How much to spend on a 5.1 setup?

saitrix · 22 Mar 2011 at 13:37

Hi,

I currently use a stereo amp with my epos els303 speakers. I am wondering what is the best way forward for me. Is it buy a 2nd hand AV amp and build some rear speakers for best quality for the money. If so does anyone have any recommendations for either of thee? Or is there a better way around this? I don't really want to spend more than £200 to make it 5.1.

Simpic · 22 Mar 2011 at 13:40

You might struggle at £200.

What are you connecting to it? How many inputs do you need? HDMI or more old skool?

saitrix · 22 Mar 2011 at 14:00

I'd need 3 HDMI ideally for a htpc, bluray player and an Xbox 360. Well I was thinking guiling the speakers would help, plus I would be able to reuse my current speakers for the front 2. Tbh I don't really know what prices these things will be so the budget isn't hard set. I just don't want to spend more than is 'needed'.

kPATm · 22 Mar 2011 at 15:04

Have a look on RicherSounds. They have a really good return policy if needed. My relatively local one does

Simpic · 22 Mar 2011 at 15:58

Richer Sounds is a good suggestion for looking at setups and seeing what's out there. I would suggest looking at second hand kit from AV Forums or eBay for this budget. Something about two years old should have enough connections.

9designs2 · 22 Mar 2011 at 19:43

I'd say don't bother...... What stereo amp are you using ?

saitrix · 22 Mar 2011 at 19:48

I'm using a Cambridge Audio 540A. I had worried about going down in sound quality with this sort of budget.

saitrix · 25 Mar 2011 at 12:28

I am trying to think a little out of the box here but would this be possible...

Now I realise the Xbox360 wouldnt be able to have 5.1 and I don't have a bluray player, which I was still thinking about getting a bluray drive in my htpc so could be done through that. The advantage here is for normal music I can still use my current amp with my floorstander speakers.

I would need to build an amp and 3 speakers. Plus get an active sub, or is that not totally needed to get started with?