I am looking for a 5.1 channel sound system with digital and optical inputs. I noticed that at my work that at my work (homehardware of all places) that they have a electrohome htb903e 300w dvd 5.1 channel system for 130$ (Canadian). I am wondering if any one has had any experience with this model? or can anyone recommend a cheap but good 5.1 channel sound system that has at least optical? (want to connect my xbox 360) I am not very good at looking for sound systems because my whole sound system is thrift store stuff.
thanks in advance

hey ziggi I have a ELECTROHOME 350 W 5.1 DVD Home Theatre system EH8197... bought for like 250$ future shop a long time ago. I was going to use this with my computer because it is a 5.1 with optical etc... BUT.. , For MY setup, I was just testing it with all my 4 speakers mounted on the wall and if you are going to use it to play movies from ur PC then you are stuck with Left and Right speakers ONLY... these only support 5.1 sound IF you are playing a movie directly FROM the player.. the AUX IN only have Left and RIGHT speaker inputs... Basically, it can only do 2 speakers from an input. I'm not sourround sound system expert but i don't see a way around this.I will be looking to buy a 5.1 card for my computer and an inxpensive home theater system that supports 5.1 from AUX IN. If such a thing exists? If you are only using it for movies from the player i can sell you mine at agood price .

For on-the-cheap surround, you can get yourself one of the refurb Onkyo 7.1 receivers for US$139 shipped, then buy some cheap speakers at pawn shops or thrift stores, or even some new cheapies from BB or CC or wherever.

If you're careful, you can have the whole 7 or 7.1 setup for under US$200, especially if you have some existing speakers you can use for the front. Having large speakers in front will keep you from having to buy a sub woofer, at least until later.

I changed my mind. I am just using a 5.1 card with my existing speakers!! That will cost you probably the least amount of $$.

35$ sound card + speakers.. ?? = your cost.

You've got to have an amp, the sound card won't drive speakers.

@ziggy
Does the electrohome system have optical inputs? Most of the budget HTIB systems don't have optical or coax inputs.

haha, thanks i forgot about that small detail. I realized this too late last night, since i had everything set-up alredy :@!~!

I am now going to use that electrohome as my "amp" and get 5.1 from it somehow. I have cracked it open to see how in the world i can wire it to do it... after reading multiple threads about a 24$ 6-channel output/input amp i am sure i can figure out something.. right?! lol

And to answer ur question, my electrohome does have Optical. I am not quite so sure if there is a way i can take advantage of that with a 5.1 setup? ... thanx

well I read somewhere that the optical was input and that it had coaxial ( I think thats whats its called) I was thinking of using the optical for xbox360 in and coaxial for computer. both of these inputs are digital so that means 5.1 right? I can buy it at almost any time as it is just sitting at my work.

No man, mine is actually optical OUTPUT ... how in the world does that make any sense :@ !!!!

Oh well, check it out but the one i got is OUT not IN..... dammit!!

well I sorta need optical for xbox360 because that is the only way to set up 5.1 with it. I think that I may just use my crazy old style stereo for a while longer until I find something worth it.

That is exactly what I am doing for now man, keeping the regular dvd player for 5.1 ......

The way i am going to go in the future once i want High def adn 5.1 is get a decent computer with a 5.1 sound card and some decent 5.1 speakers .... that is probably cheapest option out there....

A 70watt RMS system will cost like 100-150$ from Creative, and they sound great!!! I have tryed them.
Good luck man, let me know what you end up doing =P i might copy lol

well I ended up buying a logitech x540 5.1 soundsystem. it doesnet have digital in but it can be used for xbox with an adapter. sounds really good to for 100$

What size room are these being used in?? I am thinking that 70W RMS might not be loud enough for a basement.. ?? Maybe a bedroom?? tnx.

I'm using it in a larger bedroom. I think that it would be okay for a basement if you don't plan on blasting it. It looses its quality at really high levels. For a a basement I would go for something with a few more watts.
Good luck with your choice