Fairly lost...

[MisterPink]

Hi everyone, first post here - I'm really lost with all this audio jargon. Here's what I'm trying to do - I want a system that can play records, casette tapes, and cds, and dvds. I'd also like to hook this system up to my PC, so I could watch movies on my computer using my soundsystem. Now, I already have speakers I'd like to use; they're logitech z-5300's; I know they're probably not great, but I've had them for a while, and I like them. I don't know what else I need, though; I see that recievers have built-in amplification, but does that mean I don't need the amp that came with my speakers, or that I don't need a reciever? And would I have to buy a soundcard? Like I said, I'm really lost. Ideally, I want the system to be kind of independent of my PC, ::edit:: but be able to view dvds through it.

 

[jaxvon]

Welcome. How much are you willing to spend on this system?

 

[MisterPink]

I guess somewhere in the 1k range - I figure if I don't need a TV or speakers, I could get a decent entry-level system for that amount. Assuming 3-500 for the reciever, and a few hundred for the dvd/cd player.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

I guess somewhere in the 1k range - I figure if I don't need a TV or speakers, I could get a decent entry-level system for that amount. Assuming 3-500 for the reciever, and a few hundred for the dvd/cd player.

Since the z-5300's are self powered, you really don't need a powered receiver. Those speakers sound very good with Windows Media Player graphic eq. A decent sound card will have proper inputs to hook up a separate tape deck, etc..., and a good video card will allow you to run cable/satellite to your pc (unless your LCD has direct cable/satellite hook up and ATSC/NTSC tuner). You can use a DVD rom to play cd's/dvd's.

To go to a powered receiver that hooks up with a pc (ethernet), you'd need to spend at least a grand. Pioneer makes an Elite VSX 72/74 model, and Onkyo makes the TX-NR 901 with direct ethernet hook up. The only other way to hook up a powered receiver would be through a decent sound card, which you would buy anyhow to use your pc as the control unit. I don't see a logical way to run your z-5300 speakers through a powered receiver.