Very good 2.1 vs Normal 5.1 speakers, and SETUP

Hi.

Right now I own a Dell Studio XPS 16 laptop, i7 processor, 4670 ATI,.. etc

Though it states that has a 5.1 sound system, it doesnt have the necessary jacks.. just the 2 headphones + 1 microphone in..

So my best guess after reading a little is that I need something like this to be able to get true 5.1 surround.
Amazon.com: Creative Labs SB1090 USB Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 Audio System: Electronics

If there is a better way to connect a 5.1 speakers, or if I am wrong, please let me know..

My budget for the sound system is about 150 USD max.. so I searched and the best I found was:

* 5.1 system logitec x540 (70 USD) + external sound card (45USD)
Amazon.com: Logitech X-540 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker System with Subwoofer: Electronics +
Amazon.com: Creative Labs SB1090 USB Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 Audio System: Electronics

or

* 2.1 system Logitech Z-2300 THX-Certified (140 USD)
Amazon.com: Logitech Z-2300 THX-Certified 2.1 Speaker System with Subwoofer: Electronics

I use my computer mostly for gaming (70%), Movies (15%), Music (15%).

My room looks like this: (like 4x5 meters)



1. Should I go for the 2.1 or the 5.1?
2. Is there another way to get 5.1 sound from a laptop?

Thank you in advance.

 

I like the z-2300. The 5.1 is too much for just that laptop. If you had a TV setup too then i would go for the 5.1

 

from what i remember, the klipsch promedia 2.1 has better sound quality than the z-2300, although it's probably not that easy to find a pair of them now

personally, i would get 2.1 because if you get 5.1, you'll either have to put the back speakers on the floor (with the front speakers on the table) which isn't that great, or... you have to get stands for the back speakers, which makes your room look like a geek's nest and your computer chair.. the command post of a spaceship

 

Klipsch Promedia 2.1 as Brawn says,

Z2300 will outpace the 5.1's you've listed, much higher output, better FR range for the sub, sats i've not heard,

Unless you've money to fork out for say Edifier S730 but thats alot,

Z2300 i believe is perfect for your room.

PS:I love that diagram

 

a nice 2.1 system would be more than enough to fill that small of a space with sound. 5.1 wouldn't be worth it with yur budget. like the others have stated, if u'r lookin for the best 2.1 system for under $150 then yur 2 best choices will be the klipsch promedia 2.1 or the logitech z-2300.

the klipsch promedia 2.1's will have a bit more clarity due to the satellites having their own tweeter and mid-driver set up whereas the z-2300 is tryin to produce highs and mids with 1 driver. the z-2300 will have a much stronger subwoofer though so that might appeal to some more than others. i usually go with logitech, but decided to try something new so i choice a reputable audio company like klipsch. it's really a toss up between the 2. definitely won't go wrong with either systems. i picked up my promedia 2.1's for only $100 (+$34 for shipping) brand new off ebay. if u'r not comfortable with ebay, u can always get them directly from klipsch or amazon for $150 shipped to yur door. i have my desk set up in my living room and the promedia 2.1's sub actually does a nice enough job of filling the place with sound. definitely exceeded my expectations.

p.s. - some best buys carry both models, or at least should have the z-2300's in stock, so just go and test them out to see which soundstage accommodates yur wants/needs more.

 

You said that your computer has two headphones and one mic? I know on my laptop I can convert my microphone jack into my center/subwoofer. I have a feeling that you could use one headphone for front, use the other headphone for center\subwoofer, and the mic for side.

 

I've had the z-2300's for about a year and haven't wanted or even thought of looking for anything else. My speakers are used in much the same way as the OP.

 

Paint FTW!!

But I guess the rear speakers would not work and make a real surround sound...

I think both 2.1 and 5.1 would fill my room, which would you like most for gaming? like feeling how a car is passing by your right from behind, or playing CoD MW2, pleople shooting from behind, etc.
I also know that the Z-2300 has better sound quality and more Watts... so, I think this would be like: Better sound quality vs Surround sound



Got another question: anybody know about these external usd sound cards? Got any recommendations about them?

 

Use the driver software that came with your laptop. You should be able to configure your three jacks to be front, center, and rear audio outputs. My old Studio 15 could do this, and that was over a year before your model was even released.

