Situational 2.1 PC Setup, Need Advice!

[KingPizza]

I've been running with only headphones for about a year now and it's time I get at least a 2.1 speaker setup going. I have a PC with 1 monitor, and a 55" TV that needs to be able to connect to it so I can stream Netflix or something with the PC off.

 

Here's where the "situational" part comes in. I currently have a pair of nice T15 Polk Audio speakers, and I figure it would be cost effective to utilize those. I was thinking of purchasing a sub and some kind of 2.1 receiver that accepts the standard pole copper speaker wire, but I'm having the hardest time finding anything other than 5.1 A/V receivers that cost $300+.

 

So here's my request: Does anyone know of a 2.1ch receiver device that accepts standard pole bookshelf speakers, or perhaps might have advice of another way to utilize my T15 bookshelf speakers. OR: suggest a better setup that doesn't use the bookshelf speakers I already have but won't break the bank. 

 

Edit: it's safe to assume the TV can output sound using Bluetooth, HDMI Arc, and optical.

[skimmilk5]

Here's the thing about bookshelf speakers: they're designed to operate as a set, but not to really be integrated with anything else. Essentially, they're a solution-in-one-box. If you try to integrate a subwoofer with your existing speakers, they'll end up unbalanced and difficult to rebalance, with either muddy or indistinct bass or no bass at all as your existing speakers try to pick up all of the slack.

[The Flying Sloth]

TPA3116 if you're on a real tight budget, otherwise you can use a car amp if you're not allergic to jank and otherotherwise there are used 2.1ch amps all over Ebay.

[The Flying Sloth]

2 minutes ago, kimsejin5 said:

Here's the thing about bookshelf speakers: they're designed to operate as a set, but not to really be integrated with anything else. Essentially, they're a solution-in-one-box. If you try to integrate a subwoofer with your existing speakers, they'll end up unbalanced and difficult to rebalance, with either muddy or indistinct bass or no bass at all as your existing speakers try to pick up all of the slack.

They're passive bookshelf speakers and with a 2.1 amp there will be a built in crossover so there's no need to worry.

[KingPizza]

7 minutes ago, The Flying Sloth said:

TPA3116 if you're on a real tight budget, otherwise you can use a car amp if you're not allergic to jank and otherotherwise there are used 2.1ch amps all over Ebay.

https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Amplifier-Audio-Independent-Adjustment/dp/B07PJVM79X

 

Would something like this work? R/L for PC and Bluetooth for connecting to the TV? Or do you have a specific recommendation for connecting both the PC and TV at the same time. I'm willing to go as high as $150-ish.

[harryk]

6 minutes ago, kimsejin5 said:

Here's the thing about bookshelf speakers: they're designed to operate as a set, but not to really be integrated with anything else. Essentially, they're a solution-in-one-box. If you try to integrate a subwoofer with your existing speakers, they'll end up unbalanced and difficult to rebalance, with either muddy or indistinct bass or no bass at all as your existing speakers try to pick up all of the slack.

I argue the exact opposite. Most bookshelf speakers work very well with a sub when properly setup. If bookshelf speakers are missing anything it's the low end and adding a subwoofer is a very common and recommended addition.

 

@KingPizza 

Search for 'desktop speaker amp', that will find what you're looking for and there are many options under $100. Though I would seriously consider an older used AV receiver if you have room for it. They're bigger than a desktop amp but provide much more capability in both output power and features for equalization and room correction.

[KingPizza]

1 hour ago, harryk said:

I argue the exact opposite. Most bookshelf speakers work very well with a sub when properly setup. If bookshelf speakers are missing anything it's the low end and adding a subwoofer is a very common and recommended addition.

 

@KingPizza 

Search for 'desktop speaker amp', that will find what you're looking for and there are many options under $100. Though I would seriously consider an older used AV receiver if you have room for it. They're bigger than a desktop amp but provide much more capability in both output power and features for equalization and room correction.

OK, I took your advice and found an older A/V receiver on Craigslist for $50. Yamaha HTR-5750.

[KingPizza]

For anyone coming across this that wants to know what I ended up doing, I found an old $50 A/V receiver on Craigslist (it doesn't have a single HDMI port) and have a sub and my 2 bookshelf speakers plugged in to it. It works great and the sound is better than any ~$200 boxed 2.1 setup from Amazon or Best Buy.