Whats the cheapest amplifier with optical input and 5.1 surround output?

Question

I'm looking for the cheapest amplifier with optical sound in and 5.1 audio out.

Recommendations would be nice.

Thanks

Answer 1

Pioneer Home Theater system for Xbox 360

I actually found this for only 100 bucks. It's not top of the line, but it sounds very very good for the price.

It has good highs and lows.

It says its for Xbox, but you can actually use it with anything.

It has 2 Optical, 1 Coax and 1 Analog hookups.

http://www.buy.com/prod/home-theater-sys...

(Its currently out of stock, but you might want to see if they restock it)

Answer 2

Well, you should always consider the amp that goes up to 11, you'll get the most sound out of that way. When you reached 10, all you have to do is turn it one more for max, 11.

Answer 3

Without speakers, Eltax AVR800--£200.00 or the multi-award winning Onkyo TX-SR505--£250.00.

With speakers, Yamaha AV59 or 61, around £250.

I'd go for the Onkyo and a decent set of speakers although this would add £500 to the price!

If you go for an all-in-one system with DVD, make sure it has the connectivty you want, as I'm sure you're aware, not all do.

Answer 4

While the above HTIB (that's Home Theater In a Box) will get you by, it will not get you by well. This is the first time I've seen them actually refer to is as a woofer not a sub-woofer. And this is correct. The bass, if you can call it that, will be anemic at best. One would also assume the treble won't be much better. However it does meet your criteria. If you want to spend a little more you have lots and lots of choices for budget systems. I'm talking about a cheap receiver, cheap speakers, and a cheap sub-woofer. You are always better off buying separate components rather than a htib but the choice is yours.

Answer 5

you can find some real bargain basement prices in Wal*Mart and other chain discount stores... its not uncommon to see a decent receiver with 5.1 and optical inputs for $135 - and they really are decent.

Answer 6

No idea what your budget is (or the prices of consumer electronics in the UK) but here in Australia, all the major brands have some nice offerings in the cheaper brackets, Pioneer are not bad as they cross the HTIB-to-lowend system bracket and all have optical inputs.

Sound quality is not the best but you will only notice this compared side by side if you stick to better brands (buy a cheap no-name ebay lemon and you can expect to hear its harshness even without comparing!).

You really need a budget in mind.  Look on eBay for brand new ones as you will save a buck on buying from a retail store.

Answer 7

Try Laskys  or  Amazon  or ebay  or Comet

You may be able to find a cheapish one from one of these. try for Yamaha Denon  Sony   Pioneer. Expect to pay from £150  upwards or try  to get a used one