 

well i think u just answered yur own question then. it's simply a matter of quality or quantity. me, personally, i always go for quality.

i think 5.1 would be a bit overkill for such a small room. if i were in yur situation i would probably go with the quality 2.1 system cuz 1) sound quality, 2) convenience, 3) bass that u can actually feel/appreciate when u game or watch movies.

 

I think the decision would depend now if the 5.1 x-540 needs and external video card.
If it needs an external video card, I´ll buy the 2.1; but if it doesn't AND the sound quality is good (I´m going to test it in a local store) I´ll get the 5.1.
That would save me like 70$ too.

Thank you all, if anyone has any other comment, please don't hesitate. I would like to read more about it.

 

There are a few things unspecific with the understanding of your question: First, the appellation of the term 5.1 in reference to a laptop? That is for the most part a misnomer of the use of the term 5.1. To define a true 5.1 system, it would not only refer to the number of speakers in the system, but their area placement as well. If they're not properly placed in an "surround" configuration, you're not getting true surround sound.

Second, your use of the terms "very good?" Since speaker systems cover a extremely wide gamut, that term must be taken with some kind of limitation. As an audiophile, and the owner of an entertainment notebook (didn't really buy it for that purpose but...), I typically will connect my notebook to my home stereo when I'm watching media. From that perspective, no system with your price range in mind would compare.

On the other hand, if you're referring strictly for laptop use, you'd move up a level or two, though you'd still be on the lower end of the margin since the typical notebook speaker set-up can run between $50-$500.

With that in mind, you can determine where the quality of your proposed speaker system would fall. For your money, it would be better spent on a "good" 2.1 system. Still, if you want true surround sound, it would be best to invest in a home AV system set-up which would be vastly superior to anything designed for a laptop configuration.

 

Yeah from what i understand 5.1 actually refers to a center, two front L and R and surround speakers rather than rear (Although i've put the x530, the 540's through its little paces with surround and they do suceed to perform their job very well for a budget set.)

In regards to audio quality, the z2300 are perfect for games and movies, music would be better suited to the Klipsch (or as mentioned earlier the expensive edifier.) because of the dedicated tweeter, dedicated midrange driver and the subwoofer, these are designed for quality, but odds are won't be as boomy as the z-2300's.

The dedicated set is a good idea, but for the size of the room, its not needed.

I'd say both the X-540 and z-2300 are up for the job, but another thing to think about is, well the last time i checked the x-530 rear cables, they were pathetic in length so i'd need RCA extentions to go any further.

 

As for the placement of the speakers, I looked in dolby webpage:
Dolby - Dolby Home Theater Speaker Guide - Speaker Placement and Setup Guide for Home Theater Surround Sound

As catacylsm states, I think an expensive home stereo in my 4mx5m room would be too much..

I am aware that I'd need to buy extensions for the rear speakers if I get the X-540.

Another thing is that I don't think I'd turn the volume > 50% in the z-2300, because I live in an apartment, and because I am not a lover of high volume

I was saying "very good" and "normal" not comparing them to the whole universe of speakers and home entertainments, but just to my budget, room and frequent uses.

Another thing I could do is more than doubling my budget and getting the Z-5500
Amazon.com: Logitech Z-5500 THX-Certified 5.1 Digital Surround Sound Speaker System: Electronics
But I think that won't happen

 

I went from a Stereo system to 5.1 , and if your a gamer thats an important leap. More money you spend the better quality you get, if you want quality aim for something THX certified. For gaming having full virtualization of the 3d realm is important, knowing were sounds are coming from (IE. people walking up behind you while your sniping), gives you a huge edge in online games to people who only have stereo set ups.

Might want to look into a decent couple hundred dollar pair of headphones too, if your worried about rents or positioning.

 

Just keep in mind that headphones offer virtual surround sound; and are a viable alternative, but not the genuine product.

