5.1 digital surround sound speakers... recommendations?

[Firelord]

Hi

Having brought my old Sony Stereo home that I used at uni for my computer speakers (sounded fantastic BUT I never used the CD, Radio, MD or tape so waste of space!) I am after some 5.1 Digital surround speakers.

The basic things I need and are a must are: -

• Must be digitally connected via SPDIF from my Digifire 7.1
• 5.1 at least
• Have either a wired or wireless remote
• Under £100

Now I have only really got one contendor is the Creative Inspire 5500 speakers as they are Dolby/DTS enabled, 5.1, Digital connectivity and under a 100 squid...

I have looked at the GD580 but can't see much difference other than price....

Ideally I would like some z-680s but unfortunately out of my budget!

Thanks

[Marcos]

I hear the new logitech 5.1 THX certified speakers are simply awesome. And at just over £200 sounds like a bargain to me.

[0iD]

Originally Posted by Marcos

I hear the new logitech 5.1 THX certified speakers are simply awesome. And at just over £200 sounds like a bargain to me.

I have a set & they are indeed outstanding quality!

Well... I like 'em anyway.

[Thorsson]

I don't think that over £200 fits in with Firelord's budget of under £100...

But then I don't think he'll get what he's asking for at that price.

[Marcos]

Under £100 for 5.1?? Be realistic mate

Maybe just buy some 5.1 headphones like the Medusa from www.play.com

[Firelord]

Well the Inspire 5500 are £70 at Scan and have Dolby etc...

Which ones you on about Marcos?

[klarrix]

Originally Posted by Marcos

Under £100 for 5.1?? Be realistic mate

Maybe just buy some 5.1 headphones like the Medusa from www.play.com

/agreed

Cannot go wrong with the quality of those things

[Thorsson]

"Dont buy these speakers, they only work in DVD players, consoles, etc. If you try to digitally plug them into your PC there are only the front two channels, the problem is still UNSOLVED! Go to the Creative Forums to be sure that this is true! I am disappointed with Creative"

Guess just which speakers this user was talking about?

[Firelord]

man so what is recommended within a reasonable budget

[skuzgib]

I also recommend the Medusa's - got some off the folks for Crimbo and they are fantastico.

[Firelord]

Is the Z-5500? Has anyone used the GD580s?

[Rythmic]

Originally Posted by Thorsson

"Dont buy these speakers, they only work in DVD players, consoles, etc. If you try to digitally plug them into your PC there are only the front two channels, the problem is still UNSOLVED! Go to the Creative Forums to be sure that this is true! I am disappointed with Creative"

Guess just which speakers this user was talking about?

Yup - the 5500s have no analogue 5.1 input - only digital inputs that can take a 2.0 SPDIF or 5.1 DD signal. Fine if you've got Dolby Digital Live! (Soundstorm and intels new HDA) or a console/DVD - but if you've only got analogue outs on your soundcard, then they're not much good.

TBH - if you've got analogue out, why pay for a decoder anyway? - get some nicer sounding speakers instead - they'll do more for you sound quality (at this price point) than a digital connection will.

[Firelord]

So what are your recommendations for speakers around the £100 price mark for a decent 5.1 setup

[mnet674]

I didn't think you could ever get surround from games with an spdif connection, I have z680s running, and I only get surround when there is actually a surround signal being sent down the cable, eg dts movie. Stuff like Half life 2 is only surround through direct connection and stereo through toslink...

[Agent]

You can get 5.1 speakers for under £100, but you certainly wont get digital ones for that.

[Thorsson]

I got the X-530s, because I have plenty other sound systems and a small study. Sound quality is topnotch, but they won't have the neighbours complaining, and they don't have a remote (but then I never used my last remote so I don't miss one). And they were some way short of £100 from EBuyer.