Hello All and thank you for reading this.
Let me preface this by saying that I do not have a TV.
I have a desktop computer feeding a large 27" DELL monitor with DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort inputs and a stereo jack output.
My desktop computer has a
Asus Z87i deluxe which has several audio output options including optical (but right now I use display port with tiny stereo speakers hooked into my monitor).
Also, I have a chromecast plugged into my monitor HDMI which I use to play music from my phone intothe small stereo speakers.
Up to a few months ago, I have always had analog 5.1 logitech speakers hooked into my computer.
However, given the complexity of what I am trying to accomplish and the shape of my new living room, this is not an option.
I am trying to find a setup which lets me play music or movies from my computer or through the chromecast onto the living room audio. Ideally that setup allows for real 5.1 or at least emulated 5.1. I also would like to expend into multi-room audio.
Of course I thought of sonos. However, the lack of Dolby DTS support and the hefty price tag for mutlti room setup made it a no-go.
But I assume a soundbar might be the best for the living room.
As for the multi room setup, well fortunately, google came out with the chromecast audio which should allow me to do that soon, provided i find a descent affordable powered speaker (no need for bluetooth since I'll be plugging into the speaker via jack, optical or RCA (list of chromecast outputs).
So to sum up, I have my motherboard audio output (optical or analog jack) and an HDMI video chromecast which I need to feed into the living room sound setup. I also have to extract the hdmi video signal to feed it to the monitor. Oh and unfortunately audio designated real estate is limited so I Cant go for huge floor speakers..... I have read that some audio equipment nowadays are smart enough to adapt to sound source type (movie/music, music type...) and adapt their frequency response accordingly. I have now idea how well this works but if well implemented I imagine this could work well for me since I'll be playing movies, videos, and plenty of different types of music.
I also need to find powered speakers (hopefully stereo within a small package) that have good pristine sound for the other rooms (including bathroom).
I realize what I am looking for is basically asking for a lot. It might not even be possible within my budget (not thousands but hundreds of $). However, since I have no idea how to go about creating this setup, I figured I would ask people who know what they are talking about!
Thank you for your time!!