 

That would look awesome!!! (chicks like that stuff right? )

 

Depends on how deep your pockets are, theres one from Tritton that has an amp that keeps intact dolby digital and doesn't simply pro logic it, it also has 4 speakers per ear, the front speakers in both act as the front channel, then center speakers act as left and right from , then back speakers both act as back channel, plus 2 subs in each speaker. Its more like 4.2 technically speaking but the virtualization of the room stays intact, if you were to spin in a circle in the game, and an npc was talking, it would direct his voice around your ears correctly.

The big con ive been reading about the headsets was that small details are lost, there was one review I read about Bioshock and some water drips werent heard and on an expensive stereo headphones they were, that could be due to cramming 4 speakers in each ear, but if space is a concern then its a def viable solution.

Also keep in mind theres other things going on in peoples houses, like mom cookin dinner and dad watching tv in the living room, they are gonna either tell you to turn it down, or your going hear everything they're doing. Surround sound headsets give the immersion and isolation needed to stay focused and hear important environmental details that may keep you alive in an online match. I speak from experience from this, my dad cranks his tv because my regular surround sound set up is really loud and some times you hear the news report in the background and can be quite bothersome.

 

Now I am really thinking to dig hard in my pocket and get the
Amazon.com: Logitech Z-5500 THX-Certified 5.1 Digital Surround Sound Speaker System: Electronics

 

just a note, THX certified does not mean that it has better sound, (i read it somewhere where sound professionals talk about it)... they mention how premium hifi speaker setups often dont have the THX certification and that speaker companies have to pay THX a licensing fee to use their "THX certification" logo.. and consequently, they spend less on the actual speaker components

anyway, you should think hard about this one, because speakers basically last forever, mine have lasted for a decade now (computer speakers), and they don't deteriorate in sound quality.. and neither do they especially depreciate in price

 

2.1 is more practical IMO. I recently sold my X-540 set and am looking to pick up a used pair of Z-2300s or Z Cinemas.

 

well hey...if u are set on a 5.1 system then at least i can't argue against the z-5500. they are a good quality 5.1 system.

 

That would be contrary of the whole point of the trademark: in these cases, it's your assurance of quality.

Nevertheless, I will give you this reality--that does not rule out unscrupulous business that will meet the minimum requirements for performance (there are tiers of THX certification you know) and cut corners elsewhere.

Still, there are no perfect solutions; and even businesses that have been around for 100 years can get greedy.

 

Its also not just about certifications, I have an amp that does both THX and Dolby, and all my blu rays : T2, Starwars (hd rips), etc., all of them sound better when outputting THX. Just personal experience, and if you dont , you miss out on some quality tracks.

EDIT; you also have to pay for Dolby certs ... just saying

 

trust me i am a big audiophile. If you cannot afford a 5.1 system that has equal power output and equal speaker quality then you will be much happier with the higher quality 2.1. Honestly 5.1 sound is only good for watching movies in dolby digital. 5.1 sound effects in games are total cheese in my opinion.

 

Why not use your 3 jacks? You don't need to buy an external sound card.

 

Well in my opinion half the games in this generation base half the experience on audio. I do atleast 50% better if not more then anyone online that doesnt have surround sound. It is an edge in battle, particularly when its mixed well and you can locate sounds properler, like a guy sneakin up to knife you. Ive never been knifed in cod or battlefield, honestly. Dead space is half creepy environments and half ambiatic sound. Im sure most gamers can back me up when saying this.

 

You are right, after reading a little I realized that my laptop achieves 5.1 using those three jacks. A VERY big plus to the 5.1

Another big plus to 5.1

 

i dunno bout never gettin knifed. everyone has been knifed. even a shank master like myself.

but to the OP: audio is very subjective. one man's opinion could mean nothing to the next man when it comes to audio cuz everyone has their own opinions and preferences. just go with what u like. it seems like u'r really set on a 5.1 system, so the last thing i can hope for is that u do some research and don't pick up a dinky little system just because it is 5.1. good luck

 

haha, ok maybe once or twice but the amount is seriously reduced with surround sound, I find most movies dont utilize surround sound aswell as video games personally because I find games make a 3d stage of sound around you. I find most movie follow the same formula still with surround sound, voice through center speaker, left and right get most of the action with both soundtrack and soundFX, and the rear two speakers almost get neglected, with very few sound fx and mostly just soundtrack... Most times anyways, some movies really do a good job with the back 2 channels, and im not talking about dolby pro logic btw, dolby digital and THX.

