My TV has stereo RCA out - 2.1 Speakers?

[Symmetriad]

I recently got a Vizio 32" LCD TV, which has stereo RCA output jacks. Can I directly connect a set of speakers plus subwoofer to these, and if so what are some recommendations as to what to purchase? All my devices (HTPC, DVD player, PS2) are connected to the TV, and I don't care about 5.1 surround sound at all. Something within a $200-400 budget would be ideal.

 

[MustISO]

Two speakers would be easy to do the sub is another story. Chances are the amp on the output is very weak, if you had a powered sub and use speaker level inputs that may work but I don't know if it really would. The you would run the speakers from the sub. Not really an ideal solution.

If your budget really goes to $400 you can easily get a receiver and speakers for that amount. It won't great quality but it's better than nothing.

 

[RagingBITCH]

In your case, why wouldn't you want a cheap HTIB? That way you plug all 3 into there and control everything from there. Like MustISO says, there's plenty in that range

 

[heyheybooboo]

Originally posted by: Symmetriad
I recently got a Vizio 32" LCD TV, which has stereo RCA output jacks. Can I directly connect a set of speakers plus subwoofer to these, and if so what are some recommendations as to what to purchase? All my devices (HTPC, DVD player, PS2) are connected to the TV, and I don't care about 5.1 surround sound at all. Something within a $200-400 budget would be ideal.

Buy a $200 surround sound receiver.

Output from the 5.1 SPDIF Digital Optical Audio on the Vizio to the receiver.

 

[Symmetriad]

Originally posted by: RagingBITCH
In your case, why wouldn't you want a cheap HTIB? That way you plug all 3 into there and control everything from there. Like MustISO says, there's plenty in that range

Most of the ones I'm looking at don't seem to have enough inputs, RCA or otherwise, for my components. In that case, would I be able to plug all those sources into the TV and plug the TV into the aux in on the DVD player/receiver, or would that cause some kind of feedback problem when using the DVD player itself?

 

[Modelworks]

Something people often overlook is using pc speakers for the living room.
You can get a very nice setup in the 200-400.00 range that will only require a stereo input , like those from your tv. Its also going to have its own built in amps.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16836116160
About 250.00 shipped.

5.1 audio doesn't get much better than this: The GigaWorks G500 from Creative is a THX certified speaker system with 310 Watts RMS of power. The five satellite speakers can be set on their stands or wall mounted.

The subwoofer has Dual Flared DynaPorts to enhance airflow in the cabinet which ensures even sonic dispersion. The satellites have a single DynaPort. These all work together for a seamless transition from highs to midrange to lows.

The wired PowerTouch controller lets you independently adjust your satellites, mute them or connect your headphones. The controller also has a switch for the CMSS upmix technology that delivers realistic 5.1 surround sound from plain stereo signals.

 

[Symmetriad]

I've come to the conclusion that it'd be better for me to just get two speakers, a subwoofer and a receiver for $400-500 - I want to be able to listen to music with this setup through my HTPC as well, and I've read that most HTIB setups have cruddy satellite speakers that don't cover the midbass crossover range very well. However, I like the idea of combining the DVD player and receiver into one box, even if it's not the highest-performance option for either one. Does anybody sell this kind of "combo" receiver outside of HTIB packages?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Modelworks
Something people often overlook is using pc speakers for the living room.
You can get a very nice setup in the 200-400.00 range that will only require a stereo input , like those from your tv. Its also going to have its own built in amps.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16836116160
About 250.00 shipped.

5.1 audio doesn't get much better than this: The GigaWorks G500 from Creative is a THX certified speaker system with 310 Watts RMS of power. The five satellite speakers can be set on their stands or wall mounted.

The subwoofer has Dual Flared DynaPorts to enhance airflow in the cabinet which ensures even sonic dispersion. The satellites have a single DynaPort. These all work together for a seamless transition from highs to midrange to lows.

The wired PowerTouch controller lets you independently adjust your satellites, mute them or connect your headphones. The controller also has a switch for the CMSS upmix technology that delivers realistic 5.1 surround sound from plain stereo signals.

Computer speakers would be a decent idea, but I wouldn't do a 5.1 set (one like that especially) since it only has a 5.1 analog input. Connecting that up to HT type sources isn't going to work very well at all.

If avoiding external amps is the concern, you could just get a good pair of 2.1 computer speakers or maybe a pair of powered monitors.

You could even add a sub to a pair of powered monitors and get good results.

Swan M200s are fairly popular around here (at least compared to a lot of other powered monitors)
http://www.theaudioinsider.com...h=21_24&products_id=43

A pair of those (or something similar) + a powered subwoofer would make a reasonable 2.1 system on this budget without the need for a receiver.

