You help me choose...

[Alf™]

A speaker system for my computer/DVD player in my room. My room isn't that big (maybe 5 metres X 6 metres). It has to be under or around $150 AUS, and preferably 5.1 Surround Sound.

I have looked at this : http://www.shopbot.com.au/p-10612.html, the Logitech X-530, and so far it looks like the best to get.

Any suggestions, and reviews on that Logitech X-530?

[telewhore]

there's quite a bit around that price range, though they're really not going to be stellar or anything.

i'd say your best bet would be to go to a store like best buy (or whatever the aussie equivalent may be) and test them out. See which sounds best and which receiver you like best.

[Alf™]

I don't think there is a store that will have several different speaker packages in this price range set up for testing.

Do I need a special sound card to play 5.1 Surround Sound? How do I find out if my current one is ok for it?

[telewhore]

that's beyond my realm of knowledge


but, maybe - check your audio outs. if you've got digital out (it's a fiber optic cable, kind of like a D with the flat side up, it'll have a protective flap over it) you've got 5.1 out. If you've just got a red and white output jack- that's stereo. Left and right, though it'll still come out of your six speakers, they won't be independent.

There may be other outputs that support 5.1, but Digital Audio Out is the only one I'm familiar with, and hell that's just on tvs and stuff, i don't really know if pcs have them or not. :(

[Alf™]

Nah, it doesn't have that digital out thing. Neither does my DVD player? I thought most DVD players had 5.1 surround sound on them.

[telewhore]

your dvd player prolly has 'coaxial out' it's orange or black? looks just like any other audio/video jack?


that's surround capable as well.

[Alf™]

Alright, yeah thanks for that. Us TNP'ians got to stick together.

[Mexican Bandito]

Thats the set up that I've got.

It's amazing.
The only thing I find with it is that the bass if really high, even when on the lowest setting which can interfere with some music that I listen to.
Apart from that it's great. Plus it looks hella cool :cool:

[Alf™]

Alright, then it looks as if I will go for those speakers.
Does it sound good for .mp3 and .wma music?

[Alf™]

Ok, I have pictures for you:
Back of computer (Looks to be no surround sound plug there) -
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/cawinkadink/Speakers003.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/cawinkadink/Speakers002.jpg

Back of DVD Player (Can this play surround sound?) -
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/cawinkadink/Speakers004.jpg

Current speakers (As you can see, anything will be an improvement on my current speakers) -
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/cawinkadink/Speakers009.jpg

If I wanted a surround sound thing added to my computer, how much would it cost and would it be hard to install?

[Alf™]

Alright, so I looked at my sound card in properties of My Computer and it said it was an AC 97' Audio sound card, which I think means it is using the soundcard from my Motherboard, as it is the same. The motherboard says it's an 5.1 Channels AC 97' Audio in the booklet so does that mean it can use 5.1 surround sound?

And I have seen pictures of the above set of speaks (Logitech ones) and it has 3 plugs (green, black and orange) to plug into the back of the computer. Looking at the above picture of my computer, can I do that?

[telewhore]

you can try it, i really don't know though.



:p

[Alf™]

Come on MX!

[telewhore]

lol

[Alf™]

Alright, so I have figured that I can't get 5.1 Surround Sound on my computer, as it doesn't have the right plugs and sound card, I guess.

All I really want is decent sound from my computer, mainly for my .mp3's and .wma's. At the moment I have 2 crappy speakers that came with the computer, and I just want an upgrade from them.

Now, it looks like my only options is a 2.1 Speaker system, so maybe someone can suggest me some to look at? I really wanted something more than 2 speakers, but I guess theres no way I can get more, without having to upgrade sound cards.

Help!

[telewhore]

eh, you can still use the 5.1 system, and you'll have surround from your dvd player, just not on your pc.

[Alf™]

Yes, I know that, but I want speakers mainly for the computer. I'm quiet content on TV's sound.

[telewhore]

oh, i didn't know that man.


sorry. 5.1 would be quite a waste then. :(

[Alf™]

Well then suggest me something that would be suitable! lol

[telewhore]

i really don't know man, i've never been shoppin for pc speakers. :(

the ones i use are the ones that come with the damn thing, or headphones.

sorry bro.

[Alf™]

Thats' cool man, thanks anyway. Gosh, these forums are quiet and not very helpful anymore.

[telewhore]

Yea, I've noticed that.

:(