New to 5.1 speakers

So I'm interested with this Logitech Z506. I know it's cheap for a surround speaker (I'm no audio expert, but I know $100 for a surround speaker is not expensive, I've seen other speakers with jaw-dropping price tag). And it is made by Logitech, I mean what could possibly go wrong..?

I just wanted to know how 5.1 speaker system works on my computer. As they implied Z506 as a "PC home speaker", then I assume it would work in any kind of computer that has a jack. But then I realize, most thing I heard from my computer is 2.1 audio, mostly my mp3s. So when a 2.1 speaker plays my music side by side, what does 5.1 speaker does? I mean I only need 2 out of 5 speakers, and the other 3 could just mirror the first 2 speakers in the way I could not understand..

If you think my theory was wrong, then maybe you can provide me the right one also, for a music lover, do you still recommend 5.1 speakers? Considering that most kinds of music nowayads are 2.0 and 2.1

 

For music alone then 2.1 is much better. For hooking up the 5.1 system then you will need a sound card that has the 3 different connectors on it. One for left and right front, one for left and right rear, and one for center and subwoofer.

 

Yep, that's exactly right. You get what you start off with. That means if you have a record with 2 channel stereo that's all you'll ever get. It doesn't matter how many speaker you have 2 or 200. Half will play left channel and the other half will play right. And yes, it will sound horrible. The exception may be in the .1 bass channel but that is dependent on whether there is electronic switching that will send your low frequencies to that speaker. Otherwise, stereo will come through there too.

No, this is not something a music purest would want. Though there are some 5.1 music recording available, for the most part music is 99.5% stereo and that's the way it should be played. Save your 5.1 for movies. That's what it's made for.

One more thing, MP3 is horrible, but unless your system is high-end, you won't notice it. One more thing, there are some receivers available that can "process" your two channel stereo into surround to sound like an opera house or stadium.

These algorithms provide an interesting effect, but for the most part are only a gimmick for entertaining your friends. Enjoy music in stereo and eschew anything else.

 

Exactly the answer I was looki for, and you're right I don't need surround speakers to impress my friend ws whereas it won't even impress myself. I'll stick to stereo speaker, thanks mate! :thumbsup: