adding low budget surround to HT-PC

[Sheila]

I'm a complete newbie and NON-audiophile (my husband is loosing his hearing). We're getting an HP Media Center PC to run our new 37" LCD flatpanel. Regarding sound the media PC specs say:

Intel High Definition Audio with 7.1 surround sound (pre-amp); Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound support; Analog 7.1 pre-amp surround sound support

I've been reading reviews here and I'm interested in the Athena Technologies Micra 6. We'll be in a tiny condo. The living room is about 12'8" x 14' carpeted, but then it opens into a galley kitchen. Almost half of it is windows.

We don't need anything fancy we just want to be able to enjoy listening to music via i-tunes over the computer and to watch DVDs through the computer with surround sound. We don't have a lot of space. Is there a way to avoid buying a receiver? It sounds as if I'd need one to use the Athena system. As I'm understanding it I need "powered speakers". That sounds like my only option is computer speakers. But of course they're intended for limited field. Is there anything in the $350-500 range that'd meet my modest needs?

Thanks for your patience with a newbie.
Sheila in Seattle

 

[jcPanny]

PC Speakers

Shela, You will only be able to to connect powered PC type speakers directly to your computer. Otherwise, you will need an entry level receiver ($1-200) and a speaker system like the Athena Micra 6 ($300) to get surround sound.

I think there are a couple nice PC surround sound systems from logitech and others that would perform just as well as the Athena Micras in the $200+ price range. There should be others on the forum that can recommend a specific model.

 

[markw]

You've pretty much got the right idea here.

That sounds like my only option is computer speakers. But of course they're intended for limited field.

you are correct. If you want sound in a very limited space, these might suffice.

but, the Micra 6 speakers isagraeat little setup for people not wantingearsplitting volume in a reasonable room. I'd sugggest you pick up an entry lervel receiver to go between your computer and the Athenas.

Circuit city has some web pricing specials. For your needs either of the Sherwoods would be more than adequate. My son hasthe predecessor of the "big" $120 one and with his little speakers it does a fine job of producing istenable levels ...andthen some.

http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/categorylist.do?N=20012898+20012949&catOid=-12949&c=1&cm_re=main%20marquee-_-Web-only:%20save%20up%20to%2015%%20on%20recievers-_-All%20receivers&c=1&cm_re=main%20marquee-_-Save%20up%20to%2015%%20on%20all%20receivers%20$199%20and%20up-_-All%20receivers


Oh, that receiver and the Athenas Micra system will far, far outperform similarly priced computer speakers and offer infinitely more flexability for other sources as well. ...not to mention radio

 

[Sheep]

you are correct. If you want sound in a very limited space, these might suffice.

but, the Micra 6 speakers isagraeat little setup for people not wantingearsplitting volume in a reasonable room. I'd sugggest you pick up an entry lervel receiver to go between your computer and the Athenas.

Circuit city has some web pricing specials. For your needs either of the Sherwoods would be more than adequate. My son hasthe predecessor of the "big" $120 one and with his little speakers it does a fine job of producing istenable levels ...andthen some.

http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/categorylist.do?N=20012898+20012949&catOid=-12949&c=1&cm_re=main%20marquee-_-Web-only:%20save%20up%20to%2015%%20on%20recievers-_-All%20receivers&c=1&cm_re=main%20marquee-_-Save%20up%20to%2015%%20on%20all%20receivers%20$199%20and%20up-_-All%20receivers


Oh, that receiver and the Athenas Micra system will far, far outperform similarly priced computer speakers and offer infinitely more flexability for other sources as well. ...not to mention radio

The Logitech Z5500's have enough connections to acomidate 2 dvd players and a separate CD player. All with a more robust, yet boomy subwoofer.


If you can find a decent Reciever, the Athena micra system will out-perform alot of computer setups. The only one that can compete with the Athena's is the Logitech Z5500's. It's the only one with a digital decoder. Klipsch and Creative have yet to offer a powerful 5.1 set that comes with a digital decoder.

That being said, what are you looking for in the sound? The Logitech's will save you alot of money, while the Athena's with have a high fidelity. The Logitechs will probly go louder though.

Z5500 review.
http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/loudspeakers/LogitechZ-5500Speakers01.php

SheepStar