aedvalson
10-23-2008, 03:01 PM
I've got a Toshiba LCD panel which does an excellent job of switching several different sources. It's got an optical and analog audio output that I'd like to hook up to some high quality M-Audio self-powered monitors I've already got. I've got two pairs right now, so it's not a 5.1 system yet, but I'm starting with just stereo at first, and I intend to use the analog output from the TV.
It works now if I connect the line out directly to my speakers... but the TV's output is a line out that is not controlled by the TV's volume... This means the only way to control my volume is to reach around behind my speakers and turn the knob on each independently to adjust their volume.
What I need is some sort of simple, cheap receiver, that is going to function as a glorified volume controller. If it has preamp / line outputs for 5.1 or better as well, that's even better, but stereo is good enough for me if the price is right. All it needs is a single analog OR optical (preferred) input, analog preamp output, volume control, and an IR Remote.
Everything I've looked at so far is amazingly overkill for the job, or lacks preamp outputs.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
BrianO
10-23-2008, 03:08 PM
I've got a Toshiba LCD panel which does an excellent job of switching several different sources. It's got an optical and analog audio output that I'd like to hook up to some high quality M-Audio self-powered monitors I've already got. I've got two pairs right now, so it's not a 5.1 system yet, but I'm starting with just stereo at first, and I intend to use the analog output from the TV.
It works now if I connect the line out directly to my speakers... but the TV's output is a line out that is not controlled by the TV's volume... This means the only way to control my volume is to reach around behind my speakers and turn the knob on each independently to adjust their volume.
What I need is some sort of simple, cheap receiver, that is going to function as a glorified volume controller. If it has preamp / line outputs for 5.1 or better as well, that's even better, but stereo is good enough for me if the price is right. All it needs is a single analog OR optical (preferred) input, analog preamp output, volume control, and an IR Remote.
Everything I've looked at so far is amazingly overkill for the job, or lacks preamp outputs.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
Doesn't your Toshiba have the "Fixed/Variable" option for its analogue audio out in the TV's menus? (Both of my Sony's and my JVC set have the option). If it does, set it to "Variable" and then the you can control the volume with your TV's remote.
aedvalson
10-23-2008, 03:18 PM
Nope, it's stuck at fixed. There's no option for it.
I wish I'd noticed that before I picked the TV *sigh*
jkkyler
10-29-2008, 12:04 PM
Define 'cheap' pls or at least a price range.
aedvalson
10-31-2008, 10:39 AM
Originally I was looking for a couple hundred dollars tops All I really needed was a preamp with an IR volume control basically.
I ended up buying an Onkyo HR-S3100 system ($110 refurb from shoponkyo dot com, Free Shipping... Highly Highly recommended!). I'm not able to use my monitors, as it's line out's are line level, and also not volume controlled, but the speakers it included are perfectly adequate for my small living room.
The system came with all the necessary speaker cabling, although it's somewhat dinky cable. I feel like I'm gonna crush their cheap little remote in my hand though. The only real downside I've found is that it's a really big subwoofer, considering it's a small unit, and it's not self powered. The receiver is also a lot bigger than I thought it would be based on it's pictures, so I had to rethink my equipment layout. Other than that, no problems.
I'm only using a single optical input on it, as my Television handles the switching for all of my inputs. However, I did hook my walkman up to the CD input on it so that I don't have to run the television when I just want to play music over the speakers.
