Hello, I am looking to do the final phase of my HTPC build, the 5.1 audio. My initial option was getting a set of Logitech Z5500's and connecting them to my ASUS onboard optical out. This has two drawbacks for me, the sub is overly huge and it means another remote to juggle volume levels with. The option I would like to look at before resigning to the Z5500s is a standard set of 5.1 speakers connected to an internal soundcard/amp. These are basically soundcards that the speakers connect directly into and draw off the PSU. This would mean one remote/volume level for all and better enrgy efficiency (can have auto sleep sub, no control unit, choice of any speakers etc) I saw a couple on a HTPC site but cant find any now. Any suggestions? Budget is circa £200. Dean.
This is what I was thinking of : http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/windows-7-htpc,2349-5.html http://www.intersil.com/audio/DAE3pc/Media PC Product Sheet.pdf http://www.intersil.com/audio/DAE3.asp It would match nicely the 550w 5.1 set of speakers on eBuyer. Now how much does it cost and where sells them???? Dean.
I believe that the card you've linked is the only one of its kind available, and I'm pretty sure its motherboard specific. http://www.mediapc4u.co.uk/msi-media-live-diva-motherboard-on-board-100w-5-1-amplifier.html
As far as Im aware yes there is that specific MSI board but I thought that there was a stand alone PCI/PCIe card available as the card is independant of the mobo? Thanks, Dean.
Wow, that looks like a pretty decent mobo for a HTPC, shame about the AMD Only support. I Would still personally get a proper Amplifier, something by Denon or Onkyo or Yamaha, and a set of speakers.
I agree with Digitalize, it looks good for a pc card, but not as good as a proper amp. The pc just isn't a good audiophile machine: considering comanies like Denon and Onkyo put a lot of effort into choosing the right solder in their amps, having an unshielded 4870X2 next to an amp might not be a good thing
I am trying to harmonise eveything here. I want a TV and a HTPC and thats it. Im so sad Im ufssing about only wanting one remote too! Seperate amp is a definate no no. I hate clutter and want it all simple as possible and wireless wherever I can. Looking as though it either loose the ASUS mobo I am so attatched to and get the MSI one or just go with the Logitech Z5500 setup. Unless anyone knows any other 5.1 systems that are good quailty £200 or less and have a wireless remote. Apparently those cards are as good as damnit as a seperate amp. Shame they are board specific, Id buy one in a heartbeat. Dean.
Theres no way i can believe a PCI Card can deliver the same Quality as a Seperate Amp, 100w wouldnt drive my speakers, and there LOW END. 100w wouldnt give you fill the room sound. If your going to do this, atleast do it right, please.
Umm I cant see any direct speaker connections on this. Its just a super high end soundcard drool! Now that card and some Z5500s would be a good way to waste best part of £400!!! Dean.
I'll get your orthopaedic shoes. It's 100W total. Either you can have simple, and rubbish, or a bit more complex and awesome. I'd just grab a standard 5.1-capable soundcard and a decent set of 5.1 PC speakers.
The card is actually pretty good in terms of quality, even more so when you consider that its a mere £180 for a half decent motherboard AND signal processing gubbins AND the amp. I was so unconvinced by it that I had to hear one up close and personal, and was suitably impressed. And my standards aren't exactly low when it comes to AV/Hifi. I'd think that you would want to pair it carefully with speakers though. 100w could quite easily blow your (most peoples for that matter) speakers to smithereens coming from the right amp. I blame logitech/creative et al with their 1000 WATT OMG TEH POWER!!!1 surround systems for perpetuating the myth that you need lots of watts (on paper at least, not much in the real world) for decent sound.
Well, My Onkyo TX-SR576 Provides 600 Watts, and my Tannoy SFX5.1's Need 250 Watts. Im talking REAL surround sound here, not cheap all in ones
As per review: "Interestingly, the 5.1-channel card with all of the amplification circuitry on it is spec’ed to deliver 5 x 100W of output, which you might find interesting given the 450W Corsair power supply we featured in Part 1 of this exploration. D2Audio makes it a point to emphasize the real-time power supply monitoring that goes on in its DSP. In essence, this feature keeps tabs on input voltages and, if draw from the amplifier appears to be on the verge of inducing a brownout or reset state, it’ll gracefully scale back draw (and output) from the amp until safe conditions are re-established. This is particularly important with a PSU rated for less output than the amp’s potential. However, I didn’t run into any trouble during testing—a testament to the quality of Corsair’s 450W offering." There gonna be a lotta shoes pah! This is what I would ideally like to pair the HTPC with.... http://www.ebuyer.com/product/156095 Compact powerful and auto sleep on power for sub. Unless there is a better (read slightly cheaper) choice. Hmm how much could I get for the asus mobo on eBay! Dean.
