Living room sound for under $50?

Archived from groups: rec.audio.opinion,rec.audio.tech (More info?)

Binba wrote:
> I'm looking for the cheapest way to upgrade TV&DVD sound in our
living
> room (college-budget :-) Actually what I'm seeking is just "the next
> step" beyond the TV's internal speakers, so I'm not even talking
> surround. Btw the room is large, ~320sq.ft.
>
> Seems like I have 3 options:
>
> 1. I have an old combo Sharp stereo system, seems like the power
> transformator is dead. How much should fixing that cost?

You could try fixing it yourself. Since it's broken and not worth
anything, might as well try.

> 2. Buy a used amp (starts at $50 in ebay) and use it with the
stereo's
> speakers.

You can actually get decent old 80's receivers on ebay for around $20.
Like a Sansui, Marantz, Fisher, Pioneer, or something... There's really
nothing wrong with most of them, but the market is flooded, so a buyer
can get a good deal.

> 3. Why spend $50+ on a used amp, if I can buy (brand new) one of
these
> computer speaker systems, 2.1 or even 5.1? For the same price you can
> get 50-70W RMS.

Depends on what kinda speakers you have from your Sharp system. Those
might be better sounding than some tiny computer speakers. Plus most
computer speakers don't use RCA jacks.

Archived from groups: rec.audio.opinion,rec.audio.tech (More info?)

In <1110415884.293058.245080@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com>, on 03/09/05

at 04:51 PM, "Binba" <drorworld@yahoo.com> said:

[ ... ]

>2. Buy a used amp (starts at $50 in ebay) and use it with the stereo's
>speakers.

[ ... ]

4. Connect the TV and/or DVD's output to the stereo.

5. Walk the street on trash day and be creative.

6. If you are in school, ask around, post a note, check the notes.

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Archived from groups: rec.audio.opinion,rec.audio.tech (More info?)

"Binba" <drorworld@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1110570952.709538.92560@g14g2000cwa.googlegroups.com
> Thanks guys for all the replies. Trying to fix the stereo myself can
> be fun... but so far all I know is this:
> - It doesn't power up, nada.
> - Upon plugging it in, the lamp at the other outlet did flicker
> slightly.
> - Everything inside looks in place, nothing burnt or loose.
> - The transformer seems PCB-soldered. (could it be that it's in some
> kind of a socket? I didn't really feel like touching it....)
>
> So where do I go with that?

Given your apparent expertise level - you need professional help to fix it.

Given the low cost of possible replacements, repairing it might easily be
uneconomical.