[Sgt_Strider]

Instead of buying multimedia speakers, I was thinking of buying "real" home theater speakers and use it as my computer speakers. Is this possible? I was thinking of buying a receiver and a 5.1 setup and connect them to my computer via a digital interface, can't really remember the name, s/pdif? Anyway anyone here have recommendations for set of 5.1 speakers for less than $1000 CAD? Thx

 

[DaddyRabbit]

Yes you could buy a receiver (with a digital coax or fiber spdif input) and speakers and hook the digital out of the PC soundcard but I, personally, would just invest in a good quality set of 5.1 speakers if they are just for the PC.


Some well received 5.1 speaker sets are,


Logitech THX Certified Z-680 5.1 Speaker 500Watt
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduc...121-105&DEPA=0


Logitech Z-5500 5.1 Digital Speaker System w/Digital Hardware Decoder
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduc...121-120&DEPA=0


Klipsch ProMedia ultra 5.1 Personal Audio System
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...119-106&depa=0

 

[Sgt_Strider]

This is going to be my entertainment centre and I'm going to be watching a movies and listen to music as well. I rather get a better package.

 

[Gary McCoy]

Go to the Forum for "Home Theater in a Box" and you'll find several reccomendations in that price range. If you want to buy the receiver and speakers seperately, my favorite brand is Onkyo, who have a couple of receivers and speaker packages at your price point.


One thing to consider is how many SPDIF inputs in what format you need. The answer is more than one even if your only source is the HTPC. I have one coaxial SPDIF from my sound card for DVD, a second one from my MyHD tuner card, and a third optical SPDIF from my DirecTiVo box.


Another thing is that you might want to think about is does your future Home Theater plans include multiple video sources other than the HTPC. If so, you might want to think about component video switching in the receiver. I don't have this in mine, which means I will need a receiver upgrade for my next planned addition, a HD DirecTiVo.


Gary

 

[DaddyRabbit]

Ahhh, got it.


Another factor to consider then is room size, neighbor factor etc.


I have my HTPC running digital coax to my Onkyo HT770 (approx. $450 USD) and it sounds pretty good, but I'm not an audiophile.


Onkyo receivers are pretty nice for the money. You might want to consider, if you are space limited, is the Onkyo TX-SR502 (~ $300usd) paired with the Onkyo Home Theater Speaker System SK-SHT240 (~$499usd) which would put you at about your price range (if you don't need a sub the Klipsch Synergy Series Quintets are about $100 cheaper).


Make sure you get a receiver with plenty of inputs and good features (the Onkyo 770 or 502 both fit that bill).


Luck

 

[SIMJEDI]

No! "Do not", I repeat "Do not" go the HTIB route if you have $1k to spend.


Ask around in the Speaker and Amps+Recievers sections for ideas in your price range.


The concencous is you should spend most of you budget on your speakers, for they don't get outdated very much at all if ever. Even if you have to get your front 3 L/C/R speakers first, as these are the anchor for any good system with the sub coming in next then the surrounds. So what if you don't get the full package at once you can always get the rest later without getting buyers remorse wondering if you should have not gone the HTIB route.(Blah!) In the long-run you'll be much happier.


As always, IMO.



peace

 

[stanger89]

The Paradigm Cinema series sound very nice, especially for the size and money.


And I'll second SIMJEDI's motion friends don't let friends go HTiB. If you're truely on an HTiB budget (

 

[Sgt_Strider]

Anyone know of any stores in Vancouver, B.C, Canada that sells HT equipment?

 

[olyar15]

Audio Video Unlimited has decent mid range equipment, including Paradigms. I love my Paradigm Reference speakers (plus, they are a Canadian company).


A&B Sound has a decent selection of low-to-mid range components.