Has anyone ever hooked up their computer to a home audio receiver? Any pros and cons to doing that and would it be better than to get a 5.1 set-up that was designed for a computer like the Logitech Z-5500?
want to get a 5.1 set-up, but quick question first
- Thread starter NgoFcukinWay
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JustAnotherVictim
Supramania Contributor
I've done it to a Kenwood Reciever before, and it was a nightmare. If you want to do it, make sure your sound card and the reciever both have a respective optical out/in - otherwise you'll end up with a lot of hiss and crackle, although it still might be more hassle than its worth unless yo're a real audiophile.
That Logitech sysem i've heard first hand and its really impressive, sound wise. It doesn't distort at volume and you get nice, crisp bass on the bass bin
I myself have been using a 2.0 setup - Creative P380 system - and i'm more than happy with it.
That Logitech sysem i've heard first hand and its really impressive, sound wise. It doesn't distort at volume and you get nice, crisp bass on the bass bin
I myself have been using a 2.0 setup - Creative P380 system - and i'm more than happy with it.
JustAnotherVictim
Supramania Contributor
Coaxial or optical are the best way to go. Your computer output has to support 5.1 to get the true 5.1 sound.
Kai said:I've done it to a Kenwood Reciever before, and it was a nightmare. If you want to do it, make sure your sound card and the reciever both have a respective optical out/in - otherwise you'll end up with a lot of hiss and crackle, although it still might be more hassle than its worth unless yo're a real audiophile.
That Logitech sysem i've heard first hand and its really impressive, sound wise. It doesn't distort at volume and you get nice, crisp bass on the bass bin
I myself have been using a 2.0 setup - Creative P380 system - and i'm more than happy with it.
I have the X-Fi platinum sound card. Would that help?
JustAnotherVictim
Supramania Contributor
Use this unless you wanna spring for the more expensive parts.
http://www.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=1&subcategory=16&product=1780
http://www.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=1&subcategory=16&product=1780
I have mine hooked up to a Kenwood Home Theater receiver, just using the optical port. Worked perfectly fine for me. Go for it, ones designed for the computer aren't as good.
I'm working on a bit of a budget, so was wondering if this'll do fine for the time being? Anyone have experience with Insignia electronic products?
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...t&productCategoryId=cat03031&id=1099394773266
JAV - thanks for the link. It's bookmarked for future references.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...t&productCategoryId=cat03031&id=1099394773266
JAV - thanks for the link. It's bookmarked for future references.
my motherboard has built in optical =D too bad im too cheap to buy a receiver since all my $$$ to goes to my supra XD
I had the Logitech 5300 5.1 speakers and they were great. A little too much boom in the bass for my taste, but Kai's right, they never distorted and they got REALLY loud.
I have since switched it for a 5.1 in a box set-up and wish I still had my Logitech. To do home theatre surround well I'd say you gotta spend at least 400 bucks.
I have since switched it for a 5.1 in a box set-up and wish I still had my Logitech. To do home theatre surround well I'd say you gotta spend at least 400 bucks.
Got Boost? said:
Oh, and Insignia is Best Buy's cheapo electronics brand(I work there). Some of the stuff's good, some is total shit. But for a 120 reciever with a year warranty, I'd say give it a shot. It should be really similar to the low end yamaha recievers. If money is a concern, I'd go with a cheap reciever like that and spend a bit more on speakers.
yeah, i have my comp hooked up to a Sony ministereo. Ive been using home theaters for my comp for years.. i love it!
Ask me on aim how to do it Alex..
Ask me on aim how to do it Alex..
JustAnotherVictim
Supramania Contributor
I have 600-watt KLH receiver and sub and 2 sony floor speakers(SS-MF55OH) and 2 bookshelfs(SS-MB115) for the surround channels.
I had to replace the receiver once because I bought it messed up. The optical channel had some static and I didn't know any better but worked great for 2 years otherwise.
