Logitech Z906 or low end home theater in a box for computer/tv use

[hanleychan]

Hello,

I want to upgrade to my first 5.1 speaker system for my computer/TV for gaming and movies, no music. My maximum budget is about $350. Would the Logitech Z906 or a cheap entry level htib be better for my needs? I will be connecting this to my motherboards onboard sound (Asus Sabertooth 990FX).

I've been interested in the below model in particular that fits my budget, but I am open to any other suggestions:
Yamaha YHT-196
http/www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/yamaha-yamaha-600-watt-5-1-channel-3d-ready-receiver-home-theatre-system-yht196-b-yht196-b/10182308.aspx?path=6c8cea51e74383af5326299161d3bca6en02

 

[MagicPants]

Most home theater in a box setups don't have the 5.1 multi channel inputs your mother board outputs. Some have s/pdif, which you can use for 5.1, but it's a pain to setup and because of the encoding doesn't sound as good as 5.1 over analog.

The Z906 does. I'd go with the z906.

I recently put together a 7.1 surround setup for my computer using home audio parts. Based on that, the cheapest 5.1 system you could put together that would be better much than the z906s would cost you around $780. Which includes:

1) A Harman Kardon avr 2600 ~$380 (depending on sales, and right now it's cheaper than the 1600)
2) A set of Energy take audio classic 5.1 speakers ~$400

The cheapest thing you could do on Newegg (that'd be worth anything) would be $520:

A refurbished Yamaha RX-A700 ~$320 (has multi-channel inputs)
http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882115329

Polk 5.1 Speakers $200
http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290066

 

[hanleychan]

Ok, I think I'm going to be picking up the Z906 then in the next few days.

I have one more question. I also have an xbox that I currently connect to my TV with a HDMI cable. Is there any device that exists that can split the HDMI input to optical and HDMI out that I can connect to the Z906 and TV to get 5.1 sound? I'm new to audio.

 

[MagicPants]

Well there's this from monoprice, but it's out of stock(I'm sure someone else makes one):

http/www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=108&cp_id=10830&cs_id=1083005&p_id=7526&seq=1&format=2

HDMI is kind of an awful format because it requires you to keep the audio and video signals together.

 

[astrallite]

A Yamaha RX-V371 is $170 and if you sign up for neweggs newsletter every week they will have a 5 speaker Energy or Martin Logan system for $150. That's only $320 and will be far better than the Logitech Z906s IMO.

 

[MagicPants]

The RX-V371 doesn't have multi channel analog input, so you'd be stuck using toslink or HDMI. Toslink encoding diminishes quality. HDMI might work but then you need to use the video card for sound, and I've had stability issues doing that.

Also you'd want the 6 speaker energy setup. The 5 speaker doesn't include the sub, and the satellites alone don't do bass well (I own them). But if it is the 5.1 setup for $150, that's an awesome deal.

I think energy sells the 5 speaker setup for people that want a 7.1 system (or to replace a damaged speaker).

A Yamaha RX-V371 is $170 and if you sign up for neweggs newsletter every week they will have a 5 speaker Energy or Martin Logan system for $150. That's only $320 and will be far better than the Logitech Z906s IMO.

 

[hanleychan]

Best answer selected by hanleychan.

 

[douglasw]

I here the Logitech Z-906 are pretty good but i never did like onboard sound...With onboard sound i dont think youll get the sound your really looking for..I was told once your sound system is only as good as your sound card...If your on a budget a $ 50 dollar sound card is still better them onboard sound....This is what id do id buy the Z-906 then get the cheapest Creative X-fi sound card which will hook up by coaxial cable then id go online and buy from Creative for only $4.72 The Dolby Digital Live and DTS pack then my friend youll get true rich 5.1 surround...I know if you go onboard sound and im sure youll hook up Analogue youll be disappointed...