Partsexpress just recently ended their free shipping on their dayton subs, but that sale will be back again eventually. I don't remember how much the shipping is normally to know what kind of difference that makes. Hmmm... I got an estimate of $23 for the 12", not too bad for a 50 pound order.
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe...fm?&Partnumber=300-633
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe...fm?&Partnumber=300-635

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Symmetriad
I've come to the conclusion that it'd be better for me to just get two speakers, a subwoofer and a receiver for $400-500 - I want to be able to listen to music with this setup through my HTPC as well, and I've read that most HTIB setups have cruddy satellite speakers that don't cover the midbass crossover range very well. However, I like the idea of combining the DVD player and receiver into one box, even if it's not the highest-performance option for either one. Does anybody sell this kind of "combo" receiver outside of HTIB packages?

Indeed a lot of HTIB sets have crappy speakers that are especially lacking for music listening.

Most of the DVD player / Receiver combo units are integrated into low end HTIB sets like you mentioned. I don't know of any off-hand that are reasonably priced and decent performers. Is it just the space issue that you want to avoid dual units?

Did you get a chance to look at my sticky thread at the top of this subforum?
http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2099593&enterthread=y

Oh and of course
http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/Y...wsDAjello/Welcome2.JPG

 

[Symmetriad]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
Indeed a lot of HTIB sets have crappy speakers that are especially lacking for music listening.

Most of the DVD player / Receiver combo units are integrated into low end HTIB sets like you mentioned. I don't know of any off-hand that are reasonably priced and decent performers. Is it just the space issue that you want to avoid dual units?

Did you get a chance to look at my sticky thread at the top of this subforum?
http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2099593&enterthread=y

Oh and of course
http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/Y...wsDAjello/Welcome2.JPG

Partially the space issue, and partially because it'd be nice to replace my $40 DVD player with something that has HDMI out. And yeah, I read your sticky - that's part of where I got my info. Thanks for that, it's given me some good ideas. I may just go with a relatively inexpensive (Fry's has a good-looking Onkyo for $150) receiver and a slightly higher-level DVD player instead; then, connect the DVD player directly to the receiver, then everything else to the TV and SPDIF that out to the receiver.

And thanks for the welcome... I've actually been signed up here for a while, this is just the first time I've posted in several months.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: Symmetriad

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
Indeed a lot of HTIB sets have crappy speakers that are especially lacking for music listening.

Most of the DVD player / Receiver combo units are integrated into low end HTIB sets like you mentioned. I don't know of any off-hand that are reasonably priced and decent performers. Is it just the space issue that you want to avoid dual units?

Did you get a chance to look at my sticky thread at the top of this subforum?
http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2099593&enterthread=y

Oh and of course
http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/Y...wsDAjello/Welcome2.JPG

Partially the space issue, and partially because it'd be nice to replace my $40 DVD player with something that has HDMI out. And yeah, I read your sticky - that's part of where I got my info. Thanks for that, it's given me some good ideas. I may just go with a relatively inexpensive (Fry's has a good-looking Onkyo for $150) receiver and a slightly higher-level DVD player instead; then, connect the DVD player directly to the receiver, then everything else to the TV and SPDIF that out to the receiver.

And thanks for the welcome... I've actually been signed up here for a while, this is just the first time I've posted in several months.

You don't want to go through your TV and out to the receiver. If anything you want the opposite.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Is that the 304 you're looking at for the receiver? That's a good option for an entry level unit. It should be significantly better than most DVD/Receiver combo units.
As PurdueRy said, you'd probably want to route your sources through the receiver rather than through the TV and then to the receiver. You could even do just video to the TV and just audio to the receiver directly and not have to run through one or the other as long as you have enough inputs.

So you're hooked up with component to your TV now with the DVD player and the PS2?

 

[Symmetriad]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
Is that the 304 you're looking at for the receiver? That's a good option for an entry level unit. It should be significantly better than most DVD/Receiver combo units.
As PurdueRy said, you'd probably want to route your sources through the receiver rather than through the TV and then to the receiver. You could even do just video to the TV and just audio to the receiver directly and not have to run through one or the other as long as you have enough inputs.

So you're hooked up with component to your TV now with the DVD player and the PS2?

Yes, the 304 is what I'm looking at. I'm also looking at the Polk R50s (http://shop2.outpost.com/product/4005092) for speakers, and this KLH unit (http://shop2.outpost.com/product/5383558) for a sub.

If I route all the audio to the receiver, will I still be able to route things to the TV for when I don't want to use my speakers? There are times when I don't want to have booming sound or wake up the neighbors, not to mention run up my electric bill, just to play some Katamari Damacy. I'll always be using the speakers for DVDs, but not for my TV, HTPC or PS2 (or any other consoles that might come along).

And yes, I'm using component for both my PS2 and DVD player (and VGA + 1/8" jack for the HTPC).

