New sound system needed

[tim2100]

Like a few other posters on here I have a Panasonic P42ST30B Plasma.

My Sources are XBOX & Bluray. (Sony BDP 480)

The sound from the Plasma is pants. I realise to get the best sound effects I should get a surround sound kit, however all of these seem to come with a Bluray player which I don't need.

So I fancy something that can do music pretty loud and sound good with Films, Music & Games.

Is surround the only option or can I get decent sound with an Amp & 2 speakers?

I quite fancy getting just 2 decentish speakers and an Amp. Is it possible to get an amplifier that can receive Optical from XBOX, and Digital from Blu Ray, and receive control over HDMI from TV?
And then what speakers

What should I get? Budget isn't much probably £2-300.

Edited by tim2100 on Thursday 23 February 10:49

[phil_cardiff]

I was in a similar boat to you with a similar budget.

I went for an Cambridge Audio 'music' amp and connected the Sky HD box and PS3 using RCA interconnects. I don't think there are audio amps at this price with other types of interconnects.

By the way, I'm more than happy with my little system, movies and sport sound great, as do MP3s on the PS3.

My amp is a Cambridge Audio 640a V2 bought ex-demo from Richer Sounds for £130 or so. Try each store's 'bargain basement' section on their website.
My speakers are Wharfdale Diamond 9.1s bought for £99 new from superfi. A few quid on speaker wire, interconnects and, if you need them, stands and you're away.

[tim2100]

Found this which looks like it does everything I need - http://www.richersounds.com/product/av-receivers/s...

So just speakers and then can upgrade when I move house.