With the converter and cables I'm already looking at $100US. I wonder how much a cheap digital receiver costs? I could play the TV/digital receiver through my old existing speakers - right?
Yes, you could use your current speakers with a new receiver, assuming that your speakers are an appropriate impedance for it. You could add the other speakers later, if you did not have the money for them now. Keep in mind, however, that the main (and perhaps only) advantage to the new receiver will not be used if you don't buy any more speakers. A new receiver, however, is likely to cost more than just $100. But it is possible to get one at that price, and you could also buy a used model, if you needed to save money. However, used models will not have the latest features, and a new unit that you could get for $100 would not be great. Still, I think a used model would be preferable to the converter, if you can find one at an appropriate price locally. Surround receivers lose value rapidly, as manufacturers are always coming out with something new that the old ones can't do. If you are careful, you might also be able to get a good deal on eBay, but there is always some added risk in buying used remotely.
My advice is to check out some new receivers to see if you would prefer to go that way. If not, then you can always go ahead and spend the $100 to get the converter. What you don't want to do is buy the converter and then look at new receivers, as your converter will probably not have much of a resale value, as no one with a modern receiver is likely to want it.
So, do some research on the question, and then decide if you think it is worth it or not. It does not matter that I think that surround sound is a good thing to have; it is your money, and you will be the one listening to it.
