Xbox One 5.1 surround sound advice/help

Crackpotcarey · 3 Jul 2014 at 12:15

hi,
first I just want to say I'm new here (obviously) but have recently frequented these forums in the search for a solution to my dilemma. I'll cut right to it:

I'm looking at buying a new 5.1 surround sound system primarily for the use of gaming on the XB1, with additional use for movies. I rarely watch official Blu-rays, primarily using netflix/amazon streaming.

Recently I've acquired a new (relatively old model) laptop which has hdmi output and I sometimes use this to my TV for watching downloaded films etc. I also have a new tablet and smartphone too, which I'll be looking to controlling my laptop with along with the Xb (via smartglass).

Ideally I'd like to keep costs to a bare minimum but definitely under £500. I was looking at a full separate speaker, sub, receiver idea (such as denon or yamaha) but the cost is relatively high. I've been looking at microlabs (as a friend has some solo 6c for stereo and is pleased with the value) but I believe I will need 2 hdmi in and 1 out if I'm right in the set up method.

I've also been looking at using a chrome cast into the XB, and a programme /app such as Plex to allow me to watch my downloads etc, eliminating one hdmi input need on the 5.1 system, greatly reducing cost price. Although I'm not seeing any benefits to the actual chromecast itself other than the fancy menus Plex brings (if at all on the XB)

Basically I'm looking for any information/advice on how to modernly setup a nice little media center having surround sound for both laptop and XB with the possibility of switching channels. by this I mean having audio out of pc for music or when streaming live sporting events from Web, while visually watching the Xb screen.

Also any advice or insight into the 5.1 surround sound system to purchase would also be welcome. But I'm in no way an audiophile, so throwing £500 at a setup rather than a £200 option because the mid highs are clearer, would not really be a persuasive argument for me. Atm, I listen to my music via a bluetooth portable speaker (Hardon/karden onyx studio) so I can't really say I know a lot in sound.

Again the main drive for me is audio for gaming and budget, followed by movies then music. I appreciate your time for reading this and any advice or input/opinion you have to offer, or even describing your own setup and how it works for you. I will list the models/spec of each componeness below.

Thanks again in advance

TV: Toshiba 40bv700b (not smart nor dolby support but visually great)
Laptop: Placard Bell easynote P5ws6 (hdmi out but no optical)
Phone/Tab: both Sony Xperia Z2 (android kit kat)

I'm going to mounting my TV to the wall of my square(ish) bedroom, approximately 9ft wide, opposite my bed/chair, if this helps.

N.B I have also posted this in the gaming hardware forum for the gaming side. I hope this isn't breaking any regulations.

DiNZi · 3 Jul 2014 at 13:57

Crackpotcarey · 4 Jul 2014 at 21:43

Yeah I think this is my only option Tbh, and looking more in depth and at richer sounds website, I think the best budget price would be the Yamaha rxv375 receiver combo'd with the tannoy tfx 5.1's for £350. Both have solid reviews/recommendations across the board and are pretty darn cheap.

I'd love to go for some separate speakers starting with floor standing fronts (audio acoustics to dream) but I honestly haven't got the space at the minute. I'd struggle to incorporate a decent pair of book ends if I'm honest. Well technically not but my room already looks cluttered as it is.

I was originally looking at microlab speakers, possibly the fc730 or h600 (which may have been discontinued or need to be imported) as their stereo speakers sound good and I like the wooden finish

anyone have any experience with these? I'm guessing they're probably on the cheaper end of the spectrum on here.

Thanks again for the replies and I appreciate any further input

DiNZi · 6 Jul 2014 at 03:16

Crackpotcarey said:
Yeah I think this is my only option Tbh, and looking more in depth and at richer sounds website, I think the best budget price would be the Yamaha rxv375 receiver combo'd with the tannoy tfx 5.1's for £350. Both have solid reviews/recommendations across the board and are pretty darn cheap.

I'd love to go for some separate speakers starting with floor standing fronts (audio acoustics to dream) but I honestly haven't got the space at the minute. I'd struggle to incorporate a decent pair of book ends if I'm honest. Well technically not but my room already looks cluttered as it is.

I was originally looking at microlab speakers, possibly the fc730 or h600 (which may have been discontinued or need to be imported) as their stereo speakers sound good and I like the wooden finish anyone have any experience with these? I'm guessing they're probably on the cheaper end of the spectrum on here.

Thanks again for the replies and I appreciate any further input

I've heard very good things about the Boston Acoustics XE, I'm not sure if RS has any left - if your going for the small sat Speakers.