Speaker/Amp set up with PS3???

[Kingk59]

I am looking for an Amp & Speaker set up to be used with my PS3 (also sometimes my laptop and my iPOD).

Everything will be played through it – TV, BD, DVD, Games, CDs and most importantly MP3s.

My budget is dependant on what you guys say really as long as it does need exceed £500. I really like the Cambridge Audio AZUR 540A with something like the Wharfedale 9.1s. My brother has this set up with the 540C CD Player and I really like the sound and looks.

However, I know that the source is not the best so I’m not sure if I would be wasting my money as I’m not likely to get a CD Player. I’m quite happy to buy 2nd hand or brand new and really am looking for recommendations etc. I might also consider a small 5.1 set up but I am mainly interested in music. Oh, I also like to play my music loud (sometimes).

I am looking to buy this kit within the next 4 – 6 weeks. If the suggestions are that I should spend the top end of my budget I will have to wait a little longer. Fortunately I am a patient man (most of the time) and can wait for the right system.

One other question which I think might be daft and I am 90% sure I know the answer to is – do 2 channel amps come with optical in or is this simply for surround systems? I am just trying to get the best possible sound out of my PS3.

[Arfa]

The PS3 isn't that bad as a source. It also plays SACD's too, which maybe a useful feature to you. So I wouldn't worry too much about getting a separate cd player, not unless you can afford something like the Rega Apollo (£500).
Also with the latest PS3 firmware including the ability to play mp3s, aac's etc from a network share, it can double up as a nice little music/video client.

Most stereo amps won't have an optical input (or any digital input for that matter). Not unless you go for one of the more specialised digital amps out there. I've not had any experience with these, so I'll let someone else recommend one of them.

An analogue only amp is not a problem though, you can hook up any old multi-av connector to you PS3. Any of the old PS2 ones will work, be it the composite one you used to get free, or the s-video, scart or component ones you can optional buy. Just plug them in, ignore the video connection and just plug the two left & right rca connectors straight into your amp. Job done.

Can someone confirm if SACD audio can be output as analogue over these RCA connectors? I know CD can for sure.

The other plan, would be to hook the PS3 to your TV via HDMI, then take the analogue out from your TV to your amp. Perhaps not as good, as your introducing another stage of processing to your audio signal, but could save messing around with lots of remote controls etc.

The Cambridge Audio amp is pretty decent, good value for money, well built and has a nice sound.

[mlilliman]

There's so many options open to you that it could take the best part of a page to document them, so I'll follow 2 likely scenarios...

1. You play PS3, DVDs, TV more than you listen to music.

In this case, I would recommend a good AV amp/receiver with a dedicated 5.1 sub/sat setup. If £500 is at the top of your budget (and you don't want an all-in-one brand package), then I think you're on the right lines with the Cambridge Audio 540R at £270. It's probably the most 'musical' sounding AV amp around that price, but also consider the Sony STR-DA1200ES which has had all the good reviews and can be picked up for around £330 if you shop around. I have the Sony and it outperforms my previous Yamaha DSP-AX750SE (RRP £500).

Speaker-wise, you'll be struggling to get 5 speakers and a sub for £250 that will do any justice to music. If you like the sound of the Wharfedales, then perhaps it's worth just getting the front two speakers and sub then adding the surrounds when funds allow? A rival to the Wharfedale 9.1 package would be the Quad L-ITEs retailing for similar money, and very popular on these forums.

2. You listen to music more than watch DVDs, play PS3, etc.

With a budget of £500, you can't beat a stereo integrated amp and a pair of half decent speakers if sound quality is your priority. AV amps are built to handle at least 6 speakers and all manner of inputs and processing, so it's no surprise that a similar priced 2 channel amp will comfortable outperform a home cinema one. I'd be looking at Cambridge Audio again, perhaps a 540A (version 2), Rotel RA-05, or Rega Brio 3 with either the Monitor Audio BR2 stand mounts or Bowers & Wilkins new 685 or 686 speakers. Both Monitor Audio and B&W have sub and surround options you can add later.

This is the route I took - first having a good stereo setup, then adding an AV amp to handle DD/DTS and power the centre channel, sub and surrounds.

There's a strong second hand market for both these options, particularly with the amplifier part of the equation. The AV scene moves very quickly and you can pick up discontinued ex-award winners in the 'mid' price range at budget prices very easily.

Hope this helps, and good luck!