small form factor 5.1 surround amp

[Krispy Kritter]

So well over a year ago now, I moved on from my Logitech Z-5500 surround system to a USB DAC/Amp for my headphone usage and HDMI to an AVR for surround audio (center speaker, 2 matching front/rears, and a sub). The AVR is used for my media server movie audio, TV audio, and gaming audio. And as Im sure everyone is aware, the typical AVR is not really meant for desktop use as they have quite the footprint. I also don't need, nor use, any of the processing or other features available in the AVR. It is simply acting as a 5.1 amp.

I'd love to find something much smaller. USB input preferred, but even HDMI would still be fine. Anyone know of any hardware available?

 

[BlueLineSwinger]

I've also looked to no success. There's just no market for such a device, it seems. Probably the same reason 5.1 computer speaker sets are barely a thing anymore. I'd love to be proven wrong.

I'd considered frankensteining together something using this amp board and a USB 5.1 DAC. But the few reviews I found rate that board as somewhat middling (I'd bet at about the same quality as the typical amp in a set of PC speakers). Also, the cost of getting all the needed parts together would probably be about the same as a basic, better-sounding AVR (though might have to go used). (And I happened to have an unused AVR already, so... fudgeit.)

 

[jarablue]

2.1 systems are the thing now in pcs I think. Surround sound for pcs was a thing of the early 2000s. Anyways, whatever sounds good.

 

[sharknice]

They make smaller but otherwise regular 5.1 receivers that use HDMI. That would probably be your best bet.

I searched amazon and found some super small chineese brand ones but I have no idea if they actually work or do real 5.1 surround sound.

I do remember seeing some slim models that were probably 1/4th the size of a normal receiver from yamaha or some other big name brands when I looked for a receiver like 8 years ago.

 

[PCMusicGuy]

I can't think of anything that would do it all in one device, but you could get a smaller footprint than a receiver.
You could use a USB soundcard with 5.1 analog out and a small 5.1 amp.

There are a few versions out there of this type.
https://doukaudio.com/products/hifi...fier-usb-coax-opt-home-theater-amp-ldac?gQT=1

 

[djoye]

I can't think of anything that would do it all in one device, but you could get a smaller footprint than a receiver.
You could use a USB soundcard with 5.1 analog out and a small 5.1 amp.

There are a few versions out there of this type.
https://doukaudio.com/products/hifi...fier-usb-coax-opt-home-theater-amp-ldac?gQT=1

When I initially saw this thread I found that Nobsound amplifier on Amazon and my first impression is that it might be decent. It doesn't appear to be a powerhouse (rated 50W max - that's questionable), but I assume it can push some bookshelf speakers and a powered sub.

For the Nobsound amp, I would make it super simple:

• Connect to PC via 3.5 mm -> RCA adapter from the PC's analog 5.1 connections
• Set PC audio device to something like 96kHz/24bit 5.1 output or the highest possible mixing quality at 5.1
• Use 25-50 watt bookshelf speakers since the amp is rated for 50W "max" and probably isn't going to drive big speakers
• Use a powered subwoofer on the 'sub out' from the amp
• Use the volume knobs with a decibel meter phone app with some white noise in an attempt to match the speaker volumes

In Windows, you might even be able to connect a microphone to balance out the speakers (I've never used this).

My main concern with this device is its power output. If OP is already using an AV receiver, they might have speakers that this amp won't be able to adequately drive. This amp might be good for pairing with something like some Dayton 6.5" speakers.

 

[Krispy Kritter]

Interesting idea. Need to think on that a bit.