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Symmetriad

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
Is that the 304 you're looking at for the receiver? That's a good option for an entry level unit. It should be significantly better than most DVD/Receiver combo units.
As PurdueRy said, you'd probably want to route your sources through the receiver rather than through the TV and then to the receiver. You could even do just video to the TV and just audio to the receiver directly and not have to run through one or the other as long as you have enough inputs.

So you're hooked up with component to your TV now with the DVD player and the PS2?

Yes, the 304 is what I'm looking at. I'm also looking at the Polk R50s (http://shop2.outpost.com/product/4005092) for speakers, and this KLH unit (http://shop2.outpost.com/product/5383558) for a sub.

If I route all the audio to the receiver, will I still be able to route things to the TV for when I don't want to use my speakers? There are times when I don't want to have booming sound or wake up the neighbors, not to mention run up my electric bill, just to play some Katamari Damacy. I'll always be using the speakers for DVDs, but not for my TV, HTPC or PS2 (or any other consoles that might come along).

And yes, I'm using component for both my PS2 and DVD player (and VGA + 1/8" jack for the HTPC).

I don't know anything about that KLH sub, but I do know that the Dayton units are pretty solid for very similar prices so I would recommend going with one of those if possible.

R50s would work fine. Remember to check out shipping differences with ordering the speakers individually in two orders vs. together. I think people have gotten lower shipping costs doing separate orders.

If you're sure you need to use the TV speakers from time to time, then yeah, you wouldn't want to route everything through the receiver first.

This system is going to have a volume control though You can just turn it down or even turn the sub off when you want to have it quieter vs. using your TV speakers. No need for it to be loud just because you're using real speakers.

I don't see why you wouldn't want to use your higher quality components for all your sources vs. just for DVD. Maybe you'll try it out anyway and figure out it would benefit you to always use the system and just turn it down to your taste

As for the power bill... I'm not sure how much the 304 draws, but I don't think it's going to be that significant.

 

[Symmetriad]

:light:

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
I don't know anything about that KLH sub, but I do know that the Dayton units are pretty solid for very similar prices so I would recommend going with one of those if possible.

R50s would work fine. Remember to check out shipping differences with ordering the speakers individually in two orders vs. together. I think people have gotten lower shipping costs doing separate orders.

If you're sure you need to use the TV speakers from time to time, then yeah, you wouldn't want to route everything through the receiver first.

This system is going to have a volume control though You can just turn it down or even turn the sub off when you want to have it quieter vs. using your TV speakers. No need for it to be loud just because you're using real speakers.

I don't see why you wouldn't want to use your higher quality components for all your sources vs. just for DVD. Maybe you'll try it out anyway and figure out it would benefit you to always use the system and just turn it down to your taste

As for the power bill... I'm not sure how much the 304 draws, but I don't think it's going to be that significant.

There's a Fry's within about 40 minutes of me, so I was thinking of calling them to see if they have those components - sales tax would be cheaper than shipping for these things. They don't seem to have any Dayton subs, though - do you know who would carry them, including B&M stores?

Also, I'm a maroon for not remembering the whole "volume control" thing on the receiver.

Thanks for all the advice, everyone!

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

I think Dayton is PartsExpress's house brand?

I think they're the only ones that carry them. If anyone has any good experiences with the KLH sub or you found some good reviews on it Symmetriad, then go ahead with it. There are a LOT of crappy subs out there though. I know the Daytons are good bang for your buck though which is why I would recommend those first.

 

[Symmetriad]

I'll look into it. I'm also considering going with bookshelf speakers, since I don't have a huge amount of space around my system, but those Polks seem like a decent investment.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Symmetriad
I'll look into it. I'm also considering going with bookshelf speakers, since I don't have a huge amount of space around my system, but those Polks seem like a decent investment.

They area a pretty good deal for floorstanders, but if you can swing a set of better bookshelf speakers + a subwoofer, that would be a solid system as well. Keep in mind that you might have to buy speakers stands to add to the cost of bookshelf speakers if you don't have something to do that already. One of the bigger advantages floorstanders usually have is better low frequency extension, but if you're getting a subwoofer anyway, that doesn't really matter much.

 

[Symmetriad]

An interesting note pertaining to this:

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjelloRemember to check out shipping differences with ordering the speakers individually in two orders vs. together. I think people have gotten lower shipping costs doing separate orders.

My shipping estimate for all the parts together (sub, rec and speakers) was $114. But shipping the speakers in one order and the sub and rec in another? $16 for each package. Thanks for letting me know that.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Symmetriad
An interesting note pertaining to this:

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjelloRemember to check out shipping differences with ordering the speakers individually in two orders vs. together. I think people have gotten lower shipping costs doing separate orders.

My shipping estimate for all the parts together (sub, rec and speakers) was $114. But shipping the speakers in one order and the sub and rec in another? $16 for each package. Thanks for letting me know that.

No problem. It's easy for me to remember since it's so odd