I need an good/cheap amplifier for a 2.1 system in a small room.

[jdonaldson4189]

I am purchasing the Sony SS-B1000 speakers and the Polk Audio PSW10 10-Inch woofer.

I know I need an amp, but I'm pretty clueless as to which one I should get.

The Sony's come with speaker wires, so I need an amp that supports that. I also have no idea about how the wattage works. Apparently amps don't have the wattage advertised?

My overall goal is to be able to plug my laptop into this system for mainly music.

 

[afterlife2]

Would you consider other speakers/sub options? budget?

Out Of Stock, but keep watching for re-stock: EMP Tek E41-B Bookshelf Speaker (2012 Summer Sales Event)
Center: EMP Tek E56Ci Large Center Channel Speaker (2012 Summer Sales Event)
Sub: Newegg.com - Energy S10.3 Subwoofer Each
Receiver: http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/DENAVR1312/DENON-AVR-1312-5.1-Channel-A/V-Home-Theater-Receiver/1.html
or
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKHTR590/Onkyo-HT-R590-7.1-Channel-3-D-Ready-Home-Theater-Receiver/1.html
or
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/DENAVR1312/DENON-AVR-1312-5.1-Channel-A/V-Home-Theater-Receiver/1.html

 

[markw]

For a "2.1" system, all you need is a two channel (stereo) amp/receiver. This Sherwood RX-4105 has been my standard recommendation for several years now. Several of my friends are currently employing these now, including one with your exact same sub-woofer.

You connect the receivers speaker output to your sub's speaker input, and your main speakers to the sub's speaker output.

Something like THIS adapter cable will get your music from your computer's headphone/line level jack to an "AUX" input on your receiver.

You might want to invest in a roll of inexpensive 16 gauge speaker wire at Home Depot or Lowes, though.

 

[afterlife2]

Darn thought I saw 3.1. Still you can't go wrong with it.

 

[jdonaldson4189]

Awesome, that looks good. I'm gonna go with the 4109 instead, but thanks for the help on the setup.

 

[ahblaza]

I am purchasing the Sony SS-B1000 speakers and the Polk Audio PSW10 10-Inch woofer.

I know I need an amp, but I'm pretty clueless as to which one I should get.

The Sony's come with speaker wires, so I need an amp that supports that. I also have no idea about how the wattage works. Apparently amps don't have the wattage advertised?

My overall goal is to be able to plug my laptop into this system for mainly music.

I would suggest this
http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-8255B-TX-8255-Stereo-Receiver/dp/B001AMSPQI/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1342450913&sr=1-2&keywords=onkyo+stereo+reciever

Someone else may chime as how to connect your PC

 

[sholling]

I recommend a 5.1/7.1 AV receiver (AVR) over a 2 channel because they include bass management. With a 2 channel receiver you're going to have to manually configure the crossover - assuming the sub has one, and manually adjust the levels and that means buying a sound pressure meter. Until 2 channel manufacturers decide to come into the 21st century (few have digital inputs or bass management) I'd avoid most of them. Check out some of the refurbished AVRs at Accessories For Less.

 

[BMXTRIX]

If you are just getting your feet wet, then why not check out your local Craigslist ads and pick up something locally for next to nothing? I sold my old Kenwood which worked perfectly fine for about $25. Had enough power to drive my upgraded Def Tech speakers when I got them very well and was just a solid unit. Not much to speak of about it for surround sound, not overloaded with power, but a very capable unit for a good price when I got it, and far less when I sold it.

If you are buying new, then buying a decent surround receiver makes more sense as it offers a nice upgrade path.

But, put in your local Craigslist ad and perhaps we can pull a couple of recommendations for you.