PC + usb sound card + 5.1

[Dark255]

Hello, I'm new on this forum and I have a few questions about what I'm going to buy. But first I seek some advice.

Before I begin, please excuse my bad english, I'll try to write it so that it makes sense.

I have a notebook Asus K72JK-TY021 - nothing special, then a home theater Genius SW-HF 5.1 6000, later I've bought the USB external sound card Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro.

Now, I decided to buy some new home theater speakers.
I'm thinking between EMP Impression E5Bi 5.1 and Boston Acoustics A 2310 HTS, but personally I like much more the EMP Impression set. I've spend a lot of time on google and reading threads/reviews about good 5.1 speakers. But If there is something better for the same money (850 USD or 600 €) please recommend.

My second question is that, I saw the back of the woofer EMP ES10i has only stereo connectors. Will I have a full support for 5.1 speakers if I plug them into my usb sound card? The card has also optical output. Are there any home theaters that have optical input, so I can plug them together?

Or what would you recommend me to do, when I want new 5.1 speakers at that price and with the stuff that I have.

Thank You !

 

[jinjuku]

What receiver are you using?

 

[Dark255]

I dont have A/V receiver. I have only my PC connected to Genius speakers through the USB Sound Blaster sound card. :/

 

[its phillip]

You will need a receiver to power the speakers in question. That Genius set is similar to computer speakers in that they are powered by an amplifier built into the sub. The other speakers you are looking at do not have that same capability.

 

[Dark255]

So you mean that EMP Impression E5Bi 5.1 and Boston doesn't have built-in amplifier in the sub? ..hmm, are there any similar 5.1 sets witch have the built-in amplifier? Because, I dont have the space for another big box and that would also cost a lot, I think.

 

[jinjuku]

So you mean that EMP Impression E5Bi 5.1 and Boston doesn't have built-in amplifier in the sub? ..hmm, are there any similar 5.1 sets witch have the built-in amplifier? Because, I dont have the space for another big box and that would also cost a lot, I think.

Traditionally only subs (in the home theater arena) have amplification built in. You could go with Active Studio Monitors from the likes of Genelec, Tannoy, Mackie, KRK, Behringer (the list is long and goes on and on).

 

[its phillip]

So you mean that EMP Impression E5Bi 5.1 and Boston doesn't have built-in amplifier in the sub? ..hmm, are there any similar 5.1 sets witch have the built-in amplifier? Because, I dont have the space for another big box and that would also cost a lot, I think.

The subwoofers have amps, but only for the subs. They will not power any of the other speakers.

 

[Dark255]

The subwoofers have amps, but only for the subs. They will not power any of the other speakers.

Hmm thats a bit complicated than my Genius speakers, I thought that the other speakers are also powered by those tiny cables..

Well then, could you show me what could I get for the money I have? I mean speakers and the receiver. I don't know anything about receivers yet so, choose something not expensive but with quality.

 

[its phillip]

Where are you located? I'm not exactly familiar with speaker or electronics offerings in countries outside the US.

 

[Dark255]

Btw, Energy Take Classic 5.1 and Pioneer SP-PK21BS do also need and receiver to power them?

 

[Dark255]

Where are you located? I'm not exactly familiar with speaker or electronics offerings in countries outside the US.

I live in Slovakia. Middle Europe.

 

[its phillip]

Yes, those require a receiver.

Any entry level receiver would do.

 

[Dark255]

Could you recommend me some receiver for those EMP Impression?

 

[its phillip]

I imagine something like a yamaha rx-v467 would be fine.

 

[Dark255]

Could I connect my notebook through USB Sound card via optical cable to that yamaha rx-v467? What about Pioneer VSX-819H-K, is it good?

 

[its phillip]

Yes, you can connect via optical. That Pioneer is okay as well. Any receiver you get in this price range is going to be very entry level and have limited capabilities but should be fine for those speakers provided you aren't trying to listen a very high levels.

 

[Dark255]

Hmm I like listening to loud music and films.. I turn my speakers up to 50-75%. How much decibels will i get with those receivers? Or what do you mean by very high levels..