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Thread ID: 131086 2013-04-25 01:39:00 Best way to connect HTPC to amplifier Myth (110) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
1338348 2013-04-29 21:47:00 Just use HDMI, takes all the pain out of it all :) Audio / video both in one cable so it's tidier as well. Chilling_Silence (9)
1338349 2013-04-29 22:08:00 Why optical when its still copper to the speakers?

Because optical will stop ground loops (hum), & any earthing issues between the various devices.
Many amps dont have 5channel RCA i/p for surround, let alone 6,7 ch
Surround sound from HTPC not worth the effort unless its modern equipment (HDMI etc)
Stereo is easy, as described in posts above.

My amp also doesnt have HDMI. Getting TRUE multichannel (Dobly/DTS) output from HTPC to amp was a real pain. The software has to support it , this sometimes requires 3rd party add ons that can cause other issues. I even bought a soundcard designed for HTPC multichannel, it was still a real pain to setup surroundsound & not reliable(software/codec) on my system.
Stick with stereo output. 		1101 (13337)
1338350 2013-04-29 22:08:00 Why optical when its still copper to the speakers?


The other advantage of Toslink optical is you are less likely to get a ground loop or any unwanted noise going on.

But yeah HDMI is probably the first thing to try. It's digital so there shouldn't be any unwanted noise. 		Alex B (15479)
1338351 2013-04-29 22:16:00 But yeah HDMI is probably the first thing to try. It's digital so there shouldn't be any unwanted noise.

No.
He will have to buy a new amp & will probhably need to upgrade his HTPC to fully support it.
Again you still run the risk from connecting an earthed PC to a (often) unearthed amp. 		1101 (13337)
1338352 2013-04-29 22:17:00 But yeah HDMI is probably the first thing to try. It's digital so there shouldn't be any unwanted noise.

No.
He will have to buy a new amp & will probhably need to upgrade his HTPC to fully support it.
Again you still run the risk from connecting an earthed PC to a (often) unearthed amp. 		1101 (13337)
1338353 2013-04-30 00:08:00 Also: update on the receiver... hoping to buy this: reviews.cnet.com

I've was drooling over that range of Marantz amps a while ago but couldn't justify the cost just to upgrade to 2 more HDMI in and a total of 2 HDMI out (it would enable to me to get rid of some HDMI switches and splitters). 		Tukapa (62)
1338354 2013-04-30 01:42:00 Ive had a few Marantz amps. They arnt the Marantz of old (where they got there good reputation from) . Not sure I'd buy another(new)
Have a look at Denon as well (do they still own marantz?).

Just FYI, the power rating is sometimes complete BS on multichannel amps, sometimes 1/4 of claimed rated RMS power (5 channels driven) 		1101 (13337)
1338355 2013-04-30 02:45:00 Another +1 for an Optical connection. PC's are notorious for audio noise/electrical interference. pablo d (15490)
1338356 2013-04-30 09:24:00 I've was drooling over that range of Marantz amps a while ago but couldn't justify the cost just to upgrade to 2 more HDMI in and a total of 2 HDMI out (it would enable to me to get rid of some HDMI switches and splitters).Out of curiousity; what did you decide on in the end? Myth (110)
1338357 2013-04-30 11:32:00 Out of curiousity; what did you decide on in the end?

I've got this (www.pioneer.eu) - I've had it for a few years now. It was about to be superseded when I bought it so they were happy to run the stock out so when I pressured them I got it for $1800 (retail was $4000).

But - I was debating whether to upgrade as the Pioneer only has 4 HDMI in and 1 HDMI out. That is not enough for my set up so I have an HDMI switcher and an HDMI splitter just to enable everything to work the way I want it. A receiver with 6 or 7 HDMI in and 2 or 3 HDMI out would enable me to tidy up all of the extra boxes and cables behind my cabinet.

I've come to the conclusion that the money woudl best be spent on something else now that we have a new baby in the house.

Doesn't stop me window shopping though :D 		Tukapa (62)
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