Hi all, I'm quite clueless when it comes to audio systems, so please don't hesitate to correct me if I say anything stupid... I have a lot to learn but I'm eager. I'm looking to buy a used amp/speaker set for around $1000 (but please tell me where the value/dollar sweet spots are) that is either 5.1 or 7.1. surround.
Thanks for taking the time to read this far.
OK, some more details: I'm building a home theater system, and I'm taking the approach of doing all the digital stuff with a Home Theater PC built with computer hardware that's available as surplus each time I upgrade my gaming machine, plus some dedicated hardware like a Claro Halo XT sound card, which has replaceable opamps and high-quality 7.1 analog (RCA) outputs. My assumption is all the digital components are cheap commodities that will be upgraded frequently as the digital technology advances (2 years of use). All the DTS, AC3, DD, TrueHD, decoding stuff will be done in software and the only output will be analog.
Then there's the analog components, which I'm treating as serious investments (10+ years of use). I'm willing to pay some money for them up front, and I really really really don't want to buy the wrong stuff. That's why I'm here.
Since my HTPC will output TrueHD via the analog connectors, all I need on the analog side is a multi-channel amp and speakers. I don't need a receiver with any "smarts" to process the audio -- that's all being done by the computer. So I'm just looking for a QUALITY amplifier that I can then hook up to QUALITY speakers. I'll take something OLD SCHOOL, so long as it's 5.1 or 7.1.
My thinking is that there are TONS of people who bought new HDMI 1.3 compliant audio systems this Christmas, and there are now plenty of surplus "previous generation" systems on the used market. But since all I need is good sound quality, rather than HDMI BS, I'm looking to swoop in and buy something that was an outstanding system maybe 5 years ago, but is now useless with HDMI 1.3. Or I'd also gladly buy a simple power amplifier that has no "brains" at all. I'm assuming I can get FAR better bang/buck that way, compared to buying something new (which has tons of digital "bling" now).
This will be for a typical living room with HDTV, couch, a couple lay-z-boys, etc. I'd like something that primarily is for making Star Wars sound amazing while we're watching it, and also isn't too bad for some home theater gaming and occasionally playing music.
