Gigaworks s750 amp blew...going with a new receiver for speakers...questions...

[AndroidVageta]

OK...so my s750 receiver blew and is going to cost an arm and leg to fix it. So my plan is to get a 7.1 receiver to use the satellites with (they are nice, computer speaker or not) and get a seperate amp for the subwoofer.

Amp in question:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882180022

Receiver:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882105433

Now my questions are this:

1. My computer is a laptop...it has HDMI output on the back that does audio out. The laptop (Asus w90) has the ALC888 codec, so I know it can do 7.1...but I think the ATi 4870's actually handle the HDMI audio if Im not mistaken...so if Im playing a Blu-ray, and the receiver is DolbyHD...I should still be able to get full surround sound from HDMI right? Also, I dont want to output video through the HDMI as I still want to use the LCD on my laptop because I have no external monitor...is this possible?

2. The receiver is 110 watts a channel and the s750 satellites are rated at 75 watts each...even without cranking up the volume to ridiculous levels, can the speakers be damaged? Like, is it a constant 110 watts even at lower levels or is it only 110 watts at like near max volume? If thats the case, I will probably NEVER pump the volume up past maybe mid-volume as this is all for my desktop and I can only take so much volume haha...

If anyone can help me I would definitely appreciate it!!! Thanks!

 

[darkswordsman17]

I'm not sure, but I'm somewhat doubtful that it will bitstream the HD codecs. You should hopefully be able to stream multichannel PCM, which should be fine (that just means your laptop would decode the HD streams and then send the digital data to the receiver to put through its DAC and processing, versus sending everything over and the receiver doing the decoding prior to its DAC/processing stage). I could be wrong though. I think you should be able to just send the audio, but I'm not certain.

Wattage ratings are difficult to really say, as there's generally some fluff (especially on not higher end models). Those ratings are likely at 8 ohms, and I believe those speakers are probably at 4 ohms. Not a big deal as I believe most receivers can do both without much problem. Even then though you should be fine, as in be able to play them at higher than normal levels without blowing the speakers, so normal listening level should be feasible.

 

[unfalliblekrutch]

You'll be fine as far as the wattage. You need a 10x wattage increase to double the volume, so only when you are at the very very top portion of the volume range are you possibly sending more than 75W. Furthermore, it's hard to kill a speaker by sending it too much power. Usually speakers are damaged from trying to power a speaker using a receiver that is too weak, resulting in clipping at high volumes.

 

[calvie]

you are going to power the sub with that 2 channel amp? why dont you just spend that $100 and get a sub instead?

 

[AndroidVageta]

you are going to power the sub with that 2 channel amp? why dont you just spend that $100 and get a sub instead?

You know, I thought of this...but the sub that comes with the s750 system is rated at RMS 220 watts and sounds pretty damn good...if you can show me a $100 sub that has those specs Id be glad to oblige!

 

[calvie]

I have not listen to the s750 sub personally. In my opinion, there's really no good computer speakers/subs at all. If you are going receiver route, you might as well get a real sub. http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-633
This is $131, i am sure it's better than the s750 sub. You might be wasting time/money trying to get that sub to work. why not just get a powered sub and be done?

 

[AndroidVageta]

I have not listen to the s750 sub personally. In my opinion, there's really no good computer speakers/subs at all. If you are going receiver route, you might as well get a real sub. http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-633
This is $131, i am sure it's better than the s750 sub. You might be wasting time/money trying to get that sub to work. why not just get a powered sub and be done?

Thats just ignorance...

As far as WHY I want to use the sub...well, why not? Its big, loud, and damn sure does the job well! Ive owned a few HT subs back in the day (a few years ago ) and the Gigaworks sub really is a beast compared to any sub out there in the ~$100 range. No doubt about that!

 

[AndroidVageta]

Also, Id like to get a seperate amp for the sub just to reduce wear and tear by all the vibrations and what not from the sub...it is a beast and hits VERY hard considering what it is...plus, with it being seperate I can set it by the receiver and adjust settings without have to get on my hands and knees behind the sub to do so...

 

[calvie]

Ignorance??? Stop kidding yourself that the s750 speakers or sub is any good. Its only good when compare to other pc speakers/subs. Even a home theater in a box onkyo system is better than the s750. The s750 8inches sub hit HARD and LOUD? oh please, try boomy and distorted. I am not going to try to convince you since you love your s750 so much. Go ahead and waste you money trying to make that sub work with that amp.

 

[AndroidVageta]

Ignorance...

For the space I have available they are some of the best satellites out there in the price range Im sure...you admitted yourself youve never heard them, so you are cleary speaking out of your ass. Onkyo HTIB? Maybe the THX certified one...the others? HA! And the sub, while admittedly is far from the best out there, for what it is it does hit hard and loud, more so than any HT sub Ive ever owned. Read some reviews, listen to them if you can, and then come back to me with your opinions about them.

