Need an Amp, anyone recommend anything?
Discussion
I'm after a 5.1 surround amplifier for my living room.
My setup is a Panasonic 42" thing that's about a year old and pretty decent spec. I've got a subwoofer and 5 speakers already. I've got a HTPC running XBMC that's hooked up to the server in the cupboard and has a DVD player built in.
I have HDMI video and sound from the HTPC to the TV and I have an optical output that I can take to the amplifier.
I'm not after anything fancy, the ethos for my install is small and discrete. The speakers I have are these:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/290980795930?ssPageName=...
The plan is to mount the HTPC and amp to the back of the TV and to control the lot through either the TV remote control or Yatse on my Android phone. That way everything is out of the way and the install is as close to invisible as possible. Although the speakers are meant to be pretty good, they weren't bought for their volume or quality, so the amplifier doesn't need to be specced any higher.
As I want to avoid the use of multiple remote controls the best option might be to take the sound to the amplifier from the TV over HDMI and use ARC/CEC to allow the TV to control the amplifier volume. CEC already works from the TV to HTPC to control the XBMC menus.
So I'm after a small, relatively low power 5.1 surround amplifier that will take a ARC/CEC input. I don't really need much in the way of fancy processing, just volume control.
Does anyone know of anything suitable?
My setup is a Panasonic 42" thing that's about a year old and pretty decent spec. I've got a subwoofer and 5 speakers already. I've got a HTPC running XBMC that's hooked up to the server in the cupboard and has a DVD player built in.
I have HDMI video and sound from the HTPC to the TV and I have an optical output that I can take to the amplifier.
I'm not after anything fancy, the ethos for my install is small and discrete. The speakers I have are these:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/290980795930?ssPageName=...
The plan is to mount the HTPC and amp to the back of the TV and to control the lot through either the TV remote control or Yatse on my Android phone. That way everything is out of the way and the install is as close to invisible as possible. Although the speakers are meant to be pretty good, they weren't bought for their volume or quality, so the amplifier doesn't need to be specced any higher.
As I want to avoid the use of multiple remote controls the best option might be to take the sound to the amplifier from the TV over HDMI and use ARC/CEC to allow the TV to control the amplifier volume. CEC already works from the TV to HTPC to control the XBMC menus.
So I'm after a small, relatively low power 5.1 surround amplifier that will take a ARC/CEC input. I don't really need much in the way of fancy processing, just volume control.
Does anyone know of anything suitable?
Perhaps I can return the favour for your help on my radiator thread? This Sony amp has ARC according to the details, but if not suitable then they have a number of other ones listed, just a question of checking the details:
http://www.richersounds.com/product/av-receivers/s...
http://www.richersounds.com/products/home-cinema/h...
http://www.richersounds.com/product/av-receivers/s...
http://www.richersounds.com/products/home-cinema/h...
Cheers, I did look at that earlier as they're cheap and have the features I need. Problem is they won't mount on the back of my TV and they'll blow my speakers to bits if someone gets a bit ham-fisted with the remote!
A better option is something like the Panasonic DVD player/surround amplifier that my girlfriend's Dad has, that has ARC and works nicely. That's really what I'm after, but without the DVD player bit that adds bulk.
I'm surprised that there aren't any obvious options out there as it's not an unusual setup, but I guess most people wanting similar want the DVD player too.
A better option is something like the Panasonic DVD player/surround amplifier that my girlfriend's Dad has, that has ARC and works nicely. That's really what I'm after, but without the DVD player bit that adds bulk.
I'm surprised that there aren't any obvious options out there as it's not an unusual setup, but I guess most people wanting similar want the DVD player too.
Some amps allow you to set a maximum volume; my old Arcam amp did and my current Onkyo one does, so it shouldn't be too much of a worry if you can do that. In some ways it's worse to have a low powered amp as it may distort which will damage your speakers anyway (I've blown tweeters this way when I was younger).
I'd missed the part about fitting it behind your TV though, so you may need to look at slimmer all in one systems, but then they may not suit your speakers. If I think of/come across something then I'll post back to this thread.
I think that people wanting similar would look to a soundbar type solution (though again this doesn't help as you already have the speakers).
I'd missed the part about fitting it behind your TV though, so you may need to look at slimmer all in one systems, but then they may not suit your speakers. If I think of/come across something then I'll post back to this thread.
I think that people wanting similar would look to a soundbar type solution (though again this doesn't help as you already have the speakers).
The sound bar is just a row of speakers that sits under the screen right? That definitely isn't what I want, all the wires are run for 5.1 surround and that's all ready to go bar the amplification.
I didn't know I could restrict volume, I have a big Sony in the workshop that doesn't have that option I don't think. It's not allowed in the house, hence the search for a hidden amp.
I wondered if a car amplifier would be an option, running off a transformer, but I doubt I'll find one that takes it's volume cue from the TV.
I didn't know I could restrict volume, I have a big Sony in the workshop that doesn't have that option I don't think. It's not allowed in the house, hence the search for a hidden amp.
I wondered if a car amplifier would be an option, running off a transformer, but I doubt I'll find one that takes it's volume cue from the TV.
That's very similar to the Sony I've got already banished to the workshop for being too big! Needs to be mountable behind the TV ideally.
I basically want this:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Panasonic-DVD-Home-Theat...
But without the DVD player and speakers. Wouldn't be a disaster if I ended up with one of these as I could put my HTPC in the workshop and run my Raspberry Pi in living room, but it would be easier to mount on the back of the TV if it was half the size. Mind you that will go on quite nicely with some Sticksall....
I basically want this:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Panasonic-DVD-Home-Theat...
But without the DVD player and speakers. Wouldn't be a disaster if I ended up with one of these as I could put my HTPC in the workshop and run my Raspberry Pi in living room, but it would be easier to mount on the back of the TV if it was half the size. Mind you that will go on quite nicely with some Sticksall....
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