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<blockquote data-quote="dcwp" data-source="post: 410803" data-attributes="member: 25562"><p>Thanks so much for all the help and patience as I try to figure this all out. I have to admit that when I started thinking about an audio upgrade, I had no idea how pricey it would be. With most things related to the HTPC, $200 is more than enough to get a substantial upgrade - going from basic SD to 1080i for example. But what I've come to realize is that I shouldn't treat audio as a component like a video card, but rather as a display device like a flatscreen. </p><p></p><p>With that understanding, I think you're both right that I shouldn't try to start halfway and then build off a crappy system, but rather wait until I can afford a decent basic component and build slowly from a solid base. Just like when I decided to go with a decent screen I didn't just buy a bigger CRT to hold me over until I could afford LCD. Well, actually someone gave me a larger CRT (the one in my profile pic) in the interim, but the point is that I didn't waste money on a bigger but still mediocre display device. The reason for all the strange questions in this thread has been trying to figure out if there is a good way to start cheap. </p><p></p><p>There may be cheaper options to start playing with surround, but they are all options that don't allow later building; even a decent PC speaker kit is above the 100-200 dollar range I was hoping to spend on audio. So I think I'll put the audio upgrade on hold indefinitely, at least until I can afford a receiver that I know will serve as a base for many years of upgrades to come. I'm just finishing up a major system upgrade and can't really justify another large purchase for a while, especially when my 2.1 system is just fine and nobody else in the house has any desire for an audio upgrade.</p><p></p><p>But I do want to extend a HUGE thank you <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite8" alt=":D" title="Big Grin :D" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":D" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite8" alt=":D" title="Big Grin :D" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":D" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite8" alt=":D" title="Big Grin :D" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":D" />to all of you who have helped me gain a better understanding of surround sound. I've been reading AVS for a few years and it's always been pretty intimidating, but now I feel confident enough to start posting there. <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></p><p></p><p>Fanta - Honestly I'm not sure what model the Cambridge system is that I have. If it helps it's the one in this pic <a href="https://forum.team-mediaportal.com/attachments/ongoing-htpc-projects-60/36756d1236467893-diary-htpc-dabbler-hpim0399.jpg" target="_blank">https://forum.team-mediaportal.com/attachments/ongoing-htpc-projects-60/36756d1236467893-diary-htpc-dabbler-hpim0399.jpg</a> (my first attempt at HTPC ca 2005 AD). The bookshelfs in that pic go with the turntable above Charlie the dog. The Cambridge is really clear and plenty powerful for my space so I am happy to continue using it.</p><p></p><p>Thanks again for the free education!</p><p></p><p>I posted that before I saw your response Tesla. I appreciate you planning my upgrades so far into the future <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite8" alt=":D" title="Big Grin :D" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":D" /> I'll be sure to check back in in a couple of years.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="dcwp, post: 410803, member: 25562"] Thanks so much for all the help and patience as I try to figure this all out. I have to admit that when I started thinking about an audio upgrade, I had no idea how pricey it would be. With most things related to the HTPC, $200 is more than enough to get a substantial upgrade - going from basic SD to 1080i for example. But what I've come to realize is that I shouldn't treat audio as a component like a video card, but rather as a display device like a flatscreen. With that understanding, I think you're both right that I shouldn't try to start halfway and then build off a crappy system, but rather wait until I can afford a decent basic component and build slowly from a solid base. Just like when I decided to go with a decent screen I didn't just buy a bigger CRT to hold me over until I could afford LCD. Well, actually someone gave me a larger CRT (the one in my profile pic) in the interim, but the point is that I didn't waste money on a bigger but still mediocre display device. The reason for all the strange questions in this thread has been trying to figure out if there is a good way to start cheap. There may be cheaper options to start playing with surround, but they are all options that don't allow later building; even a decent PC speaker kit is above the 100-200 dollar range I was hoping to spend on audio. So I think I'll put the audio upgrade on hold indefinitely, at least until I can afford a receiver that I know will serve as a base for many years of upgrades to come. I'm just finishing up a major system upgrade and can't really justify another large purchase for a while, especially when my 2.1 system is just fine and nobody else in the house has any desire for an audio upgrade. But I do want to extend a HUGE thank you :thx::thx::thx:to all of you who have helped me gain a better understanding of surround sound. I've been reading AVS for a few years and it's always been pretty intimidating, but now I feel confident enough to start posting there. :) Fanta - Honestly I'm not sure what model the Cambridge system is that I have. If it helps it's the one in this pic [url]https://forum.team-mediaportal.com/attachments/ongoing-htpc-projects-60/36756d1236467893-diary-htpc-dabbler-hpim0399.jpg[/url] (my first attempt at HTPC ca 2005 AD). The bookshelfs in that pic go with the turntable above Charlie the dog. The Cambridge is really clear and plenty powerful for my space so I am happy to continue using it. Thanks again for the free education! I posted that before I saw your response Tesla. I appreciate you planning my upgrades so far into the future :D I'll be sure to check back in in a couple of years. [/QUOTE]
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