I want to upgrade from 2 channel to 5.1 channel, but... (Read details)?

Many companies used to make 3 channel add-ons for your stereo system that worked on a tape 2 loop. I haven't heard of these in a long time though. This kind of processor and three speakers would likely exceed the cost of your mini-system anyway. Your only real option is to replace this system and move the Sony into some other room such as a bedroom (you would not get much for it if you try to sell it). Since it sounds as though you are working with a very limited budget your best option would be to start comparing the sound of different home theater in a box surround sound systems.

Since you need to convince your mum regarding this upgrade I'll share with you my secret. I have gradually upgraded my audio/video system over the years and have learned how to do so without getting in arguments with my wife. Here is my method:

1) Don't shock her with an upgrade. Start selling her on it. Find occasions to tell her about all of the benefits of such an upgrade without mentioning any idea of a purchase.

2) When watching a movie mention from time to time how much more enjoyable the experience would be with the upgrade.

3) Mention the social benefits of having a system that would be worthy of entertaining guests.

4) Keep this up until she gets sick of it.

5) Keep looking out for a really good bargain on your upgrade (internet sites are good for this). When you find one you like, tell her about it with great excitement as though you have found the deal of a lifetime. Be sure to do this when she is in a very good mood.

6) Ask her what she thinks. She will probably say something positive. Then follow up with "I think we should get it then."

Good luck. I'm pulling for you.

If your Philips DIVX player truly has the 5.1 analog output, then you can add 2 inexpensive stereo receivers (Sherwood RX-4105 @ $80)...But 3 inexpensive bookshelf speakers (Pioneer S-HF41-LR @ $40)...Buy an inexpensive powered sub woofer (MTX SW2 @ $150).

Now here's the tricky part...Hook your old Sony to the 2 FRONT outputs on the DIVX player...Hook one Sherwood and pair of Pioneers to the 2 REAR outputs...And then the 2nd Sherwood to the SUB WOOFER and CENTER outputs...Connect the last Pioneer speaker and MTX sub woofer to this Sherwood.

One strange thing is that you'll run speaker wire from the

Sherwood receiver to your powered sub woofer...This won't draw any power, it just sends a signal...The last crazy thing with this is that you'll have 2 remote controls for volume...One for your Sony and then one for both Sherwoods...You'll have to play with that for a minute.

But none of these options will give your music with "Dolby ProLogic II"...You'd still need to purchase either a whole new receiver or replace your DIVX player with a model that has a built-in "Dolby ProLogic II" decoder...Panasonic makes a few models for several hundred bucks.

Matching a new amplifier with existing one is a little bit hard work. Better consult a well known audio engineer to solve your problem. Let him be a well knowledgeable person and a personal friend of you, or of any one of your friends. Assure yourself that he just not - wants to sell some amplifier to you.

If you are in Chennai, I can guide you, but I don't know where you are? If you want any personal assistance, contact me at

"yesemve@yahoo.co.in"

no there is no such thing as 3.1. and stay awy from sony. the only thing noawadays they make is tvs

T.J you have been suggested on the grounds which you're impolite & uncouth & presumptuous. IDK why that is on the air or how . probable from the male enhancement drug informercials finding out to purchase it.