I want surround sound for PC/360/TV/PS2 for $250 or less...?

Question

If you would be kind enough to suggest a system that meets the requirements above, and then tell me how I would go about connecting it up to all 4 systems. Much obliged.

Answer 1

We just purchased and Onkyo 7.1 surround system. It is amazing.  It is not as good as Bose, but for the price difference I have no complaints.  I know that you did not want to spend more than 250, but Onkyo has a 5.1 surround system that is about 300.  I seen it at Circuit City. For a 300 dollar system it sounded pretty d**n good. It had a very clear crisp sound. We have a large living room, that is why we opted for the next level up. Hope this helped and good luck with your search.

Answer 2

I disagree with the first post that you can't do decent for under a grand.  You can, but it will take some searching, and possibly some second hand/refurbished hardware.

Below $250 will just get you "surround" though.  Pretty much mediocre.  I can hear the difference between my logitech 2.1 speakers and my parent's HTIB (home theater in box) which cost about the same.  There's a huge difference.

But in the process of writing this, I noticed your PS3 is hooked up with composite?  You should really upgrade that, especially since you're playing a HDTV.  Even if you have to get a component switch with remote to switch between the 2 systems, your gaming experience will be better.

Also, since your systems are using the red/white cables, even if you got a 5.1 system, it will be "fake" 5.1, since the red/white only carry the left and right audio channels.  You'll need optical in or HDMI for true 5.1.

But yeah, you'll have to look for a HTIB, which won't be the best quality, and will probably be very limited on the inputs.  A real receiver and speakers will get you so much more.

You can try craigslist and whatnot and try to pick up a good system secondhand.  I'm sure somebody has upgraded their system and is trying to get rid of the old one.

Answer 3

If you plan to get a surround system for $250, then good luck.

You need a digital surround receiver that will output to at least 5 speakers and a subwoofer.  You then need your 5 speakers and subwoofer.  You then need all of your cables and wires to make the surround sound work correctly.

You can't do a decent system for under a grand, let alone $250.  Sorry