5.1 Speakers?

[ajbrun]

I've recently made a thread about microphones, where people said I should get a surround sound headphone/mic combo. But I don't like things on my head, so headphones is a "NO". (I've ordered a stand-alone mic.)

Since I've started playing CS:S so much, and have noticed sound to be really important, I think that some 5.1 speakers might do me good. When I was looking for parts to buy for my computer I had no idea what kind of graphics card or speakers to buy, because before then my experience of PC games was VERY limited. I have since upgraded my graphics card, and I might do the same with my 2.1 speakers.

I'm, looking for some decent 5.1's at a fairly low price, but as of yet have no price range, as I always set prices too low. Whether of not I decide to go ahead and buy depends on the prices - I also might wait until my birthday in April.

It might also be worth noting that I probably won't be able to have the back speakers actually behind me. Instead they'll be in a semi-circle around my PC "space". My Dad has a Hi-Fi, which he says can use surround sound speakers that are put at the front. Are these type of speakers avaliable to buy for a PC?

[eUphoria]

Well, i know they're not budget speakers, but i had a set of logitech Z680's and i thought they were very good - highly recommended.

[Thorsson]

How much power do you want? If it's not the "annoy the guys 3 streets away" loud then I can recommend the Logitech X-530s. Very good quality at a very good price.

[ajbrun]

How much power do you want? If it's not the "annoy the guys 3 streets away" loud then I can recommend the Logitech X-530s. Very good quality at a very good price.

I NEVER have it absolutly room shaking. I guess I have it "loud enough". It's hard to describe, so I guess I'll just say that I don't have it extremelly loud .

[ajbrun]

http://www.hardavenue.com/reviews/logitechX5301.shtml

The logitech X-530 seems pretty good. Question though. It says they're wall mountable, but are they still OK to be sitting on a desk?
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Has anyone else heard about this "surround sound speakers at the front" thing that my Dad can use on his Hi-Fi system? I'd probably rather get them as I can't have speakers at the back of me, so won't be able to get true surround sound otherwise.

[Thorsson]

Yeah they are fine. Mine are currently. They are slightly angled up which works for me.

[ajbrun]

I know this thread is quite old, but it will be soon that I will be buying the speakers. I'm assuming the logitech X-530's are still the ones for me. Currently, the speakers that I have right now make a loudish buzzing noise whenever they're on. This can be very annoying when the computer's off because you'd hear this continuous buzz.

So, my question is, do the X-530's make much of a noise? I know that all speakers make SOME sort of a buzz, but my brothers £2.50 ones seem to make no sound at all.

Thanks .

[Thorsson]

I just put one to my ear to be sure - no noise at all. So if you get noise on yours RMA them!

[starbuck]

I'd also consider some creative speakers as they have always been very good, especially if you hook them up to a decent soundcard.

[ajbrun]

I don't have a sound card. If you could recommend me some speakers, I'll have a look at them because I'm afraid I'm not very good on the speaker front TBH. So far though, the ones I've been recommended are in my price range, and from what Thorsson says, they seem very good.

[RoGuE|SaBeR]

If your going to spend a shed load on speakers - get a decent sound card first.

On board audio is getting better all the time I'll admit but it still won't beat a good stand alone sound card.

More features, better quality, possibly get a firewire port. Possiby less CPU strain? Not sure about that last one.

[ajbrun]

That depends what you call "a shed load". Someone recommended some Z680's, but they're way above my price range. I really don't know how much difference a sound card would make, and it would also add to the price. Therefore, I don't see myself getting one as yet. Right now, I think the speakers are top priority as my are a bit naff.

What other feature do you get with a sound card, and why would I need a firewire port?

[RoGuE|SaBeR]

Sorry my wording was probably a bit silly

My Audigy 2 has a firewire port on the backplate, some cards will give you that extra option. Another tidy feature is that coupled with certifed speakers this card makes the sound system Dolby Digital Compliant which makes for very nice surround sound in DVDs!

[ajbrun]

I think I'll just get the speakers on their own (the X-530's), and get a sound card later on if I find it necessary.

[Thorsson]

Soundcards are debatable and also a question of what you want to do with them. From your setup I'd say you fell into the "value gamer" bracket. As such a soundcard would be overkill. What you will get from an Audigy 2, for example, is a bit better positional sound and a slightly lower CPU hit. There's probably better things you could be putting that money towards.

[nvening]

Has anyone else heard about this "surround sound speakers at the front" thing that my Dad can use on his Hi-Fi system? I'd probably rather get them as I can't have speakers at the back of me, so won't be able to get true surround sound otherwise.

You can get surround sound just from the front for TVs. The creators of mp3 invented it. I think its only for TVs and it costs £1200, i doubt very much your dad has it on his hi-fi.