Here is my setup

Westy 47" 1080p LCD TV
Xbox 360 with VGA out and optical for sound.
HTPC w/ MSI 690G Mobo. (waiting for lgs 2nd gen bd/hd-dvd combo to out)

my question is that do i even need a reciever or Can i just get something like logitech Z-5500s for the sound?

Yes

my question is that do i even need a reciever or Can i just get something like logitech Z-5500s for the sound?Depends upon your needs and what you want. You CAN get a receiver. But, no, you don't HAVE to get a receiver. You CAN get the Logitech setup and have sound.

get a receiver, it will sound better and you have more options for future components.

get a receiver, it will sound better and you have more options for future components.Of course, that's true, but we really don't know what this person's needs are, exactly. That he's even asking the question tells me that he very likely may not really need (or want) a receiver.

Of course, that's true, but we really don't know what this person's needs are, exactly. That he's even asking the question tells me that he very likely may not really need (or want) a receiver.
why are you challenging my comment? i just gave him the reason why. it may sound better and he can upgrade to new components in the future. you answered his original question and i added on to it.

Of course, that's true, but we really don't know what this person's needs are, exactly. That he's even asking the question tells me that he very likely may not really need (or want) a receiver.

I got the opposite from his statement. He states he is waiting for the dual format high def player to come out. Anyone interested in spending money on a newer technology, would be doing themselves a disservice by not having a receiver to take advantage of the format.

sorry about the confusion but i should have stated my question differently.

is a reciever really needed for 5.1 sound from those sources or can i just use the speakers with an optical output?

also, i can always but a reciever later and still use the same speakers.

i was looking at some onkyo HTIBs (around $400) and some cheaper stuff for around 200. IMO, its not worth to get these cause none of them are HDMI 1.3 with support for truehd. the cheapest ones that are 1.3 are out of my price range.l

IMO, its not worth to get these cause none of them are HDMI 1.3 with support for truehd. the cheapest ones that are 1.3 are out of my price range.l

You don't need 1.3 to take advantage of TruHD. You just need a receiver with HDMI or analog outs.

Of course, that's true, but we really don't know what this person's needs are, exactly. That he's even asking the question tells me that he very likely may not really need (or want) a receiver.

why are you challenging my comment? i just gave him the reason why.
And I just gave the reason why I am "challenging your comment" (as you put it).

And I didn't "challenge your comment", at all. What do you think "Of course, that's true.................." means? :confused:

sorry about the confusion but i should have stated my question differently.

is a reciever really needed for 5.1 sound from those sources or can i just use the speakers with an optical output?
No, a receiver isn't needed with those speakers for your current sources. I don't know exactly what sort of inputs/outputs your HTPC may have, though. I assume it has a digital output.

What inputs do the Z-5500s have?

When you say you are waiting on LG's next gen. BR/HD combo, do you mean a stand-alone player, or a BR/HD capable drive for your HTPC? And if you mean a drive for your HTPC, will you also have an HDMI out? What about multichannel analog outputs?




also, i can always but a reciever later and still use the same speakers.No, most likely you can't use those speakers with a receiver.

i am going to get this drive.

http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/19/lgs-2nd-gen-super-multi-blue-blu-ray-hd-dvd-hybrid-drives-and/

my htpc has audio out. Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

z5500s have 1 optical input. i will probably need to buy some kind of switcher to make everything work.

You don't need 1.3 to take advantage of TruHD. You just need a receiver with HDMI or analog outs.

I think you meant to say:

You don't need 1.3 to take advantage of TruHD. You just need a receiver with HDMI or analog INPUTS.:)

my htpc has audio out.
What sort of audio outs?

What sort of audio outs?

I could use a coax/optical cable or hook it up using the 6 analog outs on the mobo.

I think you meant to say:

You don't need 1.3 to take advantage of TruHD. You just need a receiver with HDMI or analog INPUTS.:)

Yes. I was thinking of the player when I stated outputs. Thanks for the clarification.

Travis

I could use a coax/optical cable or hook it up using the 6 analog outs on the mobo.
Well, I don't know that you can use the mobo's multichannel analog outputs with the Z-5500s. Maybe you can answer that. If you are limited to only a digital connection (toslink OR coax) with the Z-5500s, then you will NOT be able to enjoy any of the hirez lossless formats.