2.1 (+2) or 5.1 help please

[Newt]

Hi

To start I’m not audiophile and know little about speakers, and I’m on a bit of a budget.
Getting a good set of speakers for my rig isn't my highest priority but I do fancy something with a bit of a punch.

This is my dilemma, I have seen both the Corsair sp2200 and Logitech x-530 for £40 and cannot decide between the two. The corsair seems like it would have a better build quality overall so I was swaying towards that but then the prospect of surround sound pulled me towards the Logitech’s.

I was wondering if it is possible to connect my old 2.0 speakers in connection with the corsair as in my mind that 4.1 set-up would be pretty good, no dialogue speaker but some pretty good all round sound.

As I said and from what you can probably tell I’m no expert so please chip in with your opinions and knowledge.

Oh and it's also primarily a gaming rig.

[Chanfron]

I am still using a set of old creative 4.1 speakers and the surround does make a difference but I find the front speakers do overpower the rear ones a lot of the time.
I have been looking at getting a 5.1 set and like the Logitech X540 set but I think it is no longer made but is still available.
A remote volume control is a must for me so that rules out the X530.

As for using using the corsair set then plugging your existing speakers as well I cant see why not, the corsair set only has one 3.5mm jack so that would go into the front socket, you could then plug your existing speakers into the rear socket and set the soundcard to use 4.0/4.1 speakers.

It should work but I have never tried it so can't be 100% sure.

[SUMMONER]

I have owned my X-530 set for a little over a year now and am very happy with it. I paid £36 used, so Currys £39.99 delivered is an awesome price for a brand new set.

I use a Cyberlink media centre remote control as well as an old Rii mini keyboard/touchpad with my media centre PC and to control playback/volume.

I listen to Jazz, Pop and some heavy beats on mine and while they are not as good as my dad's £800 Yamaha sound system, the price does reflect that.

Go for it!

[Newt]

Thanks for the responses
I think i'll go for the X-530's I saw a reveiw and it said the sp2200 performed similarly to them, and this way i'll have a few more satalites.
It also seems that the next step up in sound quality for a 5.1 setup require an extra £200 or so which i'd much rather spend on another gtx 580

Summoner, you mention you've had them for a year and at that point they were used, how are they holding up?
A few people seem to mention they don't have much of a lifespan just wondering what your thoughts are?

[SUMMONER]

No complaints, they just work.