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Thread ID: 28481 2002-12-21 02:20:00 buying surround sound speakers fergie (424) Press F1
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107881 2002-12-21 02:20:00 hi,
i'm thinking of buying some surround sound speakers - u no, the 5 set speaker system, sub, and sat's etc
as i don't no anything about speakers and all there spec's, i was hoping u guys could shed some light on some things to look out for.
Some things like Watt rating, frequency, speaker size etc.
also, if i get a 6 channel speaker set (whats the differenece between 5.1 and 6? is there a difference?) i take it i'd need a 6 channel sound card?
As i currently have onbaord sound, i guess i'd have to upgrade.
is there anything to look out for when buying a sound card?
Do all i need is a card that supports 6 channel sound?
because if you go here : www.qmb.co.nz for $25 you can get a 6 channel sound card, then the next step up is $73, would the cheaper card do?
thanks
fergie (424)
107882 2002-12-21 02:35:00 Hiya
Speakers ain't something you wanna buy cheaply. I recommend the Creative Inspire Series. They have crisp sound with really good bass. For soundcard go for Creative Audigy. Six channel speakers are quite hard to get therefore quite expensive so six channel sound isn't needed.

Creative Inspire 5.1 5300 speakers are about $250 and an decent audigy is about another $200. Its quite an expensive process so if you already have a decent stereo setup consider hooking it up to that...

- David
DangerousDave (697)
107883 2002-12-21 02:43:00 would u suggest just getting a decent 3 speaker set instead then?
Also, if i got a inspire 5300 speaker ste, and had acheap sound card, would it affect it much?
fergie (424)
107884 2002-12-21 03:03:00 Hi David

What would it take to run it through a stereo system? I mean in the way of cables etc, because there is a line out on the computer and audio left & right on a computer.
Bambi (1486)
107885 2002-12-21 03:36:00 Fergie
The soundcard makes a HUGE difference, get a cheap one and you usually get a cheap sound. I had a cheap Asonic one or something and there was popping and everything. Horrible, especially when you fork out heaps of $$$$ for speakers and get crappy sound. I still reccommend an Creative Audigy or at least a Creative Live! Value.

Bambi
It depends on your soundcard and stereo, for best quality, if you have an optical out on your soundcard and an optical input for stereo that'll be the easiest way. BTW optical cable is damn expensive... Or you can use RCA plugs which is pretty cheap
from dse
www.dse.co.nz
that is about $35
It has the standard 3.5mm plug for your 'puter, and the two RCA connectors for left/right speaker


Hope this helps some what, if it doesn't just reply
- David
DangerousDave (697)
107886 2002-12-21 03:49:00 Yep, Cheers David Bambi (1486)
107887 2002-12-21 03:54:00 Fergie,
Sorry but forgot to add that Audigy 2 which supports proper 6 channels (you'll find that most 6 channel soundcards is that the last channel is virtual) and Creative Inspire 6 channel speakers. So i recommend you wait for Audigy 2 to come out cos that'll bring down the price a bit of Audigy 1 and Inspire 5.1
I've found on pricespy also that

Creative Sound Blaster Audigy DE
$169.00
Uptech
www.uptech.co.nz

Creative Inspire 5.1 5300 5 Satellites + 1 Subwoofer Black
$236.00
Uptech
www.uptech.co.nz

Creative Inspire 6.1 6600 6 x Satellite Speakers 1 x Subwoofer
$299.00
BCS
www.bcscomputers.co.nz

Creative SB Audigy 2 Sound Card
$325.13
C&L
www.c-l.co.nz

Therefore for the 5.1 Surround setup it is $405
And for the 6 Channel setup $624.13

There is a bit of a difference between the two but currently i wouldn't bother with 6 channel cos nothing really supports, not even dvd's (prove me wrong but i though it was 5.1) anyways make your choice, i spose you'll get more bragging rights with 6 channel ;)

- David
DangerousDave (697)
107888 2002-12-21 04:59:00 I have been looking at the Genius 120 watt home theatre system. I originally saw it at PCs Unlimited here in Christchurch for about $300, but I noticed the other day that Big Byte now have it for a similar price.

It's probably not an audiophile's idea of the perfect speaker system, but I have been very impressed by what I have heard out of it. And at that price, who can complain?
Alasta (1420)
107889 2002-12-21 09:02:00 hey dave,
u seem to no wot your on about...
anyway, i've been thinking.
As i was only planning to spend a max of $250-$300 on speakers and soundcard, would i be better off spending that amount on a decnt 3 spekaer set (2 sat, 1 sub)??????
fergie (424)
107890 2002-12-21 09:51:00 Hi,
I recently went down this track and purchased a Creative SoundBlaster Audigy 2 Platinum and Creative Inspire 5.1 surround sound speakers. The package cost $800 (even with a substantial discount). The sound is awesome! - trouble is, I had to install Windows XP to get it to run. The packaging states clearly that the system requirements are for Windows 98SE, 2000, ME (which I was operating), and XP. But the drivers will only work with XP and Creative say the other systems will be supported "at some time in the future".
By the time I add in the cost of XP, and a new modem and several software upgrades to satisfy XP's insatiable greed, I have to wonder did I get much value for my many bucks???
Merry Xmas
BeePee (2784)
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