audio conference calling

Question:
Hello I have a question that I'm desperately searching an answer for. I am wondering if it is possible (I'm pretty sure it is) to hook up the telephone through my stereo (or even the computer). I have a group meeting to host at my place, and would like to have a friend who will be calling in via phone participate. But I want to avoid having to use speakerphone, since speakerphone is always crappy sounding/distorted, etc.

I know in the past i messed around a bit with wires and what not, and was able to run my phone through my little tabletop tape/cd stereo. The sound was awesome.

I'd like to do this again, and would like some on advice on what i might need to buy to make it happen. Or if its possible to hook the phone up through the computer, so the audio runs through my computer speakers (and I guess then I could hook up some mics to send the audio out) . would that work?

Answer:
Dave Allston Radio and TV programs do this all the time. The device used is called a Telephone Hybrid Coupler. It provides for a line level input from a mic mixer, a line level output that can be added to a program mix and/or sent to a speaker, and a hookup across a phone line. A phone is use to establish the connection and then a button is pushed causing the coupler to "seize" the phone call.

Telos Systems makes some of the best couplers. Visit to learn more.
Telos Systems makes some of the best couplers. Visit -to learn more. BTW, I have a big preference for the JK Audio ones Mike linked to over the Telos ones. JK's sound better and have less null problems IMO.

Here's one even cheaper than the cheapest JK by a company I can recommend. I haven't used this particular device but I've bought maybe a dozen of this company's other devices and been on the phone with the owner/designer several times:

Of course, the results will be less than perfect but for $119 instead of $700 and up, what do you expect?

If that's still too much money you can always use a coupler (NOT hybrid), but there is no feedback prevention in a coupler. Still could work if money is your main limitation:

For $88:

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