what audio setup for 5.1 bedroom use?

[mikek753]

Hi all,

I'd like to put htpc in bedroom.
But, I'm not sure about audio.
I don't need hi-fi and power receiver and speakers there - no loud sound is needed.
But, I'd like to have 5.1 or 5 speakers.

Can I use built in audio and AC3 to decode to analog DD and DTS to connect to speakers directly?
If those speakers will be without any built in amplifier - will I get any sound? or just visper noise?
Or should I go with 5.1 speakers set with built in amplifier like a CYBER ACOUSTICS CA-5001 5.1 frys?
But, then how I'll be able to RC volume?

I don't want to go with 5.1 receiver - no needs and space for it.

What would you recommend?

thanks.

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[PurdueRy]

You need an amplifier. The outputs from a TV are line level outputs not meant for driving low impedance loads.

You COULD go with a small 2 channel amp like the sonic T-amp but that would only get you stereo sound. You also would need something to decode 5.1 if you wanted to use a digital connection and I'm not aware of too many processors that are small. Best to get a small receiver like the digital receivers from panasonic.

 

[mikek753]

Thank you for the reply.
But, I'll output from sound card of PC (htpc) and all decoding is done in PC (AC3 filter / fddshow / etc).
Sorry, if I mislead in my question.
I'll use LCD TV as monitor / display only.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: mikek753
Thank you for the reply.
But, I'll output from sound card of PC (htpc) and all decoding is done in PC (AC3 filter / fddshow / etc).
Sorry, if I mislead in my question.
I'll use LCD TV as monitor / display only.

Then you could go with a set of computer 5.1 speakers. Not that I think that's the best way to do this.

 

[potato28]

HTIB fits this really good. That is what I did when my in TV speakers gave up, went to the XS Cargo and got a Pioneer HTIB 5.1 set for $90

 

[kalrith]

Originally posted by: potato28
HTIB fits this really good. That is what I did when my in TV speakers gave up, went to the XS Cargo and got a Pioneer HTIB 5.1 set for $90

Nice deal, but he'd still have a receiver that he doesn't want.

If all audio is coming from the computer, then I'd just go with a set of computer speakers. Then you wouldn't have to worry about a receiver or amplification.

 

[Blurry]

These are the ones you'd want to get...

Cheap, decent sound quality, connect to sound card, let PC do the decoding and voila, cheap 5.1 sound!

 

[mikek753]

thank you every one ;-)

 

[Tiamat]

If you want to use a remote control and the speakers do not come with it, another solution is to get an older Creative Platinum type sound card for your htpc. That way you can control the system volume with the remote.