Hi, I'm new here-hence i am in the newbie section. I am putting together my first HT system and I am trying to figure out what of my stuff I can use. I want to include my computer as the DVD player(it has a ATI AIW 8500DV graphics card so I can get composite out)-is this a reasonable solution? I also have a sharp 27" TV; small, I know, but I can't fit or afford much bigger so it'll have to do. Sound is my biggest problem. I have Klipsch Promedia v.2-400 speakers and a sound blaster live! value sound card. It only can do 4.1 dolby digital and THX sound. I want to get a system that can get 5.1 dolby digital. What do your recomend? starting from scratch on the sound or can I salvage somthing here?
Well I am looking in sub $500 and i would like to avoid HTIB and I want want something with descent sound and an upgrade path--perhaps I am too optimistic? Oh yeah, can I use a sound card (not mine -a new one, say... an audigy) to act as the processor/preamp?
The Home Theater Direct Level ONE speaker system paired with a Onkyo TX-SR500 receiver would probably be your best bet in that price range.
Just checked on the HTD Level 1 set up and it is certainly interesting for someone at my budget. The speakers seem pretty close to the Onkyo setup on its HT-S650, although Onkyo's have wood cabinets and I've heard that makes a difference. Also, the HTD sub is at 4 ohms. (For all I know, so is the Onkyo - the specs do not show the sub ohms.) Does that make a difference to the amp? Or is that what the separate power is for on the sub. (Sorry, this newbie is a bit confused! And yes, i've read the primer)
