Yeh, my old faithful philips stereo released smoke and other noxious gasses this morning when I turned her on. I guess the DSP just gave up? Its done it before, not long ago, but that time it was my fault. Now it thinks its playing, but it doesnt make any sound.

So, now I need a reciever/amp, as the speakers are perfectly fine and quite good...

Any recommendations? I dont really know if I need 5.1 since I only have 4 speakers and a passive sub that I really dont care about too much, but hey, if 5.1 isnt much more expensive than 2ch, why not.

I want a good brand, but not too expensive, preferably around $300, but by the looks entry level amps in recognised brands are ~ $500... is this correct? or am I looking at the wrong thing?

I'm currently running my computer's sound through my guitar amp through a dodgy little guitar cable -> headphone cable mono converter... WIN!

Not sure if this is quite what your after dude, but have you looked at Creatives DDTS-100? $259 @ Umart

Creative Decoder DDTS-100 adds superbly dramatic audio quality to your home entertainment. Designed with DTS®-ES and Dolby® Digital EX processing, Decoder DDTS-100 is capable of decoding up to 6.1-channel audio to deliver a superior digital surround sound movie experience. Decoder DDTS-100 supports connectivity up to a 7.1 speaker configuration*— simply hook up to any 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 speaker system to enjoy spectacular playback in your DVD movies, music and gaming.

This contemporary looking decoder also features Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS Neo:6 processing to up-mix any 2-channel source for a simulated 5.1 or 6.1 surround soundfield. With multiple audio inputs, you can also enjoy an expansive connectivity to a host of digital and analogue entertainment devices like DVD and CD players. To top it all off, Creative Decoder DDTS-100 comes with individual output channel level adjust so you can fine tune the output channel levels relative to your listening position as you like it.

* Enjoy 7.1 audio entertainment when using CMSS upmix switch on Creative GigaWorks™ S750 or Creative Inspire® T7700 speakers

I bought an XMS amp from Strathfield for $129 and it works awesomely. Has front, rear, middle and sub inputs. My loungeroom shakes when I have the volume at half.

Were you running it in your car off an inverter because you think it sounds better than a real car stereo? :P

no that was digital SD :)