Amplifier for BA Soundware XS 2.1

[anachronix]

I have bought a Boston Acoustics Soundware XS 2.1 as it was available for a good price from HiFiMart and wanted to setup this unit for use with my PC. It was really stupid of me for not doing my homework well on reading through about this unit, now I understand that it requires a AV receiver or an Amplifier as the speakers are passive and need to be powered.

I looked at the options and I think the Cambridge Audio Topaz AM10 is in my budget and also has the options to connect TV or multiple sources. My TV has Wi-Fi capability and I can use it to play Music/Movies with the Topaz AM10 has the Amplifier.

Now I have a simple question, I didnt get it right the first time. But am I doing the right thing by getting the Topaz AM10 to power the XS Speakers?

I am also worried about setting up the connections, is there someone in Chennai with whom I could speak to and help me with the cabling requirements and help me with any clarification that I could have while connecting?

Thanks in advance for your help guys!

 

[elangoas]

Don't worry buddy.. Relax...Everybody makes mistakes....

Here are few options that you might want to consider....

1) As you said you can choose the Cambridge Topaz amplifier & connect few sources to it thru Analog inputs... This way, you will have to run multiple set of wires from amplifier to speakers & this might look messy... One set of wires will go from the amplifier speaker terminals to the subwoofer input & another set of speaker wires from your subwoofer to your speaker.....I mean it will be cluttered...

2) You can consider an Pioneer AVR 323 instead of Topaz amplifier...In this scenario, there will not be any clutter of wires... YOu can connect speakers to AVR directly & sub-woofer to LFE output of AVR....You also get the benefit of connecting multiple sources to the AVR thru HDMI, Also if you TV supports HDMI ARC function, even the better,, Juz one HDMI cable between TV & amplifier.... You also get bass management in the AVR...

3) if you are not fine with the above suggestions, sell your speakers & consider a powered speaker like Audio Engine.....

Let us know what works for you...

 

[Vinay2013]

I believe it has a powered sub woofer and speaker connects to the subwoofers (L&R) as well so ideally this should not require external amplification. See below link for review and connection pics:

View our gallery of photos for the Boston Acoustics SoundWare XS Digital Cinema

 

[jaivelu]

Hi anachronix,

the subwoofer has a "aux 1 in" & "aux 2 in" as well as "digital Optical in" connections for input. You can use the "AUX 2 IN" which is 3.5mm audio input. I think using this "AUX 2 IN" you can connect the PC with the speakers.

1) Get any 3.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable.
2) Plug one end into the PC's audio output
3) Plug another into the subwoofer's "AUX 2 IN"

That's it. Just check it out.

 

[anachronix]

Is there a way I could still use the XS2.1 and Topaz Amplifier if they are connected to my desktop. Is it ok for the stock soundcard to be connected directly to the Topaz amp?

The wires are not really a concern as there is box that I have to conceal all the wires and avoid the messed up look.

1) As you said you can choose the Cambridge Topaz amplifier & connect few sources to it thru Analog inputs... This way, you will have to run multiple set of wires from amplifier to speakers & this might look messy... One set of wires will go from the amplifier speaker terminals to the subwoofer input & another set of speaker wires from your subwoofer to your speaker.....I mean it will be cluttered...

I wanted to buy the Denon X1000 for a home theater setup, I bought these XS2.1 as they came at a good price. If I am not able to connect these speakers to the Desktop through an Amp then I will have to get an AVR and start building my HT setup and may be consider selling the XS2.1

2) You can consider an Pioneer AVR 323 instead of Topaz amplifier...In this scenario, there will not be any clutter of wires... YOu can connect speakers to AVR directly & sub-woofer to LFE output of AVR....You also get the benefit of connecting multiple sources to the AVR thru HDMI, Also if you TV supports HDMI ARC function, even the better,, Juz one HDMI cable between TV & amplifier.... You also get bass management in the AVR...

These are the BA Soundware XS2.1, the Digital Cinema edition is different.

Boston Acoustics US)

This is the one I bought!

I believe it has a powered sub woofer and speaker connects to the subwoofers (L&R) as well so ideally this should not require external amplification. See below link for review and connection pics:

View our gallery of photos for the Boston Acoustics SoundWare XS Digital Cinema

Hi anachronix,

the subwoofer has a "aux 1 in" & "aux 2 in" as well as "digital Optical in" connections for input. You can use the "AUX 2 IN" which is 3.5mm audio input. I think using this "AUX 2 IN" you can connect the PC with the speakers.

1) Get any 3.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable.
2) Plug one end into the PC's audio output
3) Plug another into the subwoofer's "AUX 2 IN"

That's it. Just check it out.

 

[elangoas]

Is there a way I could still use the XS2.1 and Topaz Amplifier if they are connected to my desktop. Is it ok for the stock soundcard to be connected directly to the Topaz amp?

The wires are not really a concern as there is box that I have to conceal all the wires and avoid the messed up look.

I wanted to buy the Denon X1000 for a home theater setup, I bought these XS2.1 as they came at a good price. If I am not able to connect these speakers to the Desktop through an Amp then I will have to get an AVR and start building my HT setup and may be consider selling the XS2.1

You can use the analogue outs of your soundcard to connect to the Topaz amplifier... If you can conceal the wires then not a problem....

First you need to choose if you want two different setup's (or) one setup that can be jack of all....

If you are planning to buy HT speakers later, you can buy an other BA 5.1 speaker set from the same family & get an entry level 7.2 AVR.... 2.1 + 5.1 =7.2 speakers... Juz a weird thought...hyeah:

 

[Vinay2013]

What i see in the manual that subwoofer has speaker level out which should be connected to satellites. Not sure what your model is but I thought you can connect them as per the following:

Source >> sub in>> sub out>> satellite

 

[firewindwells]

i agree with you,You can use the analogue outs of your soundcard to connect to the Topaz amplifier.thanks

 

[anachronix]

I bought the Norge 2060 Amplifiers rated at 65W/8 Ohms and I have connected the XS2.1. A MX stereo to RCA cable is used to connect from the PC soundcard to the Amp.

The XS2.1 is really nice, its loud and clear. Thanks all for your suggestions!

And I am taking my first step into home audio, cant wait to build my dream 5.1 HT setup hyeah:

You can use the analogue outs of your soundcard to connect to the Topaz amplifier... If you can conceal the wires then not a problem....

First you need to choose if you want two different setup's (or) one setup that can be jack of all....

If you are planning to buy HT speakers later, you can buy an other BA 5.1 speaker set from the same family & get an entry level 7.2 AVR.... 2.1 + 5.1 =7.2 speakers... Juz a weird thought...hyeah:

What i see in the manual that subwoofer has speaker level out which should be connected to satellites. Not sure what your model is but I thought you can connect them as per the following:

Source >> sub in>> sub out>> satellite

i agree with you,You can use the analogue outs of your soundcard to connect to the Topaz amplifier.thanks