Quote Originally Posted by blackraven
As far as connecting your computer to the receiver goes, you will need to check what audio output you have on your laptop. Your probably have a mini rca out put, if so, you will need one of these cables- BJC MSA-1 to connect to the analog inputs of the receiver. http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/audio/index.htm

It would be better if you have a coax digital or optical digital out to connect to the digital input or your Mutichannel receiver so that it can do the processing of the signal instead of the sound card.

If you use the analog outs then all you need is a 2.1 receiver like this one which is a great buy at this price.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._Receiver.html

But if your on that tight of a budget, get that Sony I mentioned earlier.
yeah my grandfather just kept telling me how great the aristocrat speaker was. i've got it at home so i'll certainly test it out once i can. for now though it can't come to college with me, that thing is huge! i'll use it in my room at home until next year when i have a house at college.

also, additionally i just talked to my dad and he said besides the pioneer receiver my grandpa has, he has another pioneer receiver not being used. so with having two (most likely) good quality receivers to choose from, i'm definitely going with the receiver/bookshelf speaker combo for now. i'm just going to do a bit more research and make sure i'm picking the right speakers, although i'm pretty set on those Energy 200's.