[mythtv-users] Speaker Suggestions ???

[Paul Bender]

Brian Wood wrote:

> 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.

In all but the main room, I use Logitech z5500 5.1 speakers 
<http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16836121120>. 
However, at $264, they are more than you wanted to spend. In addition, 
they are 5.1. However, if you are considering 5.1, then you might 
consider them.