5.1 vs 2.1 Speakers?

This is probably an old question. I listened to a 5.1 home theater setup at bestbuy and it wasn't that impressive, you could tell sometimes where the sound was coming from but I don't think it adds very much in realism. What are your opinions on 5.1 vs 2.1?

 

Was it in a closed room or out in the open?

For computer gaming I personally think 5.1 is overkill. I use a 2.1 setup which suits me just fine. If I want total sound immersion then I'll wear headphones/headset.

But for a home theater nothing beats a 5.1 system. Haven't bothered with 7.1 because it's just too much hardware for my liking.

 

perhaps they were spaced too far apart

the only difference between 5.1 and 2.1 is that 5.1 has more speakers.. so it should be more "realistic" than 2.1, 5.1 is best when watching movies or playing games

 

Depends if you where in the "sweet-spot"

 

I'd rather a 2.1 system. But I mainly listen to music and for the same price as a 5.1 system I can get a higher quality 2.1 system.

 

I care more about music than surround sound gaming or movies. Music was made for stereo, and usually just sounds awkward in surround.

Just get a really good 2.1 set. It's less hassle than figuring out where to put 5 speakers plus a subwoofer, and much less expensive. And with a good 2.1 setup, you won't miss the surround at all, because the sound you get will fill up the room anyway. At least, that's how it is with my Logitech's.

 

Well isn't it possible to setup a home theater system for computer, with decent speakers and screen?


I listened to the system in the open. I think the speakers were too close together: the rear speakers were to the sides of me, not behind.

 

An excellent 2.1 > a crap 5.1
Sound quality is a key thing. Surround is great, but if it's crap sound... not that worth it.

 

how's lighitech z2300 vs x540? in terms of sound quality across the whole range (lows/mids/highs)?

 

i would like to know the quality/performance difference between a z2300 and a g51 5.1 as well if anyone can elaborate

 

The G51 and X-540 are both 5.1. The G51 is slightly more powerful, but in terms of sheer power, the Z-2300 dominates both of them.

 

The z-2300 is a seriously nice 2.1 system. It's what I use with my gaming desktop. I managed to get it 50% off a little over a year ago which makes it even sweeter.

 

i have a cheap antec lansing 5:1 system,onboard sound is it sounds nice! even my friends with the expensive even my friends with g51 and Logitech Z-5500say so. depends how u set it up eq and such etc etc!