Stereo amplifier w/optical in?

[frostedflakes]

Just trying to figure out what my options are here. I'd like to hook two unpowered speakers up to my computer via the digital audio connection from my motherboard. I could get a 5.1 or 7.1 receiver, but it would set me back over $200 and has way more features than I'd need. Was just wondering if it would be possible to save some money and get a good stereo amp with digital input for $100 or so, that way I'm not paying for features and extras I don't need.

 

[slackerinabox]

You may need to get a DAC and also an amp.. But, honestly, analog out might work just great for your needs.

 

[mmntech]

AFAIK, there's no such thing as a stereo receiver with digital inputs. A high quality analogue sound card might be the best solution here.

 

[blackangst1]

AFAIK, there's no such thing as a stereo receiver with digital inputs. A high quality analogue sound card might be the best solution here.

Uh, most receivers have optical in....and you would use something like this to connect PC to it

http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10229&cs_id=1022901&p_id=2765&seq=1&format=2

 

[unfalliblekrutch]

Uh, most receivers have optical in....and you would use something like this to connect PC to it

http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10229&cs_id=1022901&p_id=2765&seq=1&format=2

Yes, but STEREO receivers do not have optical in afaik

 

[blackangst1]

Yes, but STEREO receivers do not have optical in afaik

AFAIK most in the last 10 years do....Three of the last three Ive owned did. Thats how I connect my cable box and DVD player for audio...

Are we talking about different things?

 

[unfalliblekrutch]

Granted, some high end stereo receivers have optical ins, but they are $200+...well in the range of surround receivers. OP's goal was to save money by buying only the features he needed, so we're talking stereo receivers in the $150 or less range. None of which have optical in, as far as i'm aware.

 

[blackangst1]

Granted, some high end stereo receivers have optical ins, but they are $200+...well in the range of surround receivers. OP's goal was to save money by buying only the features he needed, so we're talking stereo receivers in the $150 or less range. None of which have optical in, as far as i'm aware.

Hmm. I found this one for $169 on Newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882105282

SONY 5.1-Channel Home Theater A/V Receiver STR-DH500

HDMI 3 In / 1 Out
Component Video 2 In / 1 Out
Digital Optical Audio 2 In
Digital Coaxial Audio 1 In
Headphone Jack Yes
Pre-Amp Out Single Sub
Other Connectors Digital Media Port: 1 (Rear)
Composite Video: 3 In / 2 Out
RCA Audio L/R: 4 In / 1 Out


Or this one for $179: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882117303

Pioneer 5.1-Channel A/V Receiver VSX-519V-K

HDMI SACD Transfer (2-Channel)
HDMI DVD-Audio Transfer
Auto Surround
Stream Direct
Auto Level Control (2-Channel)
Advanced Surround Modes: 8+1
Front Stage Surround Advance (Focus)
Sound Retriever
Midnight Mode
Loudness
Tone Control
Sound Delay (Lip-Sync)
Video HDMI 1080p Video Repeater
Deep Color
HDMI 2 In / 1 Out
Component Video 2 In / 1 Out
Digital Optical Audio 2 In
Digital Coaxial Audio 1 In
Headphone Jack Yes
Multi Channel Input 5.1-Channel
Pre-Amp Out Single Sub
Zone Terminals 2-Zone Audio
IR Yes


or this open box for $119: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2E16882105282R

SONY 5.1-Channel Home Theater A/V Receiver STR-DH500

HDMI 3 In / 1 Out
Component Video 2 In / 1 Out
Digital Optical Audio 2 In
Digital Coaxial Audio 1 In
Headphone Jack Yes
Pre-Amp Out Single Sub
Other Connectors Digital Media Port: 1 (Rear)
Composite Video: 3 In / 2 Out

or it's big brother (open box) with 7.1 for $159: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2E16882105283R

SONY 7.1-Channel Home Theater A/V Receiver STR-DH700

HDMI 3 In / 1 Out
Component Video 3 In / 1 Out
Digital Optical Audio 2 In
Digital Coaxial Audio 1 In
Headphone Jack Yes
Pre-Amp Out Single Sub
Other Connectors Digital Media Port: 1 (Rear)
Composite Video Input(s): 4 (1 Front/3 Rear)
Composite Video Output(s): 2 (Rear)
RCA Audio Input(s): 6 (1 Front/5 Rear)
RCA Audio Output(s): 2 (Rear)




Would any of those work OP?

