Cheap 5.1 Speaker System?

So I want to get new speakers for pretty cheap (<= $80) and I'd like it to be 5.1.
So far I've seen two main systems: Logitech X-540 and Creative T6100.
From what I have read, the creative ones probably have a bit better sound quality, however both have some reviews saying the quality is sub-par.
Anyone with experience here? Is the price worth the quality I'm going to get? Are there better alternatives? Is there a 2.1 system similarly priced that blows these out of the water quality wise?

 

Unless your notebook can really support the 5.1 set up easily, I would drop the idea getting a 5.1 speaker system and stay with a nice 2.1 one. And for $80 you probably can get one with extra controls that will make it worth while.

cheers ...

 

Ok, thanks for the suggestion.

 

If you don't mind going slightly over budget, you can get the Logitech Z-2300 2.1 system for around $100. It's way worth spending that little extra over a cheap 5.1 system.

 

get a pair of logitch z-2300 or the z-cinemas.... you can usually find one of em at $80 around the net... either will smash any 5.1 setup... save for the z-5500s.

or u can opt for the z-4s...which are cheaper and not as powerful.. but will once again smash 5.1 setups.

like shroom said tho... go for the z-2300.. they are well well well worth it. splurge a bit more or save a bit more... it's highly highly recommended.

 

Ok, well if you guys believe it that strongly I think that's what I'll do. Thanks

 

The Z-2300's will not let you down. Out of curiosity, what are you going to be using them for? Games, movies, music?

This particular set is THX-certified, and it sounds absolutely amazing in movies and games. It's not really made specifically for music, but it still sounds great on them.

 

Swan M10 > Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 > Z-2300

All around $100. ProMedia best all around while Swan is best for music. Go for the ProMedia.

 

I'll be using them for everything on my laptop; games, music, movies, etc.

You say these are around $100 but everyplace I've seen them they're closer to or above $150, do you know of a place to get them cheaper?

 

man..... z-2300 will smash those two to pieces. they have 200 freakin watts of power man, pure power.

if you're going to be listening to guitar chords and classical music or whatever, then the swan/klipsch would win out. other wise the z-2300 will blast them both.

 

The Logitech X540 is about 70 dollars. A friend of mine has it, and I played some games/watched videos/listened musing with those.

I believe they are indeed very good for their price, check them out

(I won't get into a technical/speck conversation, because what I've heard from those X540 made my ears happy, and I'm sure it's won't make your wallet very sad either )

 

Swan M10 is $110 at Audioinsider. Klipsch ProMedia is harder to find now but it is under $100 on Ebay. Z-2300 is more expensive than the two and the worst of the bunch unless you are a total basshead and like the bass VERY loud.

I have listened to both the ProMedia and Z-5500 which is comparable to the Z-2300 when doing 2.1 and the ProMedia does not lose anything on bass. The Logitechs sound boomy and just not as refined. The satellites on the ProMedia is significantly better as well. Speakers are not just about power. There is much more to it than that.