Total Newbie Question - Back to Basics

[fehgalloway]

Hello everyone,

firstly, i apologise about my questions, as i know they are so basic, but I just can't find any good websites that have the answers on it.

In a nut shell, i'm looking at setting up my bed room so that i can use my computer as a TV, etc. The problem is, i don't know ANYTHING about audio, so i don't know what i need, why i need it, what it does or why one product is better than another.

This is the computer i am going to buy
http://h50025.www5.hp.com/hpcom/au_en/14_31_307_2959_PY064AA.html
I have always wanted to set up my computer to run everything. This if for the simple reason that i live with my parents and am therefore limited to the space of my bedroom - not very much room.

This is a graphic of what i think i will need. I don't really know what an amp is or what it does or why i need it, or if there is something better.

If someone could even point me in the right direction of a good newbie website, it would be much appreaciated. Thanks for your time and help

fiona

 

[Mr. Lamb Fries]

Welcome to the forum!!!
Is your long term goal to build a home theater? If not I would suggest buying a decent computer 5.1 set up and using your computer as a processor. i have a logitech 5.1 set up for my computer and I am always amazed at how it sounds. It doesnt blow the roof off but BIG sound from a little package! Something like that would be sufficiant for now. I would wait till you get your own place to start building a good home theater. Technology is always changing and youll be able to get better stuff for less $$ down the road. Youll also keep your parents off your back!

 

[fehgalloway]

Thanks very much for your warm welcome and response Mr. Lamb Fries.

Of course, eventually I would like a nice setup, but that's a while off, at least till i do get my own place and finish uni

At the moment, i want something that i can use as a good stereo, TV, basic home theatre. This set up will last me about 5 years...until the computer is well and truley out-dated.

So, basically you're saying forget the amp, input the stereo through the computer and have the speakers coming directly out of the computer.
The computer has a 7.1 set up.

BTW, where abouts in OZ are you? I'm in Queensland.

Thanks again,

Fiona

 

[tbewick]

I'd suggest you go with a good satellite speaker system. I recently tried out some Altec Lansing computer/multimedia speakers that only cost £70, and I was very impressed with the sound they produced. There are many computer speaker manufacturers out there. Klipsch have a good reputation, as do Harmon/Kardon.

If you're more into music, you could buy a pair of really good headphones instead. The only problem with this is that I've found headphones can lack good bass response.