General advice for my set up

[caddie88]

Hi fellas.

Right I want to add sound to my man cave, specifically my laptop. I have a set of book shelves (gale) but no amp. I'm wondering what I should use? or would it be better to get a set of 2.1 pc speakers. Budget of around £60

Thanks

 

[Joe Fernand]

‘Budget of around £60’ – will get you an entry level Cambridge Audio stereo Amp to drive the Gale Speakers.

What Output options do you have on the laptop?

Joe

 

[caddie88]

Just the standard headphone jack.

I have an old marantz that I am currently using for my home cinema. But because its old its only pro logic, and I am keen to get to full dolby, so my other option is to upgrade this and use the marantz in the cave. therefore saving money on buying another amp. (if that makes sense)

My home cinema consists of samsung

UE40D6000
Gale center speaker
2 tannoy floor standards
and 2 rear speakers

Samsung blu ray
Xbox
Maybe a PS4 in the future

What AV receiver would you suggest for this?

Thanks

 

[Joe Fernand]

Laptop - the headphone Output will be your least cost option, though can sometimes be a little noisy in terms of background hiss if you have the Laptop volume set too high.

Marantz amp - would seem to make sense to use it with the Laptop + Gale bookshelves.

New AVR - I suspect anything from the usual suspects will be a big step forward. Lots of new kit just being released so a good time to grab a bargain on a 2012 end of line model. If you go with an entry level unit ensure it had enough Input Sockets - sometimes stepping up the range brings you far more flexibility for a modest additional outlay!

Surround speakers - mixing two very different brands in terms of Front LR + Centre is very tricky, with a new AVR in place you may also want to try setting the AVR to 'no Centre' and run the system as 4.1 with the Centre track being mixed into the Front LR by the AVR.

Joe