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Making a 5.1 Surround Sound System out of Active Speakers? Possible?

post #1 of 8
4/13/11 at 6:03pm
Thread Starter 

Hello, after a lot of research I have decided to go with these speakers:

 

Front: M200MkII

Sub: HSU STF-2

Rear: D1080mkII 08 (undecided, waiting for the new cheap swans to come out (new h series) because from what I know, rear does not need as good quality as front, but as a placeholder i chose the d1080's however I think the rear speakers will be much chaeper)

Center: Not sure yet, another swan I guess xD

 

Ok well the thing is this whole thing started first with me wanting a amazing 2.1 system. I had decided with the M200MKII and the STF-2. Then I decided that later in my life I might as well use these speakers and just create a 5.1 system out of them. Being that none of them need a receiver, I thought it would be simple enough just to plug them all into one source and then output them, so I found the Creative 5.1 X-Fi external sound card (Running a iMac here, can't upgrade sound card).

 

My questions are:

 

A. A will I have a problem connecting the sub and center in order to use the sub/center port on the X-Fi

B. Will these even work?

C. Should I use a 5.1 dac? If there is one, under $200?

D. Can I output to my tv from the sound card (Still plugged into the computer)

E. Any better alternatives with similar sound? Price being considered, any solutions as in passive or active? Less messy?

F. Should I change my entire view on this matter?

 

Before answering these, I do prefer music quality over home theater. The HT is mainly just for when I game, however I am satisfied with my 5.1 x540 logitechs so as you can see my HT standards are quite low.

 

Thanks


Edited by HxCKhaos - 4/13/11 at 6:04pm
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post #2 of 8
4/15/11 at 3:37am

A. Yes

B. All but the centre/sub

C. No you should use a 5.1 pre-amp receiver for actives

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post #3 of 8
4/15/11 at 12:21pm
Thread Starter 

Ah Ic, so what should I do regarding a center and sub, is my only option to go 4.1? or do I have to buy a all in box 5.1 system?

 

Could a stereo splitter cable work? Like this (won't buy from them, just example): http://www.meritline.com/splitter-cable-male-to-2female269---p-36129.aspx


Edited by HxCKhaos - 4/15/11 at 12:25pm
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post #4 of 8
4/15/11 at 12:38pm

Not sure even if it does your lose 3-4db of signal because you splitting it, you need a 5.1 receiver with pre-outs.

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post #5 of 8
4/15/11 at 1:08pm
Thread Starter 

Oh I see, would I yamaha 665 work? If it does is there a cheaper or better alternative... $500 is alot atm

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post #6 of 8
4/15/11 at 1:15pm

Yes it would work as it has pre-outs, there is probley a much cheaper alternatives also you don't need 1 with a amp for passive speakers.

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post #7 of 8
4/15/11 at 1:18pm
Thread Starter 

Alright, thanks, I'm gonna look for some receivers now =D, if you got any to recommend that would also be much appriciated.

 

Thanks again =D

 

EDIT: I think I found one, is it worth going with this?: http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-RX-V661BL-7-1-Channel-Digital-Receiver/dp/B000OOQUTC


Edited by HxCKhaos - 4/15/11 at 1:38pm
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post #8 of 8
4/15/11 at 3:32pm

It has pre-outs for all the channels so it's fine.

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