Are there such things as "mini" 5.1 amplifiers?

[Famous Graham]

As per the title, really. I'm looking for something to add to my PC/X360 setup - I currently have a set of Logitech speakers connected to the PC. They do a good job, but I have to have the PC running for the 360 to output sound, as it's plugged into the line in on the PC.

So I was wondering if a small, no frills 5.1 amp existed that I could plug both into and get a set of dinky speakers (this is to be used at a desk, not a living room or anything).

This obviously slightly dovetails with my other thread about an all in one iPod dock/DAB etc thing as it gives me more options for that side.

[OldSkoolRS]

You can buy 'active' PC speakers upto 7.1 setups. I found this page on Comet, not particularly recommending anything on this page, but I know a few members on the AVForum use Logitech speakers in the smaller 'bedroom' type setups.

http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/category/1985/Spe...c+speakers|cgn:PC+Speakers|cgid:1374434706|tsid:12089|cn:PPCPM%7c%7cCategory%7c%7cComputers|cid:41044386|lid:15211161|mt:Exact|nw:search|crid:3364406436

Or just google "PC speakers 5.1"

[Famous Graham]

Think you've missed my point

I already have a set of PC speakers - the Logi 530s.

I want to change that to a regular amp (albeit small) and some discrete little passive speakers, so I can use the 360 (and any subsequent additions like a Blu-Ray player, or a Squeezebox, DAB radio/iPod dock etc) without having to rely on the PC itself.

[OldSkoolRS]

I think there are some setups that have the 5.1 amp in the subwoofer, though it might take a bit of digging to find one. I have a simpler 2.1 setup in the bedroom using an Acoustic Energy Aego sub and speakers: The amp being in the sub and there is a mini jack on the front of the sub for an Ipod or similar as well as the PC connections on the back. To hear the Ipod the PC doesn't have to be on. There used to be a 5.1 version as well, but I've had mine years and haven't looked recently.

This is the newer version of mine but in black (white is also available):

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Acoustic-Energy-AE26-06B-a...

Something like the Logitech Z5500 5.1 digital spekaer system might be nearer to what you need (though granted it wouldn't make use of your existing speakers): http://www.amazon.co.uk/Logitech-Digital-Multimedi...

Edited by OldSkoolRS on Monday 31st August 21:50

[bogwoppit]

Onkyo do such a thing, a 2.1 setup with an amp built into the sub, with 2 HDMI inputs. You can buy an upgrade pack with the centre and rears to make a 5.1 setup.

To be honest you might as well buy a regular amp - the Cambridge Audio units are going cheap at Richer Sounds and are the smallest you'll find I think (10cm high - most receivers are above 15cm).

Edited to add link to Onkyo:
http://www.eu.onkyo.com/products/HTX-22HD.html

Edited by bogwoppit on Monday 31st August 22:02

[Famous Graham]

Good shout - those Cambridge Audio receivers look useful. A lot shorter than my usual expectation of AV receivers. The space it would go in is about 16cm high, so should be ok for airflow.

[Famous Graham]

So onto another question - speakers. Just to explain, this is my room I'm sorting out - I share a flat with someone and am, at the moment, just looking into expanding the possibilities around my PC, 360 and (soon to arrive) 24" HD Dell monitor.

My chair has its back to the door and over my left shoulder, behind the open door, is the bed. So rear speakers would have to be a kind of weird placement - one above the door, one above the bed. All of which is about 4-5 feet behind me. The desk I'm sitting at is against the other wall. The desk is big enough to turn the monitor to face the bed (about 35 degrees) so that would kind of knacker rears when watching in bed.

How "well" do soundbars work in a small environment like this? The concept seems almost tailor made...

[bogwoppit]

If you're looking for surround sound, especially for gaming (to know when people are behind you etc) I can't imagine sound bars will really be up to it, but have no direct experience. As you say, they're ideal for your situation but that's not to say it's anything but a compromise. Thought about just putting the rears on stands and moving them into position behind you when you want to use them?

[Mr2Mike]

Is the Sony HSS1300 too big? For it's size it's a very impressive system IMO, and has 3 HDMI inputs which is 2 more than most of the small systems seem to have.

The HT-IS100 uses minuscule surround speakers and generaly gets good reviews, though it's certainly not a cheap system.

[Famous Graham]

Mr2Mike said:

Is the Sony HSS1300 too big? For it's size it's a very impressive system IMO, and has 3 HDMI inputs which is 2 more than most of the small systems seem to have.

That looks like a contender, given it's all provided for 300 quid. I'll have to pop along to the Sony shop and have a gander - cheers

[Mr2Mike]

Famous Graham said:

Mr2Mike said:

Is the Sony HSS1300 too big? For it's size it's a very impressive system IMO, and has 3 HDMI inputs which is 2 more than most of the small systems seem to have.

That looks like a contender, given it's all provided for 300 quid. I'll have to pop along to the Sony shop and have a gander - cheers

Just a thought, ISTR that the 1300 was due to be discontinued and replaced by the HTSS2300; the specifications were identical but the 2300 box has the new Sony styling with the blue front to match their BD players etc. Might be able to pick up a good deal on the 1300 though!

I've had mine in the living room since December last year, and I've not regretted its purchase for a second. More power than you are ever likely to need, and the class D amps means it runs very cool. If you have any other Sony HDMI kit (TV, Bluray etc) it also integrates seamlessly.

[Famous Graham]

For anyone searching for a similar topic, just a heads up - HDMI doesn't always support multichannel (ie 5.1, 7.1 etc) sound. In fact, the Cambridge Audio that I was going to go with, doesn't.

The Sony package, does, however, so looks like I'll be going for that

[Podie]

I have a TEAC Reference 500 (or is it a 550?) 5.1 amp sat doing nothing if you want to make me an offer...

ETA - think it's a AV-H500D 5.1 Receiver and a DV-H550 DVD player. Can double check tonight if you're interested.

Edited by Podie on Tuesday 22 September 16:27

[Famous Graham]

Cheers, but I'm after something with HDMI