Will a Receiver Help with My Setup?

rakkihizoku on 15/08/2016 - 02:16

I'm currently rocking a dual monitor setup for my desktop computer with an internal sound card and pair of 2.1 speakers.

Further down the track, i want to include a PS4 and chromecast 2 which i want to hook up to my primary monitor.

My thoughts are:

  1. Computer keeps the same setup plugging directly into both monitors (HDMI/DVI)
  2. Primary monitor will need a powered HDMI splitter (connecting to computer and receiver)
  3. Sound card will plug into receiver via 3.5mm jack or using RCA adapter
  4. Speakers/Sub will connect to receiver
  5. PS4 and chromecast would connect to receiver via HDMI

In terms of audio and visual would a receiver help in this instance?
Any receiver suggestions? (The cheaper the better)
Is there a cheaper way to accomplish this?
Preferably the cleaner the setup the better. (Less stuff ie boxes/cables)

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • scupper on 15/08/2016 - 03:06
    +2

    Does your monitor have audio out? Connect monitor directly to speakers, no need for receiver. (Assuming monitor is receiving sound via HDMI)
    Is this a living room setup or desk? Unless you're going 5.1 or more speakers and/or a living room setup, there's no point in getting a receiver. Or get a cheap one if you can't connect the monitor directly to the speaker.

    • rakkihizoku on 15/08/2016 - 07:13

      Nah monitors don't have speakers.

      Just a desk setup

    • ESEMCE on 15/08/2016 - 08:06

      Audio out is different to speakers.
      If the monitor has an audio out socket, then you can get away with a HDMI switch
      PC/PS4/Chromecast plug into switch and then output from switch to monitor, then audio out from Monitor to speakers.

  • apple2016 on 15/08/2016 - 07:26
    +1

    The receiver could introduce a delay. This might not be a good idea with gaming.

    • rakkihizoku on 15/08/2016 - 12:15

      I think that would work wonders!
      Is there one that comes with an IR remote?

      • ESEMCE on 15/08/2016 - 12:20

        There's a remote in the Picture of the linked item!

      • Blackrose on 15/08/2016 - 12:24

        Yeah remote should be included, if you need 4k or resolutions above 1080P would need to look for one with HDMI v1.4

      • scupper on 16/08/2016 - 00:46

        What are the connectors on your speakers? If they take only stereo RCA cables, they can't decode digital audio formats. Based on its price, that HDMI splitter probably only passes the digital audio signals, it doesn't decode them. You will need a receiver to hear Dolby/DTS audio from the PS4 and Chromecast, unless they can output plain stereo.

        Edit: Maybe get a sound bar instead. A receiver may need new speakers too, which means more expense.

        • rakkihizoku on 16/08/2016 - 01:05

          The speakers are RCA which feed into the Sub. I can then use a 3.5mm and use that as output.

          The switcher im currently looking at is this:
          http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/162014972277?_trksid=p2060353.m14…

          Sounds to me like switcher is out and receiver is back in to convert the digital signals to stereo.

        • scupper on 16/08/2016 - 01:45

          @rakkihizoku: Yep, if you want to use a switcher, you'll need to add a Dolby/DTS decoder into the mix, which just adds to the cost (and maybe sound delay). I don't think your current speakers will be compatible with most receivers either, hence it will be cheaper to get a sound bar instead than a receiver and new speakers.

          But a default plain stereo channel probably exists in most digital sources, so the switcher solution might still be viable. And you'll still need one if the receiver/sound bar doesn't have enough HDMI inputs.

        • ESEMCE on 16/08/2016 - 07:55

          @scupper:
          Looks like a decoder is included in the HDMI switch linked above (Outputs to 2.1 or 5.1)

        • Blackrose on 16/08/2016 - 09:18

          If you set the devices to output PCM audio any decoding issues will be avoided.
          The PS4 can be set to output PCM.
          Can the chromecast be set to output PCM?

  • Blackrose on 16/08/2016 - 10:03

    This switch would be worth looking at
    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1080P-HDMI-2-0-Port-4-1-3D-4…

    Is HDMI 2.0 - support 4k@ 60 hz
    And HDCP 2.2 compliant

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