Can you use 5.1 speakers as 2.1 speakers?

I'm looking to buy a set of 5.1 speakers for my computer, but I was wondering if I can only use the subwoofer and 2 speakers when I don't need all the power of a 5... Anyone know?

 

Definitely not on the older systems.

My old laptop could theoretically do 5.1 through headphone, microphone and line-in - but it never worked because it made creaky noises along the way...

But - that needed 3 plugs.

Come to think of it, you get these adapters to plug topars of headphones into the same socket - using those you could possibly pair two speakers.

But I don't think you'd get the sound quality you expect.

 

Yes, just change the output to stereo or 2.1. If there's no option to do that (there should), you will need to unplug the rear and center speakers. Pretty much all modern 5.1 systems that I can think of are able to switch to stereo mode.

 

But then he has 2 speakers plus a subwoofer.

I think he wants to run 2 speakers paired and a subwoofer.

 

Running the speakers in stereo or 2.1 should give left and right directionality. I thought the OP wanted to know if a new 5.1 system could be used as a 2.1 system, which it can. Sounds like we need to wait for further clarification.

 

Yeah, just unplug the center and the rear speakers and you have a 2.1 system, I do it sometimes because the 5.1 systems have bigger sub's and I mostly enjoy a 2.1 system(music more than movies).

 

why would you buy 5.1 speakers but use only 2.1?

 

Hate to quote myself, but read my previous post. IMO 2.1 is better for music, and a bigger subwoofer is always welcomed in my system(so long as its tight and not overly boomy with a nice X-over)

 

You want a 2.1 sound setup but with a large sub? Then get the Logitech Z-2300 system. Awesome sound!

 

I've got the Z-2300, and my klipsch 5.1 sub just destroys it, in dB's and in bass quality, to bad klipsch stopped producing that model.

 

OK, here's the the clarification you've been waiting for...

I live at school, so during exam periods, I don't want too much power as a common courtesy to all the neighbors. But when we're having parties, I want lots of power from the speakers. When I don't need all the power, can I just use the sub + 2 speakers and leave the other 3 in the drawer?

 

It would be better to simply turn down the volume. There's no need to put speakers away.

 

^Or simply switch from 5.1 audio to 2.1 or even Stereo mode when you don't want that full sound. If your audio settings don't allow for that then get a better sound card.

 

How do I do that? And how do I know that my speakers can support 5.1?

 

Huh?

Your speakers can support 5.1 if they are, wait for this...physically 5 speakers plus subwoofer.

Unless you mean the soundcard or onboard chip, then it'll be listed within the Audio properties or software settings. The majority of cards/mobo chips support 5.1/7.1 nowadays.

 

^I meant to ask how would I know if my computer/sound card can support 5.1...

 

If you've only got analog connections on the sound card then it will take 3 headphone jacks, 1 for left and right, 1 for rear left and right, and 1 for center/sub.

 

All 5.1 systems are backwardly compatible with regular stereo, and therefore, include a switching device to account for that mode. Somewhere in your group of components, there should be a switch that allows for this. Even if there was no electronic method available for doing this, it would be perfectly fine to simply leave off or disconnect the other speakers. However, since the handling of the discrete channels is processed electronically, you may lose some fidelity or separation using that method.

 

i have a 4.1 system which i use as a 2.1 because one of the surround satellites died. dont really notice much difference.

 

That most likely because your system isn't calibrated. A satellite going out won't make your system unlistenable, but is should have immediately noticed the difference.