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Topic: Reusing speakers from my old 5.1 system (Read 5072 times) previous topic - next topic
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Reusing speakers from my old 5.1 system

hi guys,

i was a regular reader here years ago (good old times of ripping dvds with gordian knot ), but left it for some years

I re-registered today to ask a question, maybe you guys have any tips about this:

I have a Sony DZ630 (http://www.sony.co.uk/support/en/content/cnt-specs/DAV-DZ630/list) and recently bought a Minix X8H (with full dolby optical output)
but this Sony doesn't have an optical input, just a plain stereo jack input in front, and a normal 2jack stereo input in back.

I think if i connect the Minix x8h with a stereo cable to the amp i'll lose the Dolby 5.1, so i need to output digital with an optical cable to a new amp (Am I right?)

I was thinking if it's possible to buy some kind of not too expensive amp with optical input and reuse my actual speakers?,
what kind of electrical specifications must i look in the amp to comply and support my actual speakers?

I am not a hardware guy, so i can't fully understand all things about impedance ohms, volts, etc... So i need a little help from you guys.

I guess any "normal" (cheap) 5.1 amp with optical input will be ok with my speakers?

thanks!

Reusing speakers from my old 5.1 system

Reply #1 –
I'd assume so. Any AVR can decode DD over S/P-DIF and it'll be far more flexible. The joys of buying an all-in-one system when you want to upgrade or you need to do something it doesn't do

Reusing speakers from my old 5.1 system

Reply #2 –
Quote from: anormal on
I guess any "normal" (cheap) 5.1 amp with optical input will be ok with my speakers?

thanks!

No, sorry, but the subwoofer in you system is passive, not amplified (amplified ones get a weak signal from the main stereo and then amplifies  it up to a useful level) so in addition to a new cheap 5.1 amp (usually one with a radio tuner built in called an AVR or Audio/Video Receiver) you'd also need to buy a powered subwoofer to replace the unusual passive variety you own currently, because modern day AVRs never have amps for the subwoofer internally.

Reusing speakers from my old 5.1 system

Reply #3 –
mzil: thanks for your answer, it seems it's not so easy as i was thinking...
maybe is not really the effort then...

thanks!

Reusing speakers from my old 5.1 system

Reply #4 –
You can probably get a cheap-ish amp for the subwoofer though. Something like this (bridgeable) would probably be enough http://www.amazon.com/AudioSource-AMP-100-...r/dp/B00026BQJ6 (although I'm seeing cheaper active subwoofers, but you might find a cheaper standalone amp if you look enough.)

Reusing speakers from my old 5.1 system

Reply #5 –
I haven't looked into it deeply but I've heard the BIC brand [not sure if they exist in the UK] are well rearded as cheap subs go, plus this one has more power and I would guess better performance than the current system's sub:
http://www.amazon.com/BIC-AMERICA-V-80-Pow...s=bic+subwoofer

Having a separate AVR, instead of an inexpensive all-in-one system may cost a bit more but the likelihood you'll run into issues like the one you are currently facing are much less likely due to their great flexibility and hook-up options. They are without a doubt the real "work horse" of any good A/V system, even very high-end ones. I just bought an introductory Yamaha, from an earlier series, and I love it.