 

[calvie]

I do not need to listen to the s750. I have listen and owned quite a few computer speakers including klipsch ultra media, creative labs s2000, and a few sets of logitech as well. The S750 is probably one of the BEST computer audio system. The BEST shit is still shit. If the s750 sub hit harder and louder than any ht sub you own then you have own quite a few shitty ht system. Maybe you expectation are just really low. Go to a friend who owns a SVS, HSU, EPIK, JL, or any REAL hd sub and then come back and tell me the S750 hits hard and loud.

You obviously love and think highly of your S750. Just get that receiver and amp and revive your s750 and be happy. I am done.

 

[AndroidVageta]

WWYBYWB? LOL!

In either case, the satellites are good and the sub is good, computer speakers or not, its hard to mess up fullrange satellites speakers and subwoofer speaker and enclosure...

 

[unfalliblekrutch]

THX certification means nothing.

The onkyo HTIB probably sounds loads better than the S750, although I'll admit I've never heard them either. However, the promedia ultras are generally considered the only acceptable quality computer speakers.

Seriously, Android, I think you'd be pleasantly surprised by a set of real speakers. I'll agree that you are somewhat wasting your money trying to repair your s750s

 

[darkswordsman17]

I do not need to listen to the s750. I have listen and owned quite a few computer speakers including klipsch ultra media, creative labs s2000, and a few sets of logitech as well. The S750 is probably one of the BEST computer audio system. The BEST shit is still shit. If the s750 sub hit harder and louder than any ht sub you own then you have own quite a few shitty ht system. Maybe you expectation are just really low. Go to a friend who owns a SVS, HSU, EPIK, JL, or any REAL hd sub and then come back and tell me the S750 hits hard and loud.

You obviously love and think highly of your S750. Just get that receiver and amp and revive your s750 and be happy. I am done.

Instead of insulting him why not actually offer something helpful instead of just trashing what he has? And really? You're going to compare it to subs that cost more than the entire speaker set? Considering you don't even know the room size or anything, kinda stupid to talk about perceived loudness impact, don't you think?

THX certification means nothing.

The onkyo HTIB probably sounds loads better than the S750, although I'll admit I've never heard them either. However, the promedia ultras are generally considered the only acceptable quality computer speakers.

Seriously, Android, I think you'd be pleasantly surprised by a set of real speakers. I'll agree that you are somewhat wasting your money trying to repair your s750s

Actually the S750 were generally accepted to have better satellite speakers but a slightly worse sub than the Klipsch. I owned a pair. They aren't complete crap, and especially in a listening environment where they're close by, will actually be better than the speakers in the HTiB. I know, my sister owned them as well.

 

[darkswordsman17]

OP, so its just the receiver that's bad? Have you tried locating a used one? I'm a bit confused about getting a separate amp for the sub. The amp for the sub was built in, so unless its bad, I'm not sure why you're wanting a different amp. You'd actually have to pop it open and wire it to it yourself.

I will gladly admit you can find better speakers. Of course, you're obviously going to be paying for the better quality. You would get a higher level of quality by using better speakers versus using the current speakers with better receiver/amp.

 

[unfalliblekrutch]

Instead of insulting him why not actually offer something helpful instead of just trashing what he has? And really? You're going to compare it to subs that cost more than the entire speaker set? Considering you don't even know the room size or anything, kinda stupid to talk about perceived loudness impact, don't you think?



Actually the S750 were generally accepted to have better satellite speakers but a slightly worse sub than the Klipsch. I owned a pair. They aren't complete crap, and especially in a listening environment where they're close by, will actually be better than the speakers in the HTiB. I know, my sister owned them as well.

Even if they're comparable to an HTIB, the money would be better spent towards a real sub rather than trying to resurrect the old one. The point isn't how much the sub costs compared to the old sub or old speakers. The point is, the proposed amp will cost enough to buy a comparable subwoofer outright.

 

[AndroidVageta]

Instead of insulting him why not actually offer something helpful instead of just trashing what he has? And really? You're going to compare it to subs that cost more than the entire speaker set? Considering you don't even know the room size or anything, kinda stupid to talk about perceived loudness impact, don't you think?



Actually the S750 were generally accepted to have better satellite speakers but a slightly worse sub than the Klipsch. I owned a pair. They aren't complete crap, and especially in a listening environment where they're close by, will actually be better than the speakers in the HTiB. I know, my sister owned them as well.

Yeah, I love the satellites! Very full rich sound, nice mids and highs, like I said, unless were talking full sized or even monitor/book shelf speakers, I dont see anything sounding better without spends much more $. Plus, for the front L&R speakers Ill be using full sized speakers with 8 inch woofer, seperate mid and tweeter...would have used them before but they blew my old Logitech 4.1 system, so theyve just been sitting there not being used as I feared them blowing the s750...which happened on its own :\

In either case, I have enough info I think to make the purchase...like I said, I will be keeping the sub though, it is a nice one, might be a little "boom-y" if not set right, but it still sounds good and its a loud one!

