HTPC + amplifier?

[huggy bear]

Hi,
I'm not really into "home theatre" as such, but i wanted help finding an amplifyer (A/V receiver?) into which i can plug my pc.
my pc has a S/PDIF optical output and i wanted a budget (under $700) receiver that could do surround sound from my computer.

so to the questions: Should i get an A/V receiver or something else (it doesn't need to do video)?
any suggestions for a specific one?

please help...

[canberra_photographer]

Hi,

If it's just for audio, I don't think a full AV amplifier would be needed. There are some budget ($400) Amplifier+speaker packages out there like the Yamaha YHT-195 which would do the job though the speakers aren't great in the sub $800 price range.

I think a system like the Logitech Z5500 (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/speak ... 4&cl=au,en) is worth considering. Digital audio inputs and decent speakers.

Edit: If you want to use existing speakers then the only option is to get a new AV amp. Something like a Yamaha RX-V463 which has Burr-Brown DACs can be had for around $500.

[huggy bear]

wow, that's some goood replying there mr photographer...

but i kinda want to use my current speakers (DB dynamics bookshelf speakers) and add more speakers (subbie, sattellites, centre speaker etc.) later.

I'm already using a 10-year-old amplifier connected to my onboard sound via line out/stereo RCA, but it sounds terrible, i think it's the computers fault as onboard sound is pretty terrible and the realtek software is horrible.

the yamaha is video as well, and i didn't really want a package, more just an amp (receiver? whatever they're called) to process the sound so the horrible onboard sound wouldn't get in the way. Then i could add speakers later.

although... that logitech package really does sound very good... my computer could use the coaxial and my xbox could go through the optical... that sounds very nice...

anyway, thanks man, that's great advice.

[LeadMagnet]

Keep in mind that an AV is only as good as the speakers you pair it with. db's are pretty good, but it is worth trying to hear what they are like through the amp you want to buy. Take them into a stereo stores and get them to plug into tha AV you want to buy to make sure they sound great. Take some of your fav CDs and DVDs too. That way you will be familiar with what you are hearing and how it should sound.

DO go to JB, or Harvey Norman where they have a miraid of noise that will prevent you from hearing anything....