.55mm audio port. What I gathered from Google is that I can just go out and buy a receiver, but I also found on Radioshack that there are 3.55mm male jacks to speaker wire connections, but there was an issue with the speakers not being able to be powered off of a normal computer audio card? I'm not entirely sure, I got very lost. The speakers aren't great, so I just want the CHEAPEST solution to getting these things hooked up to my computer. Thanks to all that help in advance.

EDIT: Maybe something like this tutorial, but instead having it use all the speakers?

[02audionoob]

Regular speakers (as opposed to powered speaker systems) require amplication. The receiver can provide that and the sound card cannot. So the thing you would need from Radio Shack is a wire that splits 3.5 mm stereo into RCA jacks. You run those to the inputs on a receiver and off you go.

[AuthenticGinger]

Alright, thanks. But receivers seem to be several hundred dollars. Any cheap alternative?

[02audionoob]

You can get used receivers on Craigslist cheap. If you want something new, this AudioSource AMP100 would do it. It's like a receiver except it has no radio and it has only two sets of inputs. Receivers will have several sets of inputs.

http://www.amazon.com/AudioSource-AM.../dp/B00026BQJ6

[AuthenticGinger]

So the absolute cheapest way out is about $100, alrighty. Thanks for helping me out!

[02audionoob]

It might not be the absolute cheapest, but it's good. Used equipment is usually the cheapest. You're quite welcome for the help.

[D. Paul Navigator]

Alright, thanks. But receivers seem to be several hundred dollars. Any cheap alternative?

Parts Express is selling a two channel amplifier made specifically for adding speakers to a computer, and includes connecting cords. You might need some speaker wire, but the amp is made by Dayton so search on Dayton amplifiers.

[Luvin Da Blues]

If your speakers aren't anything special, which I gather since $100 to power them seems steep to you, I would just buy some powered computer speakers. For $100 you could get something decent used. I run a logitech z2300 system at work, although not audiophile quality, they do rock out.

BTW, ignore that tutorial unless you want completely shltty sound with no volume.