Basic 5.1 or high-end 2.1? Need an audiophile's advice...

[enaberif]

Originally Posted by Full Speed

This thread makes me want to buy those Edifier S330Ds. I have a absolutely horrible 2.0 set right now, always have to use headphones.

Yes they have a price, but they are some of the best built speakers for pcs.

Originally Posted by supaflyx3

i have 5.1 speakers, and i believe they're the best $100 I've ever spent.
I've heard nothing but good reviews from the X-540's. If you want 2.1 go for z-2300.

Unless your going to use 5.1 or have the space to properly setup 5.1 .. it really is a waste.

[mo' power]

I got my refurbished X540's at factory direct for $50+tax. I was not disappointed!

[JohnHenery]

Looking at the Edifier S330D they seem very nice they have the digital and optical inputs which will give a better connection over the red and white analog the logitech z-2300 has. The speakers seem cheaper as well when compared to the logitech z-2300 the only difference is the power of the amp which may mean if you like lots of bass the logitech may be better if that does not concern you then the S330D would be great.

[YukonTrooper]

Originally Posted by JohnHenery

Looking at the Edifier S330D they seem very nice they have the digital and optical inputs which will give a better connection over the red and white analog the logitech z-2300 has.

This is not true. The DAC's found in the majority of consumer sound-cards are better than the DAC's found in desktop speakers with digital inputs. Therefore, passing analogue from the sound-card in these situations is usually preferable.

This is why I suggested to the OP to invest in an external DAC and and some active monitors. Such a setup will beat the pants off any desktop speakers mentioned in this thread.

[Perineum]

Originally Posted by CMetaphor

I have and will always go logitech for pc speakers. Z series has great power and bass. You might want to look it the Z-2300s or save some more and get the Z-5500s when they go on sale for 200-250. You won't be sorry.

I have Klipsch ProMedia v2.400 (old skool!) and they still run perfect, and sound great. I also have the Z-2300's and they're fantastic for the price. Definately no complaints but won't beat my Klipsch for sound, which is good as they cost me twice as much back in the day....

I would only go for surround if I was spending a good amount of money (~500) to get it and I had the room to set it up right.... otherwise it's a complete waste, in my opinion.

I don't know much about the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1's, but I would go for them, the Edifiers linked here, or the Logitech Z2300's.

[supaflyx3]

Originally Posted by enaberif

Yes they have a price, but they are some of the best built speakers for pcs.



Unless your going to use 5.1 or have the space to properly setup 5.1 .. it really is a waste.

which i do, my sub is under my desk, center is on my monitor, FR and FL well... are obviously infront of me on my desk, the RL is behind me on my dresser & my RR is behind me to my right on my shelf. it works great for movies and gaming. Music is alright, although it seems like it's just 2.1 for music.

[Jackquelegs]

Originally Posted by shaw

Audiophile (as in your title) equals 2.1, not 5.1. Start with the onboard sound, get these (NCIX.com - Buy Klipsch Promedia 2.1 THX Computer Speaker System 160W RMS - PROMEDIA2.1 In Canada.) then upgrade the onboard to an Asus DX Xonar. You won't regret it. That's my hardware on my rig.

edit: on sale this week, 10$ off + free shipping for entire order: NCIX.com - Buy Klipsch Promedia 2.1 THX Computer Speaker System 160W RMS - PROMEDIA2.1 In Canada.

Ditto. I picked up the S330Ds before, only because the old Promedias were discontinued at that time. Personally I wouldn't touch the Z-2300 from an audiophile standpoint due to muddy bass and lack of mid.
Choice comes down to S330D and Promedia 2.1 in my opinion. I personally would go for the Klipsch


Also if you see Razer Makos for 150$ again, pick those up. I'm liking my set so far

[enaberif]

Originally Posted by supaflyx3

which i do, my sub is under my desk, center is on my monitor, FR and FL well... are obviously infront of me on my desk, the RL is behind me on my dresser & my RR is behind me to my right on my shelf. it works great for movies and gaming. Music is alright, although it seems like it's just 2.1 for music.

Music is upsampled to play through the extra channels when you have surround.

It doesn't sound bad or worse.. its just that in 2.1 it sounds more "natural"

[Zero82z]

Originally Posted by enaberif

Music is upsampled to play through the extra channels when you have surround.

Not unless you have a plugin for your music playing program that does the upsampling. Otherwise it will only play through the two front channels.

[JD]

These might be of interest too: NCIX.com - Buy Creative Labs Gigaworks T3 2.1 Speakers with Wired Volume Control Pod - 51MF0365AA002 In Canada.