I need an adapter that can take the input of composite audio cables (the red and white ones) and output it to the standard headphone output slot (so I can just plug my headphones into it).
Does this exist? And is it cheap?
The basic answers are “Yes, you could probably find such a thing”, “Look in Radio Shack or similar” and “Yes, it will be quite cheap”. That all assumes I’ve understood what you want to do properly, but I have a broadly similar adapter that cost me about $5 from RS.
If you can use a soldering iron, you could make one yourself.
Won’t work very well. The composite audio signal is far too low to effectively drive a pair of headphones directly; you need a small amplifier to do the job properly.
Right enough, I tend to use it the other way - output level to line level. Never tried to drive headphones off an RCA connection.
How loud it is depends greatly on the particular headphones, but in general it’s not very satisfactory; the impedance level is sorta close (600 ohms for RCA and typically ~1 k for headphones with considerable variation) but the voltage level is lower than will drive most headphones well. Add to that the fact that on most devices with RCA audio outputs, the volume level through them is fixed and you’ve got a recipe for meh.
BTW, in the interest of fighting ignorance, it’s not “composite audio” but rather line-level stereo audio out.
Is there a relatively cheap powered adapter/amplifier that might then?
What is the device you want to connect your headphones to?
Depends on your definition of “relatively cheap.” About the best price I could find in brief search is about 30 bucks, and that’s for a kit you have to assemble. Complete units appear to start at around $50 and go up from there.
Videogame system; the TV it’s connected to has no headphone out.
Ah. Then I have to go with the amp suggestions made by Q.E.D. Most of the stuff I’ve used has been music/recording equipment. I don’t think a videogame system would have the power to drive headphones on its own. In general, it would rely on the TV’s amplifier.
If I’m reading your OP correctly, then they do exist and I’ve got one right in front of me as I type this. It’s got composite in’s for the red/white audio and a 3.5 mm input on the other end (both ends are female). I got it with the Logitech computer speakers I bought two years ago and have never used it, so I don’t know how well it works.
Is what I’m describing what you’re looking for?
Well I just decided to get up and test it out and report back here. I hooked the composite outs on my Wii up to the adapter and plugged my earphones into the 3.5 mm input on the other end, and it worked. The volume was quite low, and I can’t think of any way to make it louder without an amplifier, but it did indeed work.
After re-reading the OP it looks like what I have might not be what you’re looking for as you specify a standard headphone jack and I’m using earphones. In any event, I’m sure you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for. Good luck!
Yes, that’s it. It’s intended purpose is to plug a set of amplified speakers meant primarily for a computer (which has3.5 mm line-level output on the sound card ) into the line-level RCA outputs on other types of audio equipment, such as a stereo or TV. It will accept a headphone 3.5 mm male phone plug but, as noted (ETA: and as you just found out first hand), the results may be less than spectacular.
Instructables has plans on how to build amps which would work for your purpose. Don’t know what it would cost to do any of that, but their plans generally include price lists and parts sources.
Your best bet is a set of small, cheap PC speakers (like this: sample cheap speakers). You can find this for under $10 in finer stores such as Big Lots, Dollar General, etc.
The one I linked to is $6.50, is an amplifier with volume control, speakers, and a headphone jack. Many of them have RCA inputs, so you wouldn’t even need the adapter.