 

[slackerinabox]

Hmm. I found this one for $169 on Newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882105282

SONY 5.1-Channel Home Theater A/V Receiver STR-DH500

HDMI 3 In / 1 Out
Component Video 2 In / 1 Out
Digital Optical Audio 2 In
Digital Coaxial Audio 1 In
Headphone Jack Yes
Pre-Amp Out Single Sub
Other Connectors Digital Media Port: 1 (Rear)
Composite Video: 3 In / 2 Out
RCA Audio L/R: 4 In / 1 Out


Or this one for $179: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882117303

Pioneer 5.1-Channel A/V Receiver VSX-519V-K

HDMI SACD Transfer (2-Channel)
HDMI DVD-Audio Transfer
Auto Surround
Stream Direct
Auto Level Control (2-Channel)
Advanced Surround Modes: 8+1
Front Stage Surround Advance (Focus)
Sound Retriever
Midnight Mode
Loudness
Tone Control
Sound Delay (Lip-Sync)
Video HDMI 1080p Video Repeater
Deep Color
HDMI 2 In / 1 Out
Component Video 2 In / 1 Out
Digital Optical Audio 2 In
Digital Coaxial Audio 1 In
Headphone Jack Yes
Multi Channel Input 5.1-Channel
Pre-Amp Out Single Sub
Zone Terminals 2-Zone Audio
IR Yes


or this open box for $119: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2E16882105282R

SONY 5.1-Channel Home Theater A/V Receiver STR-DH500

HDMI 3 In / 1 Out
Component Video 2 In / 1 Out
Digital Optical Audio 2 In
Digital Coaxial Audio 1 In
Headphone Jack Yes
Pre-Amp Out Single Sub
Other Connectors Digital Media Port: 1 (Rear)
Composite Video: 3 In / 2 Out

or it's big brother (open box) with 7.1 for $159: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2E16882105283R

SONY 7.1-Channel Home Theater A/V Receiver STR-DH700

HDMI 3 In / 1 Out
Component Video 3 In / 1 Out
Digital Optical Audio 2 In
Digital Coaxial Audio 1 In
Headphone Jack Yes
Pre-Amp Out Single Sub
Other Connectors Digital Media Port: 1 (Rear)
Composite Video Input(s): 4 (1 Front/3 Rear)
Composite Video Output(s): 2 (Rear)
RCA Audio Input(s): 6 (1 Front/5 Rear)
RCA Audio Output(s): 2 (Rear)




Would any of those work OP?

Umm.. That's a 5.1 receiver..

Umm.. Yeah..

 

[blackangst1]

I found another one for you at Sears outlet for $129: http://www.searsoutlet.com/d/product_details.jsp?md=ct_md&cid=902&pn=1&ps=10&pid=8603

5.1 Channel Home Theater System, 650W

Among other things it has 1 digital coax in and 2 optical. And 2 HDMI in, 1 HDMI out with 1080p upscaling.

Or this for $79-$139: http://www.searsoutlet.com/d/product_details.jsp?stxt=receiver&md=srh_md&pn=1&ps=10&pid=32615

100W x 2, 6 ohm, 1kHz, 1.0% THD / Stereo Mode
110W x 5, 6 ohm, 1.0% THD / Only Channel
Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II
Headphone Surround
FM/AM Stereo Tuner
2 HDMI™ Inputs, 1 HDMI™ Output
3 Digital Inputs (1 Optical, 2 Coaxial)
2 Component Video Inputs, 1 Component Video Output
Bluetooth® Ready for BT-R7 Dongle
Virtual Surround



Anyway. You can find it with some digging

 

[alfa147x]

I found another one for you at Sears outlet for $129: http://www.searsoutlet.com/d/product_details.jsp?md=ct_md&cid=902&pn=1&ps=10&pid=8603

5.1 Channel Home Theater System, 650W

Among other things it has 1 digital coax in and 2 optical. And 2 HDMI in, 1 HDMI out with 1080p upscaling.

Or this for $79-$139: http://www.searsoutlet.com/d/product_details.jsp?stxt=receiver&md=srh_md&pn=1&ps=10&pid=32615

100W x 2, 6 ohm, 1kHz, 1.0% THD / Stereo Mode
110W x 5, 6 ohm, 1.0% THD / Only Channel
Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II
Headphone Surround
FM/AM Stereo Tuner
2 HDMI™ Inputs, 1 HDMI™ Output
3 Digital Inputs (1 Optical, 2 Coaxial)
2 Component Video Inputs, 1 Component Video Output
Bluetooth® Ready for BT-R7 Dongle
Virtual Surround



Anyway. You can find it with some digging

I think you missed the whole:

stereo amp with digital input for $100 or so

 

[NutBucket]

I don't believe such a beast exists. Best you're gonna do is a an external DAC which won't be any cheaper than a surround receiver with a digital input. Why not just use the analog out?

 

[frostedflakes]

Well a 5.1 system would be fine, I was just hoping that maybe I could save some money by going with a stereo amp or receiver, but they don't seem to be any cheaper than entry-level 5.1 and 7.1 receivers. If anybody's interested, it looks like Onkyo has a stereo amp with optical in, the model is A-5VL. It's like $500, though.

I may just try to find an older generation surround receiver on eBay or Craigslist, looking at prices I think I can score something with optical for $100 or a little over.

