What do I need to attach external speakers?

I have a 3 year old macbook 2 GHz that I wish to attach some old but powerful wharfdale speakers to. I realize I need to buy a receiver box/amp of some description in order to do so. Any suggestions would be really appreciated.
Many thanks,
KC

You need a way to get your audio to whatever preamp you're using. Theoretically you could send it straight to the amp using your MacBook for volume control, but that has the potential to blow the speakers if something happens like an inadvertent spike in the output level. You'll probably need a mini-jack to RCA cable. I got one in my old iPod value package (also had a dock, FW cable, and wall power adapter). You might also be able to use something like a USB audio device, such as a Griffin iMic with a standard RCA cable.
This is going to get awfully expensive unless you're willing to go with a relatively inexpensive receiver or integrated amp. Something that could do justice to your speakers doesn't have to be that expensive. Maybe even something like a small shelf system would work.

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