Thread: Computer speakers - 2.1 or 5.1 (or 7.1)?

Many of you are looking to add great sounding speaker systems to your computer. All other things considered (speaker power output, quality, size, etc.), the dilemma faced is whether to go for 2.1 or 5.1.

So what should be the ideal option? Of course, the 5.1 (or 7.1) will obviously cost more but let us put that factor aside. Many companies advertise the speaker system as capable of ______ W of power, where the total power is the sum of power handling capability of each speaker.

Remember that 5.1 does not mean more power.

Your decision should be solely be based on the content that you will listen to. Because if you are listening to pure music, you are getting stereo sound with simulated surround. In this case a 2.1 system is more than sufficient.

However, if you are going to play DVDs (or Blu Ray) then a 5.1 (or 7.1) speaker system may be worth considering. Then again, what about speaker placement. Where are you going to place the rear surround speakers. While watching a movie on a computer's small screen, you are most likely to be sitting at a desk in the corner of the room. The front speakers will be right next to the computer while the rear speakers will be behind you, at least 10 feet away. or you may be forced to place them next to the front speakers.

Hardly the ideal surround setup.

The 2.1 speakers will be able to simulate surround sound that is quite acceptable in the close vicinity of your watching space.

So in my opinion, save your money and stick to a 2.1 surround speaker system for your PC.

Opinions please.

Yes that is correct.

unless you are having a big screen and work with wireless keboard and mouse, dont go for 5.1, 2.1 is more than enough.

Even if you go for 5.1 and set it up it wont give you the actual front and rare effects of DVD it will all feel the same, 5.1 effect is good when speakers are atleast 6-8 feet away (all the speakers).

It is my humble opinion of course, but laptop/desktop should be used to
do computer stuff, work, and browse.

music should be listened on a good cd/dvd player with
a good amp and two speakers.

movies should be watched on a decent sized tv with a good
receiver and 5 or 7 speakers and a subwoofer.

this is what I do.

I have two separate systems, one for music and the
other for HT which I haven't completely assembled
after a move ;-)

-F

before thinking of speakers we should improve our on-board sound, most of the entry level motherboards supports 2 channel sound, by adding good quality sound card(5.1 or 7.1) only then we can use full potential of the speakers, on some advanced sound cards u get Dolby PRO LOGIC ll which converts 2 channel sound into 5.1 or 7.1.

Originally Posted by Ookla

before thinking of speakers we should improve our on-board sound, most of the entry level motherboards supports 2 channel sound, by adding good quality sound card(5.1 or 7.1) only then we can use full potential of the speakers, on some advanced sound cards u get Dolby PRO LOGIC ll which converts 2 channel sound into 5.1 or 7.1.

I already said "all other things being considered".

I have a 5.1 speaker setup. The new multichannel MP3s and Flac sound so much better than on standard speakers. The sound quality is very crisp and clear.

What 5.1 system would u recommend for an HTPC setup (hooked to an LCD TV). Plz give suggestions for all budgets (like upto 10k,10-20k,30k+ for speakers only).

Originally Posted by 18lama

I have a 5.1 speaker setup. The new multichannel MP3s and Flac sound so much better than on standard speakers. The sound quality is very crisp and clear.

Cool. Nice to hear your opinion. But are you comparing same quality speakers?

Originally Posted by farce

It is my humble opinion of course, but laptop/desktop should be used to
do computer stuff, work, and browse.-F

but the same thing can be achieved by connecting a good amp/spkr with ur compu , isn't it ?

Originally Posted by rajan1311

What 5.1 system would u recommend for an HTPC setup (hooked to an LCD TV). Plz give suggestions for all budgets (like upto 10k,10-20k,30k+ for speakers only).

For an HTPC, you will be watching the content on large screen, sitting comfortably on the couch (hopefully ). I think on another thread I had recommened Bose.

Note: Bose is not the best but they are decent enough. A friend of mine in UK swears by Wharfdale. Another guy in US told me JBL were awesome.

For the price, it is best to check on eBay and look for local resellers.

also, most of the entry lvl mobos have 5.1 onboard.

Originally Posted by newprouser

but the same thing can be achieved by connecting a good amp/spkr with ur compu , isn't it ?

Oh yes, definitely. But in that case we are not talking about computer speakers, are we? We are talking about proper speakers meant for the Amp.

But BOSE is gr8 for the 30k+ range. What abt the ppl on a budget ?

I am comparing a 5.1 speakers with 2.1 logitech speakers.

Originally Posted by newprouser

but the same thing can be achieved by connecting a good amp/spkr with ur compu , isn't it ?

How will u connect ur AMP ??? Most of the AMPs do not support new graphic cards, its a software issue no1 wants 2 solve.

Originally Posted by 18lama

I am comparing a 5.1 speakers with 2.1 logitech speakers.

OK. That is a fair comparison. So you are definitely recommending 5.1.

I meant via HDMI.

Also my 5.1 has an inbuilt amplifier, which is the primary reason why the sound is always loud and never muffled, even when it is connected to a PC as it is now. Besides it also has a prologic mode which upmux the sound output from 2 channels to 6 channels.

Originally Posted by rajan1311

How will u connect ur AMP ??? Most of the AMPs do not support new graphic cards, its a software issue no1 wants 2 solve.

Don't we get a coaxial out on the new sound cards?

almost all 5.1 systems have an inbuilt amp na ??(in the sub) ??

Originally Posted by just4kix

Don't we get a coaxial out on the new sound cards?

u do ??... i did not know...

But those come in entry lvl cards too ?

Originally Posted by rajan1311

I meant via HDMI.

I don't know abt HDMI...

Originally Posted by rajan1311

almost all 5.1 systems have an inbuilt amp na ??(in the sub) ??



u do ??... i did not know...

But those come in entry lvl cards too ?

Even I am not sure myself. I thought that the high end ones have a coaxial out.

I recently saw a DVD (original) Indian Jones and the raiders of the lost ark. It had 5.1 dolby sound encoded within the movie. I played the DVD on my dad's pc which has a logitech 2.1 system. I could not hear the dialogues properly at all. I tried and tweaked all the settings (in sound card control panel and video player software...but to no awail)

Than I played the same DVD on my PC, the sound was superb!! all the dialouges crystal clear, never had to even look at the subs...I know you own a large collection of DVDs, I think you should get a 5.1 system for that only...You'll just love the way the movies sound so much better on a 5.1.

newer ones have it, i saw a few on the egg(newegg) but i could not find in india. Btw, is it worth investing in a high end sound card ??? I have always used an onboard....

I bought an intex 3000 watt 4.1 speaker system 6 years ago. It is still working fine. The woofer went down some days ago due to massive voltage fluctuation. Got it serviced recently. It is working as good as a new speaker system now.

Creative, Altec Lansing are good options at a moderate price range.