Audio Decoder Wanted

[regedit]

I've got some Creative 6.1 pc speakers which are connected to my pc but I want to be able to use them for outputing sound from a PS2 and PS3. I don't want to route the sound through the PC audio card since I don't want to have to have the PC on just to use PS3/PS2. Searching around, Creative's DDTS-100 decorder seems to fit the bill but it looks like these have been discontinued ?

Does anyone have any recommendations for alternative decoder or something-else that might do the trick ? I guess I could buy a 'HIFI' amp but not sure if PC surround speakers (green/orange/black connectors) would hook up ?

Thanks.

[LivinLOS]

To take a digital bitstream and output it to speakers you need both an audio decoder and an amplifier..

So yes.. Go buy that 'hifi amp' and perhaps you will need to change the speakers plugs or remove them.

[regedit]

To take a digital bitstream and output it to speakers you need both an audio decoder and an amplifier..

So yes.. Go buy that 'hifi amp' and perhaps you will need to change the speakers plugs or remove them.

I was thinking that since the speakers are 6.1, is the bass unit (the .1) already acting as an amplifier ?

I'm really looking for a unit to allow me to have several selectable inputs (inlcuding a PC) to output to the surround speakers PC set.

[LivinLOS]

To take a digital bitstream and output it to speakers you need both an audio decoder and an amplifier..

So yes.. Go buy that 'hifi amp' and perhaps you will need to change the speakers plugs or remove them.

I was thinking that since the speakers are 6.1, is the bass unit (the .1) already acting as an amplifier ?

I'm really looking for a unit to allow me to have several selectable inputs (inlcuding a PC) to output to the surround speakers PC set.

You have just exactly described a 'hifi amp' AKA a home theatre receiver.

I am unfamiliar with your 6.1 speakers.. But presuming they are ordinary speakers you can rip the plugs off them and put them into an amp.. The sub is probably powered..

Describe the inputs on the bass unit ?? its almost certainly not taking a SPDIF coax or optical which is what your PS3 will output. However if its connected directly to the PC it might be a amped unit.. Model number perhaps ??

[regedit]

No inputs on the sub unit. Yes, it's powered. It's a Creative 6.1 6700 Inspire speaker system (a few years old).

Picture here

http://www.itreviews.co.uk/hardware/h434.htm

[LivinLOS]

If theres no input on the base unit how does it get the sound from the computer ?? It HAS to have inputs !!

Are the speakers connected directly with the computer.. If so they will be powered (amplified) speakers, as the PC output is not amplified.

[LivinLOS]

Reading the review it sounds like the speakers are connected to the base unit (as a triple jack joins the subwoofer to the sound card and the inputs for the satellites are clearly marked) so unless I am reading that wrong the base unit has ALL the inputs (triple jack so 3 stereo pairs) and then ALL the ouputs..

Personally I would throw the lot away and buy a 5.1 receiver and speaker package.. Can be done dirt cheap and they will be real speakers with the amp and processing done in a real unit with multiple inputs and full control. Then PS2, PS3, TV etc all go through the one switchable amp.