Home Theater Forum  ›  Forums  ›  Home Theater Hardware  ›  Receivers/Separates/Amps  ›  5.1 audio amplifier needed - computer/office setup
Forum Nav More Forums | All New Posts | New Thread

5.1 audio amplifier needed - computer/office setup

#1
Rating: 0
9/20/09 at 5:10pm
  • Joined: September 2009
  • Post Count: 1
Hey all,

I am having a hard time finding a relatively cheap audio amplifier...I don't need any video capabilities, as this is used in my office which has no TV.  It'll be used for watching some 5.1 content on my computer, or 5.1 audio. I'd like to utilize optical out.  Small form factor is a plus...right now i'm using an old phillips home stereo i bought when I was in high school 10 years ago...it works but I just bought some quality monitors and would like to use something half decent to drive them with.

Thanks!
Export to Wiki
#2
Rating: 0
10/8/09 at 9:13am
  • Joined: March 1999
  • Post Count: 31
I recommend looking around for a used Yamaha or Denon receiver from one or two steps below their high-end several years ago.   For $100-200 you'll get fantastic quality sound and just be missing some of the latest bells & whistles like component/hdmi switching (you say you don't need video anyway) and the newer surround formats.

I use my old Yamaha RX-V 995 in my home office with the Energy Take Classic 5.1 speakers.  I feed the Yamaha with the optical out from my Sound Blaster X-fi using the Dolby Digital Live software.  Movie and games sound phenomenal in 5.1. Stereo music through the optical digital out is super crisp and dynamic.  Awesome setup.

Export to Wiki
#3
Rating: 0
10/13/09 at 7:14am
  • Joined: September 2009
  • Post Count: 12
I'd keep an eye on Craigslist - I've seen some unbelievably good deals from people upgrading to 7.1 and/or HDMI. These systems are usually too big or inconvenient to ship so they don't show up on eBay, where they typically become overpriced in a hurry.

Unfortunately there's a lot of people unloading junk on Craigslist, so you might find yourself making some unneeded trips. Serious sellers provide lots of details and pictures, and are eager to answer questions. Avoid sellers unwilling to do that.
Export to Wiki
Forum Nav More Forums | All New Posts | New Thread