Speaker System

I'm looking for a decent sound system for my laptop. I plan to connect it through a usb sound card, since my computer does not have an internal one. However, I'm new to audio systems. Is something like a 5.1 or 7.1 good for games/movies/music? What qualities should I look for? Also how much power would one need from the system to get it plenty loud for inside use in a room? 100W? 500W?
Right now I'm looking at Logitech X-540. Any thoughts on it?

 

If your new then the simple 5.1 systems that logitech offers should suit you fine. You'll have to pick up a 5.1 sound card too. One from creative should work fine and be the most user friendly.

 

Music is made for stereo, not surround. If music is your primary concern, then a good 2.1 set will be perfect. 5.1 is great for music and movies, but even then, it's hardly necessary. And 7.1 systems tend to be too expensive, not to mention there's not a whole lot of support for it right now, either from hardware or software.

The X-540's are a decent 5.1 system, although the bass is a little lacking.

I recommend the Logitech Z-2300. It's a 2.1 setup (2 speakers + subwoofer), and the sub alone puts out 120W RMS power. For reference, the X-540 has 25 or so.

I had a chance to test both of these sets out at Best Buy last weekend next to each other, and compared to the Z-2300, you can't even hear or feel the X-540.

If you're going to get a 5.1 set, go with the Z-5500. It's basically a 5.1 version of the Z-2300, and it's an excellent set.

It all depends on what your budget is, how much space you have to work with, and what you'll primarily be listening to.

 

Wattage is unimportant. What you need to concentrate on is quality for example a quality 100W will sound much better than cheap 400W. If I were you I would look into getting a separates system together. It can be very cheap but very high quality and will last usually ALOT longer than even expensive mini and computer sound systems.

I recommend looking around ebay for a start at Cambridge Audio Amps, very durable, excellent build quality and lasts incredibly long. The A1mk3 and A5 are good models to start with. As for speakers look again for second hand Mission, Gale, Eltax speakers all have done and do excellent quality speakers. Such a setup would not cost much more than $100 bucks if researched properly, also it gives you scope to upgrade in the future. I am speaking from experience here and believe me it is worth it

 

if i buy the Z-2300 now, how would buying 3 more speakers later to make it a 5.1 work?
are there any good wireless speakers out there? are they generally worse than wired speakers? running wires for a 5.1 system would be a bit of a mess for me.
i've also seen some used/refurb speakers, which come with a 30-day warranty, is it a good idea to buy those?

 

No, the Z-2300 subwoofer only has ports for two satellite speakers. If you want the same sound quality in 5.1, you should save up for the Z-5500. It's basically the Z-2300 with 5.1 instead of 2.1, and the sub is a little more powerful to boot. Plus, it's got a wireless remote instead of wired (a plus in my book).

 

+1 for the Z5500.

 

Does the z5500 give much better sound quality than the X-540? Or is it just more powerful/louder?

Also, whats the difference between home audio systems and pc speakers?

 

I would say the Z-5500 has superior quality because the bass is infinitely more powerful than that of the X-540, and the Z-5500's can go a lot louder without distortion.

They're basically the same thing with different input methods. PC speakers usually have either USB or 3.5mm headphone jack inputs. Home audio systems typically have audio interfaces more commonly associated with TV's, DVD players, and the like, such as RCA audio, or optical.

 

Get the Z-2300 over the X-540. The X-540 could be 22.1 and it wouldn't matter.... at this level man, the whole 5.1 whatever is more marketing than anything, IMO.

Either get the Z-2300 or the Z-5500, depending on budget.

If you're limit is like $75 or whatever, save a bit and get the Z-2300- trust me man, it's well well worth it. The Z-2300 are simply sick.

The Z-5500 are ever sicker... but they are a lot more expensive.

 

So am i to understand that you can't get a 5.1 signal out of a laptop if it's only got the one output / mic 3.5mm ports? What about through a hdmi port?