 

[unfalliblekrutch]

Hmm. I found this one for $169 on Newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882105282

SONY 5.1-Channel Home Theater A/V Receiver STR-DH500

HDMI 3 In / 1 Out
Component Video 2 In / 1 Out
Digital Optical Audio 2 In
Digital Coaxial Audio 1 In
Headphone Jack Yes
Pre-Amp Out Single Sub
Other Connectors Digital Media Port: 1 (Rear)
Composite Video: 3 In / 2 Out
RCA Audio L/R: 4 In / 1 Out


Or this one for $179: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882117303

Pioneer 5.1-Channel A/V Receiver VSX-519V-K

HDMI SACD Transfer (2-Channel)
HDMI DVD-Audio Transfer
Auto Surround
Stream Direct
Auto Level Control (2-Channel)
Advanced Surround Modes: 8+1
Front Stage Surround Advance (Focus)
Sound Retriever
Midnight Mode
Loudness
Tone Control
Sound Delay (Lip-Sync)
Video HDMI 1080p Video Repeater
Deep Color
HDMI 2 In / 1 Out
Component Video 2 In / 1 Out
Digital Optical Audio 2 In
Digital Coaxial Audio 1 In
Headphone Jack Yes
Multi Channel Input 5.1-Channel
Pre-Amp Out Single Sub
Zone Terminals 2-Zone Audio
IR Yes


or this open box for $119: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2E16882105282R

SONY 5.1-Channel Home Theater A/V Receiver STR-DH500

HDMI 3 In / 1 Out
Component Video 2 In / 1 Out
Digital Optical Audio 2 In
Digital Coaxial Audio 1 In
Headphone Jack Yes
Pre-Amp Out Single Sub
Other Connectors Digital Media Port: 1 (Rear)
Composite Video: 3 In / 2 Out

or it's big brother (open box) with 7.1 for $159: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2E16882105283R

SONY 7.1-Channel Home Theater A/V Receiver STR-DH700

HDMI 3 In / 1 Out
Component Video 3 In / 1 Out
Digital Optical Audio 2 In
Digital Coaxial Audio 1 In
Headphone Jack Yes
Pre-Amp Out Single Sub
Other Connectors Digital Media Port: 1 (Rear)
Composite Video Input(s): 4 (1 Front/3 Rear)
Composite Video Output(s): 2 (Rear)
RCA Audio Input(s): 6 (1 Front/5 Rear)
RCA Audio Output(s): 2 (Rear)




Would any of those work OP?

None of those are stereo receivers. The OP is looking for a stereo one to potentially save money. You've just shown that you can get a surround receiver for around $100. Now, find a stereo receiver that is cheaper and has optical in. Basically, that was the question. And, I believe such a thing does not exist.

 

[mmntech]

AFAIK most in the last 10 years do....Three of the last three Ive owned did. Thats how I connect my cable box and DVD player for audio...

Are we talking about different things?

Link? All the ones I've seen for sale in stores do not. We're talking stereo, as in 2.0 sound. They're all analogue. The closest thing Sony has is one with a proprietary digital port for their iPod dock.

 

[Blazer]

most all receivers that are labeled 'Surround Sound' have both Digital in & Optical In, labeled as 'Digital/Optical In', most as well have HDMI In and Out, my Yamaha RX-N600 doesnt have HDMI ports that i would like to have BUT its not a must have, i use Optical In from the HTPC and the sound is excellent.

there are some great deals right now, Radio Shack has great price cuts going on.

 

[blackangst1]

OK sorry for the spam then. OP, when you said stereo, I guess it was my bad for not interpreting literally as 2.0 stereo. If having surround isnt an option, I think I was wrong and others were right-not gonna find it. You will probably need to find a 5.1 receiver to get optical in. But if you can live with having surround you wont use, you can find something in your price range

 

[alfa147x]

BTW this does what your looking for but no where near your budget:

http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-5VL-Integrated-Stereo-Amplifier/dp/B002C73WR2

 

[Modelworks]

I would pick up a set of behringer powered monitors. They sound great and are just the right size for pc use. Both optical and coaxial inputs.

http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-BEH-MS20-LIST
http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-MS2...ie=UTF8&s=miscellaneous&qid=1261681596&sr=8-1
http://www.zzounds.com/item--BEHMS20

 

[frostedflakes]

OK sorry for the spam then. OP, when you said stereo, I guess it was my bad for not interpreting literally as 2.0 stereo. If having surround isnt an option, I think I was wrong and others were right-not gonna find it. You will probably need to find a 5.1 receiver to get optical in. But if you can live with having surround you wont use, you can find something in your price range

It's no problem, I appreciate the suggestions. Actually I think that's what I'm going to do, just try to find a cheaper surround receiver that has digital input.

 

[unfalliblekrutch]

It's no problem, I appreciate the suggestions. Actually I think that's what I'm going to do, just try to find a cheaper surround receiver that has digital input.

That sounds like a plan. if your goal is good sound quality, though, you may be equally well off with a sound card with a nice DAC in your computer and go analog to a T-amp or (cheap) stereo receiver with only analog ins.