Can I connect external speakers directly to my Xbox360?
Is it possible to connect external speakers directly to my 360 without having to go through the audio-out port on my tv? If so, what cables do I need and what kind of speakers?
No you are not able to connect external speaker directly into the Xbox360, they need to be powered. A receiver is what is used to accept the audio signal, decode it, and send the power out to the speakers. Without a receiver you wont have sound.