[yegor]

Is it a good idea to simply get a decent audio card that supports 5.1/7.1 and simply connect the speakers directly to the HTPC and watch movies with that?

 

[Smitty2k1]

Great idea for an apartment setup. You need to use special multimedia speakers with a built in amp if you plan on ditching the receiver or pre/pro. Logitech makes some great surround sound packages that are very compact and user friendly. You may or may not notice a degradation in sound quality over your current Hi-Fi speakers.

 

[Sherbona]

Or you could even go beyond the computer/multimedia speakers and look at monitors/powered speakers such as Mackie HR824 with HRS120 subwoofer. I heard some HR824s a few years back and remember being impressed, but I would have to do more comparison myself before buying - maybe someday....

 

[yegor]

I planned on just getting actual HT speakers. The infinity ones are on sale at Best Buy, and people praised them.

 

[Mrkazador]



Quote:
Originally Posted by yegor /forum/post/0


Is it a good idea to simply get a decent audio card that supports 5.1/7.1 and simply connect the speakers directly to the HTPC and watch movies with that?

That wont work. You need some kind of amp between the soundcard and speakers.

 

[jdcrox]

You will need an amplifier to drive the speakers. No soundcard will drive non-powered speakers of that size.

 

[galileo2000]

I second Logitech for non-receiver HTPC setup. Works great for my wife's kitchen HTPC.


But other than that you need either HTIB (home theater in a box) or the receiver.