Amp is dead. Need a new PC 5.1 system.

[SkyBum]

I got 4 good years out of my current 5.1 amp (which was better than most got, from what I've been reading). But now it's dead dead dead and it's time to move on.

I'm out of touch with whats going on in PC audio these days and most of the reviews I've found seem to be pretty dated. $200 range would be more sane, I'd be willing to spend up to $400 though if the difference in quality really justified it (my PC also doubles as my home audio system).

In your opinions, what is the absolute best PC sound I can get for $200-$400?

On another note....I still have (2) 8" subs and 5 satellites (of the Klipsch Ultra variety), What are my options as far as purchasing an amp/amps to drive them? I doubt $400 would go far in that endeavor....

I'm all ears.

SB

 

[evilspoons]

I love my Logitech Z-5500 speakers. They sound amazing, can put out stupid amounts of bass, and I've seen them for cheap-ish lately compared to their MSRP.

On the other hand you could probably buy a decent surround receiver for $300 or so. I quite like JVC stuff for the money, and I've heard great things about Pioneer Elite.

 

[Tristor]

Build your own amp/receiver, seriously. Look on http://www.diyaudio.com/ to find info on how to do surround amplifiers, but it shouldn't be that difficult as most of the components you can order and solder to a PCB (you will either have to find somebody offering PCBs or design and etch your own). It's worth it though. I spent $75 in parts and got an amp that is better than most that are $300+, that was for a headphone amp. For a surround amplifier, the project complexity would go up, but not enough to make it impossible, and you could probably spend ~$200 on parts and get something that would usually cost you in the neighborhood of $600.