 

Yes, I know audio is very subjective. I am going to test both systems in a local stores before buying them. I don't want a crappy 5.1 sound

 

If were talking about games here, i have to say the 540's excell, and for sneaky sneaky, back stabbing blah in your games, the 540's define sound so clearly with the dual fdd2 drivers was it? they work to nominalise sound across the board (And the thing is, its very accurate what they're saying, not a marketing gimmic) but the sound drivers in the little things pick up the highs so crisply,

Since you don't need high volume, the z5500 are worth it if your really wanting some pretty crazy output, but i feel the 540's may be fine, i can tell you the 540's won't have any problem hitting daft volumes too, and the 5" sub (i think) is particularly excessive in bass, more then enough imo.

To combat the Z-5500 and if your looking for a quality set of 5.1 which you could get at a fairly good price, i'd say the Teufel Concept E400 was it? i think you can get them at quite an affordable price (Well UK you can) and they're designed for quality, audio and a decent FR range.

If i get some time, i will re-rig the 530's back up to machine and make you a quick video if you like?

 

You have very goods points.

About the video, that would be awesome, and really helpfull !

 

The sound in movies can be described just the same as the movie itself: some are good, okay, and terrible. Not every film that utilizes 5.1 technology does a good job of it--and that can be said of every aspect of the film from acting to cinematography. But that's no reason to dismiss 5.1 altogether.

Recall, surround sound (aka quadraphonic) had a very rocky start in the beginning as well.

 

I shall make the video when i get a few moments to move all the speakers around etc, busy next two days so it may be a bit late, but i can say i do reccomend the x530 and 540.

 

Well, it seems like plenty of people have already said their pieces, but here's my two copper anyway.

In a nutshell, I'd recommend a 2.1 set over a 5.1, for a number of reasons I shall proceed to outline below:

1) Better audio quality - For a given amount of money, it's pretty much a given that you'll be able to find a 2.1 set that produces better audio than its 5.1 counterpart. Simple economics, I guess. Note that I say "a" 2.1 set, as opposed to "the" 2.1 set; the Logitech Z2300, while well-received, may not be the best 2.1 choice out there. Might want to look around at other well-known computer speaker brands, or even some brands that aren't so well-known for use with computers.

2) Easier setup - As noted by others, having a 5.1 speaker setup can be a little... inconvenient. I've experimented with both 5.1 and 7.1 speaker setups in the past, and find them excessively inconvenient. In the case of the 7.1 setup, I had to attach the speakers to the walls and run cables along the ceiling just so they wouldn't get in the way. It's definitely something to think about, especially in what appears to be a relatively small room with a bed in the way.

Also note that for the optimal experience, you need to set up your speakers in a very exact manner. A typical 5.1 speaker setup, if I remember correctly, would entail 3 speakers in front of you, and one each about 30-45 degrees off the rear-facing direction. Can be tough to pull off when you have objects (like your bed) in the way.

3) More power - If you're like many other stereotypical young people, you're going to be wanting to really turn up the volume in your games, movies and music. Looking at the specific speakers you've selected, the Z2300 speakers supposedly reproduce sound more accurately at high volumes than the X540s, which encounter some amount of distortion. It's especially pronounced in the bass range, which you're going to be encountering a lot of when you're playing video games.

Of course, that's not to say that having a 5.1 system doesn't have its advantages. Again, others have noted some of these advantages, but here they are again anyway:

1) Surround sound - Surround sound does indeed make for a more immersive movie-watching and game-playing experience. Assuming the sound is correctly set up for 5.1 output, which, thankfully, many things are, these days. However, I don't personally find surround sound to be essential in a computer setup; or, at least, not so much so that it outweighs the benefits of a 2.1 setup. 5.1 and above is almost necessary for a good home theatre setup, though, of course.

If you're really into the whole surround-sound game-playing experience, you could always pick up a set of headphones that support surround-sound. From what I've read, they tend to reproduce surround-sound more accurately than speakers do. I personally really hate wearing headphones, though, so... yeah.

2)

*bzzzt* This is the HMS Bounty *BZZZT* How cool is that?

Hope this helped.