[kideternal]

I can use some advice.

I run XBMC on a PC. I used to run the audio out via Sound Blaster to my Klipsch Pro Media 5.1's, but its amplifier eventually died.

So, I bought a crappy LG LHB535 Home Theater System and ditched the included speakers for my Klispchs, and am just using the HDMI from my NVidia board to send audio/video.

This has worked okay, but has a couple of problems:
1) When playing LPCM or 5.1-Audio FLACs, the center channel comes out the rear-right. (I think center is coming out of subwoofer, but am not certain.)
2) The "Night Mode" volume normalization on the LHB535 is crappy compared to the Sound Blaster, which makes late-night movies rough on the neighbors.
3) It requires a separate remote-control to adjust audio.
4) After pausing a video and resuming there's a 1.5-second delay before audio resumes.
5) Skipping too frequently in a movie can make audio stop completely, requiring the HTS to need restarting.

I was happier with the simple Sound Blaster setup, but haven't been able to find a simple 5.1 amplifier to replace it. I'm not crazy about spending money on a receiver that I won't use 95% of the features of.

Any ideas?

[Oxize]

As for Audio for PC's i swear at Creative. Perfect sound, especially the new THX sets.

[negge]

Any receiver is better than any of those "all in one" systems. You really don't want anything else than HDMI these days.

[kideternal]

I appreciate the advice, thanks!

After much deliberation, I opted to return to the analog world. It's just so much nicer to have a simple, single remote control for volume & power, and the volume normalization on the Sound Blaster works astonishingly well.

I found a used Klipsch Promedia 5.1 set for $90 locally, which is much cheaper than a new receiver and powered subwoofer would have been, even used.

Perhaps one day when I'm rich I will go all-in on a proper home theater sound system, a dedicated room that can bear its loud volume, and a programmable single remote control.

For now, I'm a happy camper.