Sound for HTPC

[stephenator75]

I am building myself a new pc and I am gonna use my old PC as a HTPC. I have a 50' Samsung DLP, and the HTPC will be a 2500xp, 1gb 2700 ram, with a radeon 9800 pro. I have an old 5.1 live card in there. I am looking for an inexpensive audio solution to use for my hometheater and HTPC.

I have only had this tv about 2 months and I have been looking around for a good hometheater system that will also work with my PC. I was told that Hometheater in a box types were crummy and I was looking at a receiver setup and maybe some speakers. This adds up fast and I am not sure I am willing to spend the money atm. I think a decent receiver and some basic speakers would be fine, because I can't tell the difference. I think that I am limited to like 300 dollars or so. I saw that many people here liked the Onkyo reciever, but I dont know anything about speakers. I also like the idea that I can always get more speakers later. I think I just need some advice on what to get. My gf doesn't want me to take up a bunch of space because we have foofoo things next to the TV.

[number1sixerfan]

You are saying that you have $300 for the receiver and speakers or just for the speakers?

Well for $300 refurbished onkyo would be great for an entry level system. For speakers look into the paradigm titans and atoms. The titans can be had for $200 if you search around. They provide a bigger sound than the atoms, keeping the same signature.

[stephenator75]

When I was looking at a receiver I notice that the more money you spend you get more power and more plugs. I was thinking that I didnt need a huge reciever, but what is the best bang for the buck? I was hoping I could get away with a refurb for around $100. Would I be missing out on anything. I am a total newb with sound stuff. I guess I am looking for a total system about 300-500ish. Thanks for the recommendations sixerfan.

[number1sixerfan]

Do you want to add more speakers later or will stereo sound be enough for you? I think for around $100ish a refurbed onkyo t-8211 or t-8511 would be pretty nice for stereo sound. If you need multichannel,a refurbed tx-sr502b is a good option. It is hard to get a quality receiver for around $100 without buying used, but these are good options. A lot of manufacturers jack up their wattage rating. However onkyo usually is right on with their ratings. Most of their receivers also provide high current power, meaning their 100w will be more effecient than a sony receiver rated at 100w.

Receivers do go up in cost for more power, inputs, and features but you have distinguish between features you need and don't need. A clean 30w is plenty to drive effecient speakers. With receivers the brand really does make a difference because all power provided is not of the same quality.

[stephenator75]

Ok I found this reciever Onkyo sr302 It is defnitely priced right and is 65 watts per channel. I think that would be enough. Do you think this thing is any good?

I also saw a decent hometheater in a box set. Here HT-S670S
this looks to be the same receiver. I wonder if the speakers are any good?

I am still looking around at the Titans ytou recommended.

[number1sixerfan]

They do look similar. I don't think the speakers would be that great for audio, but for movies it would be sufficient. What you should try to do is go to local audio shops and try out different speakers and see what you like. Most audio shops have plenty to try out and are more willing to just let you listen with your own music.

btw, take a look at this onkyo also.
http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=4014530

[stephenator75]

Ok well after looking around the net I can't decide. I really don't want to spend more than 400. These Onkyo 770s seem to be the best bang for the buck. They have em at Circuit City and it seemed like a good set. Anyone used these before?

[Kero-chan]

Originally posted by stephenator75
Ok well after looking around the net I can't decide. I really don't want to spend more than 400. These Onkyo 770s seem to be the best bang for the buck. They have em at Circuit City and it seemed like a good set. Anyone used these before?

from what i've read they really seem to be the best bang for the buck. i mean, HTIB is really the way to go unless you are comitted to spending $500+. you can hunt around and get decent refurbished speakers and recievers, but it depends if you're the type of person that doesnt want used stuff for whatever reason.
i just got a pioneer vsx-1014 and the athena micra set. that ran about $550 shipped, but after getting all the wires i needed ran about $700. audio crap is so expensive -___-