Micro hifi with optical digital input

Posted by: Dungassin on 29 May 2010

Just bought a Samsung P2270HD TV for one of the spare bedrooms. Excellent picture, but crap sound - even by TV speaker standards.

I was just going to buy a cheap ipod dock with speakers, or possibly thinking of stretching as far as one of the Denon microhifi systems to go with it, probably with my daughter's Royd Conistons if she hasn't already put them up on ebay. Connected to the TV's headphone socket.

However, I've been thinking. The TV has an optical digital output and perhaps a better bet would be something similar but with an optical digital input. A fullblown AV receiver would be a bit of overkill - 2 channel sound would be perfectly adequate. I'm having difficulty tracking down such a device, preferably cheap, considering how rarely it would be used. A Supernait would be total overkill! Any suggestions - preferably no more than £300-400?
Posted on: 29 May 2010 by Dungassin
Actually, on second thoughts, something like a tiny little microsystem e.g. the Sony CMT-EH45 is probably adequate for the amount of use involved, and even has a DAB radio for some decree of future proofing. Alas, it doesn't seem to have any inputs, so wouldn't do.

Still, any suggestions gratefully received.
Posted on: 29 May 2010 by Dungassin
I was going to edit my last post, but for some reason it doesn't seem to want to let me this time.
It seems that the Sony unit does, in fact, have an analogue input on the front panel.
The other option I am seriously considering is a "refurbished" Denon 37 from Superfi. (currently <£150)
Posted on: 29 May 2010 by Blueknowz
Dr,Bought this for SWMBO, for her office has a Line in on the front.
Posted on: 29 May 2010 by Dungassin
quote:
Dr,Bought this for SWMBO, for her office has a Line in on the front.

Pretty picture. Which model Sony is it and does it have DAB tuner?
Posted on: 29 May 2010 by Blueknowz
SonyCMTLX401
Posted on: 30 May 2010 by Dungassin
Thanks. Before I dash out and buy something I'll have a play with the sound settings on the TV to see if I can get something vaguely acceptable - after all, we're not talking hifi quality here.
Posted on: 02 June 2010 by Eloise
How about a cheap DAC with a pair of powered speakers, or a cheep amp for the Royds.

Something like this
Posted on: 03 June 2010 by Dungassin
quote:
How about a cheap DAC with a pair of powered speakers, or a cheep amp for the Royds


SWMBO has vetoed (for the moment) any such purchase, as she (quite rightly) says that it only gets used occasionally. Can't complain because she's letting me get the nDAC if I like it!

Having been out to the local Comet/Currys to hear the little Sony units, I've decided that if I do get anything for that room, it is likely to be something like one of the Denon micro hifi units (DM37DAB or DM38DAB)

Thanks for all the suggestions.
Posted on: 05 June 2010 by mudwolf
I agree on the crap sound but I love my Samsung, I always listen to it thru my sound system.