Running DD 5,1 speakers on laptop - 5.1 soundcard needed?

Im thinking getting the Logitech Z5500s as they are on sale now and I would be using it for my 360 and music off my laptop. Getting 5.1 through 360 wont be a problem but when I play music on it through my laptop I will obviously want sound from all speakers or else it would be pointless getting them. I was told (not sure if this is 100% true or not), that without a 5.1 card you will only be able to get sound from the L and R speakers and play them in Pro Logic II with effects.Meaning it wont sound nearly as good in the rears and what not.

Now if I get a 5.1 card, does that mean I will be able to get sound from all speakers, evenly? Meaning it will just sound like a 5 speaker stereo - as I dont want or need any effects with music. If that is the case, looks like I will have to get the Audigy 2 ZS notebook. Btw, I dont ever watch movies on my laptop. So if I get a 5.1 card, it would only be to get sound from all 5 speakers (even sound Im talking, no effects)

 

You could Also look into the M-Audio Transit. It's a very good adapter for 5.1.

 

Ive been considering that, but cant find a place locally who sells it in canada.

I see a place here has Zalman 5.1 for $50cdn. Hows the quality on their cards? never heard of Zalman before.

 

According to the Z5500 Setup Manual, page 5, Item 10

If using stereo content: the effect button allows you to select between Stereo (front left/right speakers only), Stereo x2 (front and rear speakers), or use Dolby Pro Logic Music or Movie to create 5.1 audio.

Then page 8 under the Effects Table

If you are using the Input labelled Stereo 1, Stereo 2 or Stereo 3, as you would be with your laptop or an MP3 player, the following effects are available;

Pro Logic II Movie
Is a surround sound format that creates 5.1 surround sound from stereo movie sources. When enabled it will give you the full surround sound with front, rear, and centre channels from a stereo signal. This effect is optimized for movie content.

Pro Logic II Music
Same as Pro Logic II Movie above but optimized for music playback.

Stereo x2
This effect will send the stereo audio to both front and rear speakers creating a front/rear stereo sound much like a car stereo.

Stereo
This effect will send the stereo audio to the front speakers only.

I have note installed mine yet (Lack of time) but hope to be running within the next 2 weeks.

Best regards

frenchnew

 

Cool thanks mate. did you get the z5500 AND ZS or just the speakers? Im sure I could do without the ZS, but I just hear if you run it to the speakers from laptop with digital connection it will sound a lot better over analog. How much better? That is the question.

 

No I did not get the ZS as this is to be used on a Home System currently being assembled (Asus P5B -Deluxe Wifi, BFG GeForce 8800GTX, 2 GB Team Xtreem DDR2-800,Dell 2407FP monitor, 2 X Seagate 320GB Sata HD & Corsair HX620 Power Supply) The rig will be water cooled for silence.

I would suggest that you try the speakers without the ZS first and if the quality is suitable for you, you just save some money.

Best regards

frenchnew