Question regarding HTPC

[Okele]

My wife and I have been discussing solutions for a surround sound system to go with the TV we're buying in the next few weeks. We do have plans to have an HTPC(probably will be a regular case for now). Is there a way to get a full surround sound experience by using the HTPC as opposed to buying a surround sound reciever package. I.E. a high end sound card with say a logitech speaker package. Would this be a viable way to go or should we just stop thinking about it and get the surround sound package?

[jdbnsn]

Absolutely! You don't even necessarily need a high end sound card but you might like the options. I use a Soundblaster X-Fi Fatality and the Logitech Z5500 which sound fantastic. I would not recommend the Soundblaster series at all though, they've been nothing but problems (every one of them that I've owned) but the Logitech Z5500 is an excellent way to go.

[mtekk]

It all depends on how picky your ears are. If you can't tell the difference from between onboard sound + $100 computer speakers and a midend receiver + $1000 speakers then there is no reason to pay more for the same sound quality.

If you can tell the difference, like I can, or have a largish room, those computer speakers probably won't cut it.

I haven't had problems with soundblaster cards (I've a SB-16, SB Live! and SB X-Fi Xtreme Audio Notebook) and they've all worked well for me. The X-Fi even worked well in Vista. However, Creative has a history of having poor drivers (for the last five years or so).

[Okele]

We are thinking about spending a little more on the TV, which is why I posted this. I have 90% of the parts I need for an HTPC(this wont be a full HTPC with tuner cards etc), its really just going to be for a server/media center type set up I think. The room is about 24ft x 17 ft. Its big but not huge.

[mtekk]

24'x17' the biggest room in our house is about that size, and we have about two grand worth of Klipsch speakers and subwoofer in that room. I think most computer speakers will be not be powerful enough for that room size (with out turning the volume up so loud that you start getting distortion). I guess the thing you could always do is if you have a set of speakers for your computer right now, try them in that room (or borrow a set from a friend or coworker if possible (I'm a big fan of trying things out before committing to a purchase if possible)).

[Luke122]

Z5500's will fill a room that size, and is probably your cheapest/easiest option.

[Okele]

Ok heres a question, would the z5500's work with a reciever? We don't have a problem dropping the money on a reciever, its the package that worries us in terms of cost. So far with looking at a soundcard and minor purchases for the pc, and the cost of the speakers we're looking at around 600.00 minimum. We are not audiophiles by any means, I am a little but not enough to want to drop 3 grand on a system. We have other things we want to do with this house we moved in to.

But we would like to watch blu-rays and play video games on our consoles/pc with better then decent sound. If someone has a better less expensive ideas, Im all "ears".

[The boy 4rm oz]

I would recommend an all in one home theater over the z-5500's. The z-5500's are really good but for the same price you can get a home theater with better sound quality. I got an great deal on a PHILIPS home theater and am very happy with the results. The unit I got is the PHILIPS HTS3566D 5.1 home theater (http://www.consumer.philips.com/consumer/en/us/consumer/cc/_categoryid_5_1_HOME_THEATER_SYSTEMS_SU_US_CONSUME R/) I coupled it with an Auzentech X-Plosion Cinema 7.1 via a Digital Coaxial conenctor and it sounds fantastically. The home theater system cost me $600AUD with a 5 year warranty and the sound card cost me $125AUD (I will be reviewing it soon).

I am very impressed with the home theater. 1000watts of power, HDMI support, very clear audio and the option of wireless rear speakers. The one thing I don't like about it is the cable connectors Philips use, they are like a weird 2 pin molex plug and I haven't been able to find them for extensions. I found a way around this though by using molex pins and fresh cable to extend the lengths lol.

[mtekk]

I second The boy 4rm oz's opinion, go with an all in one package like the phillips one he linked to.

Most receivers do not have the 3.5mm jacks used by computer speakers, that won't keep any modder from making it work. However, the impedance typically is not specified for computer speakers, and the receiver needs to be able to drive the speakers without blowing them out.

[Okele]

I took a look at that system and I like it, theres only one issue I have with it. I have an HD cable box, a 360, and a ps3 all getting plugged into whatever solution I decide to go with. That only has HDMI out, Im sure there is a workaround I would just have to find out what it is.

[The boy 4rm oz]

I think you can get HDMI splitters, and I have seen a HDMI hub (much like a USB hub) but I can't remember where.

If you get a motherboard with a HDMI port you just plug your TV into that and the rest of the stuff into the reciever.

When I did my research into the all in one Home Theater systems for sub $600AUD that Philips was the best. Beat every one from Samsung right down to Sony. Nothing competed with it for power, sound quality, funtionality and extras (wireless transmitter and reciever plus iPod dock right out of the box), believe me, I went and listened to all of em lol.

[nevermind1534]

Are you looking for something like this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882021094 or like these http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=Hdmi+Switch

[The boy 4rm oz]

That's exactly what he needs nevermind,exactly what I was thinking.

[Twigsoffury]

I'm only going to say a few things.


Those tiny logitech surround sound systems are a Joke Compared with even a Low end Home theater in a box style system.

Onkyo units have a properitary "DVD multi" input system. that allows you to direct connect a Computer (upto 7.1) to the Reciever.

make sure your sound card has both flavors of Digital outputs.


I've used my Theater system for computers...and let me tell you it is ridiculously cool. The audio quality is excellent.


...I've had the police called on me for "noise" and i live in a house.

ooooooowwwwwww Doom3 at 80db.

oh

dont use USB to HDMI output its horrible it tears and image quality overall is pretty bad

they sell DVI to HDMI cables for cheap. 14$ will get you a 6 foot cable from the newegg.

Make sure your video card is rated for Blu-ray playback (takes quite alot of power actually) if you are planning to add a Blu-rayROM they can be had for 80-90$