[TunneLVisioN42]

Okay the quick & dirty is I bought a pair of Pioneer SP-BS21-​LR's and the matching SW-8 subwoofer, having no experience in stereo systems outside of dedicated computer speakers I'm apparently quite an idiot because I thought I could use the subwoofer speaker wire ports to power my passive speakers and then use the RCA ports on the subwoofer to go to the back of my computer via RCA to 3.5mm wire, yeah... I know...

Anyways what are my options? the speakers are 80 watts and have an Impedance of 6 ohms and the sub is powered, I'm not looking for something nuts but just the bare minimum to get my sub and speakers hooked up to my computers soundcard via Toslink or 3.5mm jack without sacrificing quality please help this idiot out.

 

 

 

[alv4426]

I would just buy a cheap 5.1 receiver.
I chose some random stuff that will work.
Receiver ; Choose any that has a LFE port or pre out for the sub and a toslink input since you asked for one.
http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-SR309-Channel-Theater-Receiver/dp/B004O0TRCE/ref=sr_1_37?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1334902826&sr=1-37
Cables; Plug it into LFE port and use the adapter to plug into sub.
http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-PureAV-25-Foot-Subwoofer-Audio/dp/B0001XGQTA/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1334902312&sr=1-1
http://www.amazon.com/Monster-ILJRY-1-Single-Female-Y-Adapter/dp/B00006346W/ref=pd_bxgy_e_text_c
 
 

 

[TunneLVisioN42]

Thanks for the info I was looking at these on amazon a moment ago, I already have some decent quality wires including the 2male to 1male RCA, That Receiver is nice and was one of the cheapest ones I could find at amazon but has HDMI ports, video ports, a controller, etc. and I don't really need those, don't wanna drop another 200 bucks and I couldn't find any other options which is why I made this thread, I only need something to power my 80 watt speakers and that has a sub out as my sub is already powered, I am sorry if I seem whiny or ignorant I was just wondering if there is any other options besides dropping 200 bucks on a receiver even if it does not have Toslink?

 

[TunneLVisioN42]

http://www.amazon.com/AudioSource-AMP-100-Stereo-Power-Amplifier/dp/B00026BQJ6/ref=pd_cp_e_3

What about this? can I use the Line out for my sub?

Also is the 80 watt rating on my speakers combined or per channel? ( Do I need 40 watts per channel or 80)

 

[TunneLVisioN42]

Anyone? On top of that am I going to hear a difference between using a digital interface (Toslink) or analog? 

(Soundcard -> DAC -> Amp/Receiver)

Or should I just stick with (Soundcard -> 3.5mm x RCA -> Amp/Receiver) 

 

[PurpleAngel]

The Yamaha RX-V371 is the best buy for a low cost A/V receiver, as it comes with surround sound for headphones.
Sometimes it goes on sale at Newegg for $150 with free shipping.
It can power your speakers and comes with a subwoofer output to connect to your powered subwoofer.
I believe you only need to use one of the two RCA inputs on the subwoofer for the subwoofer to work.
 
What sound card are you using?
 
Toslink would be better then 3.5mm.
HDMI would be better then Toslink.

 

[pfink]

Sherwood RX-4503 is another decent low cost receiver:
 
http://www.amazon.com/Sherwood-RX-4503-Virtual-Surround-Receiver/dp/B001E2UKSU

 

[astrallite]

If you are that cash strapped just grab a $20 T-amp and run the sub from your soundcard.

 

[trog]

Ya if u want small T-Amps but if u in the USA - fish for a used coax/optical AVR? I fished out my Pioneer AVR in the used market recently and hooked up to my HTPC via coaxial (mated with floor standers) and for the pittance i paid for it i am pleased as punch 

 

[alv4426]

hit up craigslist, I just did and found some really good amps for some crazy prices... Im eyeing a 2011 model Marantz for about 70% off right now.

 

[firev1]

Hello, have you tried looking at the 2nd hand vintage market?  I think with cost considerations, it is definitely a good way to go. Or else like others have said, T-amps are the way to go.

 

[PurpleAngel]

 
Quote:

Anyone? On top of that am I going to hear a difference between using a digital interface (Toslink) or analog? 
(Soundcard -> DAC -> Amp/Receiver)
Or should I just stick with (Soundcard -> 3.5mm x RCA -> Amp/Receiver) 

What sound card are you using?
 
Between the sound card and a receiver, you want to take advantage of which one has the better DAC (Digital to Analog Converter).
So if the receiver has a better DAC, use Digital (toslink), if the sound card has the better DAC, then 3.5mm/RCAs.
 
 

 

[TunneLVisioN42]

Thanks for all the input guys! I ended up getting http://www.amazon.com/AudioSource-AMP-100-Stereo-Power-Amplifier/dp/B00026BQJ6/ref=pd_cp_e_3 for my speakers and it also has an output for my sub that's already powered.

My soundcard is a Asus Xonar DG
and I also bought a FiiO D3 DAC to mess around with (http://www.amazon.com/FiiO-D3-Digital-Converter-Optical/dp/B005K2TXMO/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1335156144&sr=1-1)

So I'm planning:

Xonar DG (Toslink) -> FiiO D3 DAC (RCA IN) -> Audiosource 100 stereo amp -> (16gauge speaker wire) Pioneer SP-BS21-LR's
                                                                                     \/
                                                                  (RCA OUT) Pioneer SW-8 Sub


Cant wait!

 

[PurpleAngel]

 
Quote:

Thanks for all the input guys! I ended up getting http://www.amazon.com/AudioSource-AMP-100-Stereo-Power-Amplifier/dp/B00026BQJ6/ref=pd_cp_e_3 for my speakers and it also has an output for my sub that's already powered.
My sound card is a Asus Xonar DG
and I also bought a FiiO D3 DAC to mess around with (http://www.amazon.com/FiiO-D3-Digital-Converter-Optical/dp/B005K2TXMO/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1335156144&sr=1-1)
So I'm planning:
Xonar DG (Toslink) -> FiiO D3 DAC (RCA IN) -> Audiosource 100 stereo amp -> (16gauge speaker wire) Pioneer SP-BS21-LR's
                                                                                     \/
                                                                  (RCA OUT) Pioneer SW-8 Sub

 
I would say leave the Fiio D3 out, just run a Mini-jack to RCA cable from the Xonar DG to the AMP-100.
 

 

[TunneLVisioN42]

You think so? I read around and people said the FiiO D3 had a surprisingly good DAC chip for its cost, On a side note I just got my Audiosource AMP-100 and this thing is built like a damn tank! its got some weight to it!

On a side note what tracks do you guys usually listen to on a new setup it gauge impressions?