Question about audio setup.

[bandit390]

I have a....

westy 42"
pc with x-fi sound card
wii - component
PS3 - hdmi
360 - component
logitech 5300

Im trying to set all these up for 5.1 sound from my 5300's. But haven't figured it out. Is there a way?

If not can I buy something like these http://shop1.outpost.com/product/52...mXYRzAD1A**.node1?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Could I plug everything up to the receiver and have 1hdmi cable going from receiver to westy 42" and have 5.1 sound for all my systems, plus video for all to my westy? Would I then switch video from the receiver? Would there be any problems with this or whats a good way to set everything up for 5.1 sound and provide true 1080p (for applicable systems) to my westy?

 

[ashmedai]

That's basically what receivers are for.

Certain models of Onkyo receivers will pass component over HDMI, others won't (component = analog, HDMI = digital, conversion necessary). Worst case, you connect the receiver to the Westy twice. Also make sure you have enough inputs (mine for example only has 2x HDMI-in).

If you go this route, the 5300s are likely to end up getting tossed soon...

 

[bandit390]

I guess I could upgrade to logitech z5500 and use spdif out from the westy to the z5500 for 5.1?

But would this be able only if the westy can pass 5.1? (all the sources into the westy will be 5.1)

 

[ashmedai]

Everything goes into the receiver. The receiver forwards the video to the display, and the audio to the speakers. The audio won't touch the Westy, so it's not a factor. The receiver also converts digital audio to the analog signal needed to drive a speaker, and does so better than the little controller for the z5500s - the receiver gives their engineers much more room to work in, plus power, heat dissipation...it just doesn't have the constraints that exist in designing those mini controllers / DACs, so it's very hard not to make something that works better.

There's a reason "real" speakers are all larger than the little computer / "home theater in a box" speakers. Physics alone means you have to work really hard to make cheap "real" speakers that aren't as good as the really good computer/HTIB speakers - again, you just don't have the constraints that exist in making a smaller part.

Once you've got a receiver, there's not much of a reason not to drop $100 on a pair of Polks or what not.

 

[plinko]

Just run a line out or digital out from your soundcard to a receiver. Another post above mentioned Onkyo receivers, they are awesome. Many options there. You have lots more flexibility with speaker setups too. Why play t-ball with a set of logitech computer speakers when you can have the real deal?