My current setup is I have a 5.1 system, but it was a $40 Logitech set of computer speakers. There is no hdmi or optical input options. There is a 3.5 jack and I use that to play music. Also the speakers are not set up for surround sound, and the wires are too short for that anyway. Even if I wanted to, I can’t hook it to the TV. I’ve tried an optical to 3.5 converter to hook it up to the TV and it was bunk.
But I’m wanting a 5.1 system that I can use both for music and television. Do I need multiple inputs for that? Like optical input for the TV and a 3.5 input for the computer speakers? I’d rather not use the hdmi to connect the laptop to the TV, then use the optical out to connect the TV to the speakers. Sometimes I like to watch TV and have music at the same time, so the ability to pick which input the speakers use would be nice. Also I’d need a system with a remote.
I don’t really need a DVD player, but a lot of stereo systems seem to come with a DVD or Blu ray player as the core unit. Any reason for that instead of a receiver?
What is a price range I should look at? Is $100-200 enough to meet my needs?
I’ve listened to other people systems that cost 2 grand. I don’t need that, just something that produces good surround sound. My $40 speaker set now produces ample volume and bass, but I can’t use it with the TV or set the speakers up where I’d need them.
I’ll also suggest going with speakers separately from the receiver. For the speakers, Monoprice has sourced out some excellent products, utilizing the same supply chains as Klipsch. Here’s a solid CNET review of their 10565 model. Here’s a link to the speakers.
You’ll still need a receiver. There’s an avalanche of options out there. Unfortunately, you’re unlikely going to be able to walk into a big box store and buy one off the shelf for under $100. But what you CAN do, with a little patience, is find one on craigslist or other site for even cheaper, and likely for a giant step up.
Or wait around for someone to post a link to a better solution there. But I do really recommend going with the speakers being separate.
I’ve been looking at craigslist, there are some systems running for $50-200 for the complete system with 5 speakers, subwoofer and receiver. I’d prefer a receiver over a DVD player as the base.
Does each speaker require its own power supply or does the speaker wire carry electric current? Do I need 7 outlets for 5 speakers, a subwoofer and a receiver?
A quick look at a Logitec system shows the power is connected to the subwoofer. The speaker leads only carry the audio signal required for each speaker and they don’t have individual power cords.
My own system, a Sony home theatre DVD player has a power cord for the base unit and just speaker wire to all the speakers.
You might consider a good stereo system over a 5.1 system. Maybe a 2.1 (two speakers and one subwoofer) is bass is important to you. I’ve always found surround sound a bit annoying, but with a good two speaker system more volume sounded better to me than surround effects. YMMV.
Edit: some you are only buying two speakers instead of five, you should be able to get better quality for the same price. And setting them up is easier since you don’t have to run wires to the rear speakers.
I’ve long been a surround sound snob, but lately I’ve come around to this (especially after buying a new house that thankfully was already hooked up for surround - otherwise I’d never have gone to the trouble of running wire). A 2.1 system at the same price point is going to give you a significant boost in speaker quality. Something to consider.
Good points here to consider. You absolutely don’t require a disc player, especially if you’re already listening to your music digitally. I like having 5.1 (Well, it’s actually 5.1.2 Atmos ) but I’ve spent considerably more than $200. I originally came in to recommend the Monoprice speakers as they are good quality and about the best bang for the buck, but if money is an issue why not buy a basic AVR like this one? You can run your computer through Bluetooth or HDMI cable.
One other alternative if you want simple is to go with a sound bar like this one. My parents have one and it works quite well.