Thanks to all those that had something useful to add!

 

[AndroidVageta]

Even if they're comparable to an HTIB, the money would be better spent towards a real sub rather than trying to resurrect the old one. The point isn't how much the sub costs compared to the old sub or old speakers. The point is, the proposed amp will cost enough to buy a comparable subwoofer outright.

You are incorrect I have to say. Ive owned ~$100 subs from Yamaha, Polk, and Sony...none of them were as loud or hit nearly as hard as the s750 sub. I think you are looking at the s750 sub more as "computer speakers suck" instead of looking at it for what it is. Its a 8-inch 200watt bi-powered subwoofer in an all wood enclosure - nothing different about it at all from any other subwoofer out there in the $100 price range. Show me a $100 sub that has those specs...and when I say $100 I mean $100...thats all I have to spend.

 

[unfalliblekrutch]

You are incorrect I have to say. Ive owned ~$100 subs from Yamaha, Polk, and Sony...none of them were as loud or hit nearly as hard as the s750 sub. I think you are looking at the s750 sub more as "computer speakers suck" instead of looking at it for what it is. Its a 8-inch 200watt bi-powered subwoofer in an all wood enclosure - nothing different about it at all from any other subwoofer out there in the $100 price range. Show me a $100 sub that has those specs...and when I say $100 I mean $100...thats all I have to spend.

The dayton basic sub linked earlier. Yamaha polk and sony are not good name subs

 

[AndroidVageta]

The dayton basic sub linked earlier. Yamaha polk and sony are not good name subs

Dayton sub is seriously better than anything Yamaha and Polk have? Come on man...thats just flat out untrue.

And something about a $140 sub where the price covers the box, woofer, and amp just seems kinda cheap...not saying it is, but I dont have $140 for a subwoofer anyways...

 

[unfalliblekrutch]

Dayton sub is seriously better than anything Yamaha and Polk have? Come on man...thats just flat out untrue.

And something about a $140 sub where the price covers the box, woofer, and amp just seems kinda cheap...not saying it is, but I dont have $140 for a subwoofer anyways...

For the money, correct. i mean, you're jumping all over the place here. first you ask for a $100 sub, then you say there's no way $100 can get you a good sub. Seriously, the dayton is the best sub you can get for this price, and it is going to be a better investment than trying to rig up your old sub.

However, i can tell your mind is already made up, so why did you even bother asking for help on here?

 

[darkswordsman17]

Even if they're comparable to an HTIB, the money would be better spent towards a real sub rather than trying to resurrect the old one. The point isn't how much the sub costs compared to the old sub or old speakers. The point is, the proposed amp will cost enough to buy a comparable subwoofer outright.

That's what I didn't know. I agree that I'm not sure that amp would be a good fit for it.

I actually have the Dayton sub, and I would agree its very good for the price. Really it would beat the Gigaworks, so I can agree with recommending it versus getting that amp.

Yeah, I love the satellites! Very full rich sound, nice mids and highs, like I said, unless were talking full sized or even monitor/book shelf speakers, I dont see anything sounding better without spends much more $. Plus, for the front L&R speakers Ill be using full sized speakers with 8 inch woofer, seperate mid and tweeter...would have used them before but they blew my old Logitech 4.1 system, so theyve just been sitting there not being used as I feared them blowing the s750...which happened on its own :\

In either case, I have enough info I think to make the purchase...like I said, I will be keeping the sub though, it is a nice one, might be a little "boom-y" if not set right, but it still sounds good and its a loud one!

Thanks to all those that had something useful to add!

With the Gigaworks, the subs and satelllites were pretty well matched, which aided the overall sound of the system. The Gigaworks isn't crap in that it has a pleasing sound and offers ok HT/gaming ability with listenable music ability. It wouldn't take much to beat it though, but for you it would require more money (and time and effort in setting up) than you're wanting to. Plus going this route offers you an upgrade path that you didn't have before. Something to keep in mind is that due to it functioning as a system, tuned for its components before, you're not going to be likely to be able to match that by using a receiver and different amp. They should be superior, but because its not tuned it will likely sound not as good.

The Onkyo sets have been very much aimed at HT duty, and to me do that pretty well, but aren't really very pleasing to listen to. The Gigaworks had them beat in that, although you might not be getting everything with them (fact they do use small drivers, so they're not going to be anywhere close to full range).

I understand, calvie and unfalliblekrutch, what you mean, and agree actually (I can even understand calling it crap, as yeah there's a lot further you can go in audio, even in the low end), but I'm not a fan of the tone. Try not to be insulting, its one of the big turnoffs of a lot of audiophiles is a snobby attitude.