Then got it replaced for $30 shipped from KLH, their customer service was great they didn't refurbish it. Just sent me a new unit. The sub is a powered 100-watt 10 inch. I think my entire system was under $400 but I didn't buy everything at once.
I prefer the ability to adjust my speakers more than the Logitech. Which are nice, my brother has it but it only has one bass volume, loud. lol
It all depends on what you're willing to spend. I can keep this set up forever. I love it.
I had to replace the receiver once because I bought it messed up. The optical channel had some static and I didn't know any better but worked great for 2 years otherwise.
Then got it replaced for $30 shipped from KLH, their customer service was great they didn't refurbish it. Just sent me a new unit. The sub is a powered 100-watt 10 inch. I think my entire system was under $400 but I didn't buy everything at once.
I prefer the ability to adjust my speakers more than the Logitech. Which are nice, my brother has it but it only has one bass volume, loud. lol
It all depends on what you're willing to spend. I can keep this set up forever. I love it.
suprarx7nut said:
400$ i don't have atm & when i do get 400$ that goes rite to my car lol. all i got to listen to music rite now is my headphones lol.
JAV didn't mention the 5500 setup has a 27 increment bass volume control that can actually be turn down to nearly silent, I just chose to keep it at a nominal level (about 9/27). Besides I listen to more Jungle and Big Beat bands, Cedric listens to more Rock, so of course my bass is going to seem louder :slap:
The 5500's are awesome. I use to mix songs on them until I got some proper studio monitors and playing stuff back through both setups sounds very similar (The EMU monitors are actually clearer for high frequencies, but thats what I bought them for anyhows) Most home setups are made to sound "good" and that may not mean accurate, necessarily, but the 5500s do a great job of doing both.
My advice would be this: If you're planning on hooking up three game systems, a vcr, and multiple optical and RCA outputs (like my brother), go with a receiver, as they will always outclass a computer based system by sheer number of inputs, just know that a good receiver isn't worth the money you paid for it without good speakers (and Vice-Versa) . Now if you're looking for a good computer and 1-2 console setup (like), go with the Z-5500s, they will serve you well. I got mine 2yrs ago on an employee discount, and now that they're the same price new (255 on amazon) as my discount price, given the choice I'd buy them all over again.
Hope that helps:icon_bigg
The 5500's are awesome. I use to mix songs on them until I got some proper studio monitors and playing stuff back through both setups sounds very similar (The EMU monitors are actually clearer for high frequencies, but thats what I bought them for anyhows) Most home setups are made to sound "good" and that may not mean accurate, necessarily, but the 5500s do a great job of doing both.
My advice would be this: If you're planning on hooking up three game systems, a vcr, and multiple optical and RCA outputs (like my brother), go with a receiver, as they will always outclass a computer based system by sheer number of inputs, just know that a good receiver isn't worth the money you paid for it without good speakers (and Vice-Versa) . Now if you're looking for a good computer and 1-2 console setup (like), go with the Z-5500s, they will serve you well. I got mine 2yrs ago on an employee discount, and now that they're the same price new (255 on amazon) as my discount price, given the choice I'd buy them all over again.
Hope that helps:icon_bigg
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Eh, Insignia (Best Buy) always seemed kinda junky to me. They may be good now but I wouldn't count on it, like circuit city and their Nexxtech stuff.Got Boost? said:
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JustAnotherVictim
Supramania Contributor
:biglaugh: I never really read your crap after the first post anyway! :biglaugh:JustAnotherVictim said:
JustAnotherVictim
Supramania Contributor
:rofl: Oh yeah, real adjustable, the volume between 1 and 10 on yours is almost exactly the same!!! :rofl: The only time it does sound quiet is when a movie is in, and that's because movies are always mixed quieter than games and computer stuff (which still sound loud at 1 out of 60)! :naughty: You also failed to mention that you turned down the volume on your sound card on your computer to make it seem quieter.JustAnotherVictim said: