Basic 2.1 audio setup for a tv?

saitrix · 15 Dec 2009 at 17:03

Hi,

I am wondering whether there is an easy way of improving the sound quality of the tv I have. It is using the internal speakers right now, and I do not unfortunately have space for 5.1. So I thought a 2.1 system would work nicely and be as good as possible.

Now there doesn't seem to be much about where I have looked, but then I thought. Can I use PC 2.1 systems or is there any cheap ways of getting 2.1 on the tv. The tv has a coaxial out or an optical by the way.

Paul11 · 15 Dec 2009 at 17:05

best option is a hifi amp and some speakers

you can probably grab a good deal second hand if you hunt around

saitrix · 15 Dec 2009 at 17:13

Would have to be new. This would be a present for my Dad you see! Right now I am running my tv through my Cambridge Audio 540 and Epos ELS303's. And his reaction to the sound of it over the standard speakers on his tv said it all.

kidloco · 16 Dec 2009 at 13:33

Best otption would certainly be seperate amp and speakers, if yur dad just wants a nice little setup that will improve the sound ten fold over the TV then you could do a lot worse then

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SP-001-AE

Bought it my dad last cristmas, he only uses from time to time but it fills quite a big living room suprisingly well.

saitrix · 16 Dec 2009 at 17:06

Thanks, that looks perfect! Wonder though how it would compare to bottom range amp (Tangent AMP50, £60) with some bookshelf speakers (Wharfedale 9.0, £50). If the Wharfedale 9.0's are anything like the 9.1's then I could see it being very good!

Only problem is space for those speakers I think. Anyone know of good compact speakers?

Ev0 · 16 Dec 2009 at 18:20

Personally I'm going for the Onkyo little 2.1 system they do.

It's a bit pricey for what it is (about £230) but it does all I want in a package that suits me, plus I'll get the/a centre speaker for it (can't really have rears).

kidloco · 17 Dec 2009 at 11:23

saitrix said:
Thanks, that looks perfect! Wonder though how it would compare to bottom range amp (Tangent AMP50, £60) with some bookshelf speakers (Wharfedale 9.0, £50). If the Wharfedale 9.0's are anything like the 9.1's then I could see it being very good!

Only problem is space for those speakers I think. Anyone know of good compact speakers?

seen the Q ACOUSTICS 1010i going for £60 on a well known hifi site. They are small but you aint going to get deep bass from them. The Aegos have the added benifit of a sub. great for movies.

Havent heard the Tagent amp, but you could buy a cheap cambridge audio amp and some bookshelves for around £110-£130 that would sound more hi-fi then the Aegos. The only issue would be does your dad mind the extra speaker bulk, space for amp etc. My dad couldnt be bothered with all the fuss which is why I just got him the Aegos. Sure you can buy a more sophisticated sound for the money if you are prepared to comprimise on space and ease of use, but for the cash they look good and fill a large room with decent qualty rich sound.

Guest2 · 17 Dec 2009 at 11:44

Personally i think an amp with remote control hidden in a glass cabinet and speaker wire under the carpet would look a lot less mess than a sub with satellites coming from it