Ask Engadget HD: Receiverless audio out from a HTPC?
Having a computer in the living room isn't an uncommon sight around here, but trying to cut down the number of living room components can lead to some interesting questions. This week, Kit is wondering if he can get a quality audio setup without a dedicated receiver:
I am a big HTPC enthusiast and also a bit of a tinkerer/customizer. I have a pretty sweet HTPC box set up right now and my goal is to have it be the ONLY box under my tv. Using media center and some plugins I have found it can be my all in one solution.Since I really don't have anything to switch between, I am trying to eliminate a A/V receiver all together. I have looked for a solution online, but I can't find one. I know you can get some really expensive sound cards with some sweet output options, but how do I hook it up to some real speakers with real speaker cables? LFO for a Powered sub? I'm assuming the best solution would to be a small amplifier box tucked behind the system (with the sound card doing the decoding and computing) and I can live with that. Is this crazy or am I not alone in my one box quest?
Insanity, or ingenuity? Whether you have a good way for Kit to accomplish his goal, or a good reason why not to try, drop a line in the comments and let us know.
Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
