[mythtv-users] Speaker Suggestions ???

[Brian Wood]

On Jun 5, 2006, at 7:17 PM, Kevin Kuphal wrote:

> Brian Wood wrote:
>> With all the concentration on getting the video working right I have
>> neglected my audio output devices.
>>
>> Right now I'm using a Harmon Kardon 2.1 system that came with a Dell
>> system I purchased 5 years ago, and it basically leaves a lot to be
>> desired (read that: SUCKS).
>>
>> I'm looking for a decent 2.1 speaker/amplifier system that does not
>> cost more than say $200 US.
>>
>> Obviously there's no point in getting something that's far better
>> than the signal that's driving it. The audio is all captured by PVR
>> cards from analog broadcasts and encoded with the default settings of
>> Myth.
>>
> On the contrary, DVDs will have 5.1, ripped or played through the
> internal player.  And, if you're like me, it wasn't long I moved from
> PVR cards to getting the few broadcast stations via QAM over cable  
> where
> most of what I watch lies.  Those have 5.1 sound as well.  It's not  
> hard
> to find 7.1 receivers for the $200 you want to spend
>
> http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/538199344

Interesting unit, I wasn't aware that such had got so low in price.

But that's the decoder/receiver, and doesn't include speakers, right ??

I'm really looking for the speakers themselves. I wasn't thinking in  
terms of  "surround sound", but you're right, DVD and satellite  
programming often does have more than 2 channels, so I suppose I  
could be talked into it.

The Asus motherboard I'm using has provision for up to 8-channel  
output, although I'm not sure of the quality of same, or what its  
decoding capability might be. To be honest I have not really paid  
attention to multi-channel audio setups, my experience runs more  
towards older analog stereo systems.

I do have a pair of MacIntosh MC-30 amplifiers, consecutive serial  
numbers, built in 1958, I don't want to tell you what they are worth,  
but I'm not too sure how practical using them with a computer system  
might be  (and it is getting hard to find tubes for them). They  
certainly can keep you warm in the Winter.

I'm basically  looking for  a decent pair of stereo speakers, with a  
sub-woofer for the low end, and an amplifier/crossover that can drive  
them.

I was at a Bose factory outlet center that's down the road from me,  
they had some nice stuff but even the refurbished "home theater" gear  
was pricey. I'm happy to see they still make the 901s, but they are  
costly, perhaps a pair of 501s would do ? (Salesman: "You can't use  
*them* for TV, they are STEREO speakers" ("stereo" said with some  
disgust in his voice).

I'm really not sure if I need a sub-woofer, but everyone I speak to  
tells me I "must" have one.

But, I wonder, what are Myth users using for audio output, I've seen  
very little mention of speaker systems here, and what I do see is  
usually problems with multi-channel decoding.

Thanks for the input.