5.1 Speakers - suggestions?

[AD-15]

Hello,

My (expensive) Creative G500 speaker set has recently started to play up on me (keeps powering off). It's basically all down to a defective part Creative used in the manufacture of these systems, and now as they decided to discontinue them (too many RMAs) and the warranty is long finished, I'm in search of a new speaker set.

I've had a quick look at Logitech and Creative offerings, but they all seem to be far below the standards of the G500 set I have, with the exception of the Logitech digital Z-5500. However, that's out of my budget unfortunately.

Does anyone have any suggestions for 5.1 speaker sets that would be at least as good as the one that I am about to chuck out the window?

[rob4001]

I would invest in hi-fi separates and a good pair of speakers than 5.1 or slowly build a 5.1 setup over time. It would be much better than anything creative or logitech could provide. perhaps check e-bay for second hand amps etc. I have an really good amp and speaker cost £200 blows any pc setup out the water and no need for massive sub woofer if you get decent speakers.

[KalC]

Whats your budget mate?

[dirky]

budget is key, you can easily spend 600 on a "budget" 5.1 hifi speaker setup (kef 2005.3)

[AD-15]

Thanks for the advice guys.

I'm looking to spend about £200 or less on 5.1 speakers.

I'll take a look at hi-fi options now.

[Andeh13]

I would invest in hi-fi separates and a good pair of speakers than 5.1 or slowly build a 5.1 setup over time. It would be much better than anything creative or logitech could provide. perhaps check e-bay for second hand amps etc. I have an really good amp and speaker cost £200 blows any pc setup out the water and no need for massive sub woofer if you get decent speakers.

This.

I did a year or so ago and despite costing me £500 in the end I have a cracking set of ''PC'' speakers now. £250 for a new Sony DG820 and then Mordaunt Short Alumi second hand. Total over kill for a PC but the bass & surround sound makes it more then worth it. Also means in the future I can use it in the lounge with my TV & proper home cinema setup etc.

Buy second hand, you want a warranty with Amp/Receiver but from what iv read speakers are generally alright outside of warranty in terms of risk of something going wrong!

http://www.avforums.com/forums/home-...ified-adverts/
Ask on Hexus for advise, we're more helpful then AV forums when it comes to first time buyers with budgets of less then that of lottery winners & astronauts!

[Andeh13]

if your quick enough;

http://www.avforums.com/forums/speak...amp-200-a.html

[AD-15]

Hello,

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Unfortunately, from what I can see, the hi-fi option is going to be a little out of my reach for the time being.

I was considering the Logitech Z-5500, but I think they are probably overkill for PC use.

However, everything else seems to be way below in terms of quality. I think the perfect speaker set for my use was the G500, if it wasn't for the shoddy components. I can't find anything at that price point though. Everything else is below £100 and "budget" oriented in terms of quality.

[rob4001]

I think you shouldn't bother with 5.1 speakers just get decent headphones. Your budget won't allow a good 5.1 setup.

Your alternative is a good hi-fi and speakers for £200 you can get a great setup better than any pc speakers. Cambridge A1 version 3 amp can be had brand new £60-80 and rest for speakers that's a great setup for games and music.

http://http://www.froogle.richersoun.../camb-a1v3-blk

I had a budget 5.1 setup for my living room watching films and it was rubbish now I 've got good amp and speakers sounds way better than a cheap 5.1 setup.

[s_kinton]

I'd be looking at Logitech Z-5500, Z-5400 or Z-5450. All of these have a good set of inputs for PC speakers, inc. optical along with built in decoders should you need them.

The Z-5500 is the top of the range but I personally think they're too big,especially the sub. The Z-5400 and Z-5450's have been discontinued but can be picked up on eBay for around £100 or less - bargain for the sound. The only difference between those two above is that the Z-5450's have wireless rear speakers.

I use the Z-5400's hooked up to my PS3, which works a treat.

[GoNz0]

love my z-5400's

see if you can bag a set

[GheeTsar]

Have you considered the Logitech G51s? EOL now, but bridge the gap between cheap PC 5.1 speakers and the Z-5500s:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Logitech-Sur...=1VK0DWFJ33I50

[s_kinton]

Have you considered the Logitech G51s? EOL now, but bridge the gap between cheap PC 5.1 speakers and the Z-5500s:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Logitech-Sur...=1VK0DWFJ33I50

Nice speakers, but for the price you'd get a heck of alot more for your money with the Z-5400 series - second hand though admittedly.

The 5400s are far more attractive aesthetically than the 5500s IMO