[mcullinan]

Any suggestions for a 5.1 system to hook to my computer, Possibly an outboard DAC if necessary.
Thanks in advance.
Mike  aa

Budget under $500. Room 12 x 14, for DVDs on computer, music from itunes..

[JLM]

Mike,

What's your budget?  How big is your room?

Will you be playing ripped CDs, internet streaming, and/or DVD movies through the computer?

Will you be using the computer monitor or a TV?

It's hard to beat the little AV-123 xls 2-way standmount speakers for $110 each.

Picking a sub is up to how big the room is, how deep you want to go, and how loud you want to get.

I don't know much about computers, but a Panasonic SA-XR55S 7.1 receiver for $200 (street price) looks good.

[WGH]

What will your priorities? Music or movies?

I do both, so I have two separate systems which are connected to the computer by the USB ports.
USB 1 ---> HagUSB --> Scott Nixon tube DAC --> Anthem Preamp & Amp
USB 2 ---> M-Audio Transit --> Technics SH-AC500D 5.1 decoder --> Anthem (front channels) & Adcom 535 (rear channels)

The M-Audio Transit is nice because it has a Dolby Digital/DTS pass through setting so the digital decoder will see a true 5.1 AC3 signal.
The HagUSB  sounds much, much better with music for two channel listening.

[mcullinan]

hmm... The computer is where I do all my freelance work, so I like to listen to music while doing so... Though sometimes I watch movies in the evenings too. I guess the music side would be more important..
Mike

[Charles Calkins]

Get yourself a cheap 5.1 surround sound receiver.
Get a Turtle Beach audio advantage amigo.
Pick up some speakers at the flea market or a donation store.
Hook all this stuff up and you'll be pleasantly surprised how well it works.
I assume your computer has a CD and DVD drive.


                                           Cheers
                                           Charlie

[WGH]

I put together a budget system for a friend and his wife, they love it, it turned out very, very nice.

Receiver: get a used NAD 5.1, any NAD will give you great sound on a budget

Main speakers: Polk R50 $140 pr from Fry's.com
http://shop2.outpost.com/%7BMngCPyFmilBGSfdLL1QHQw**.node1%7D/product/4005092;jsessionid=MngCPyFmilBGSfdLL1QHQw**.node1?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Surround speakers: Daton SAT-BK Satellite speaker $32.37 pr from parts express.com
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=300-670

Sub-Woofer: Dayton SUB-100 10" 125 watt powered sub-woofer $124.88 from parts express.com
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=300-633