Greetings all, first post here, hope you can help.
I've just bought a new PC with surround sound 5.1 / 7.1 and co-ax/optical SPDIF output.

I've also got a defunct Sony home cinema system with the speakers still functional.

My question is whether I am better off buying a 5.1 / 7.1 set of speakers for my new PC or getting a surround sound amp and reusing my old speakers.

If I went for the amp, what inputs/cables do i need to look for and are there any potential pitfalls.

I've also got an even older (about 7-8 years) 5.1 home cinema system in the loft somewhere which worked last time I looked, but not sure what inputs it has.

Budget would be quite modest (under £50) so need the best solution for least outlay!

Any advice gratefully received.

I think adding another external amp into the equation will just confuse matters. Personally I would keep things separate. Use an amp for TV and just add speakers to your existing 5.1 / 7.1 sound card for the PC.

You might have to go a little further than £50 though to finish it off. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

• 5.1 packages on eBay
• 7.1 packages on eBay
• 5.1 / 7.1 speaker packages at Scan
• Creative Labs, Logitech and Trust at Advance Tec