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

[fishingfanatic]

What no one seems to mention is the fact that some if not all of the 7.1 sound cards allow you to choose between 2.1,5.1 or 7.1. No matter what you have or prefer, the configuration can be changed to suit. I listen to music in 2.1 and watch movies in 7.1. Gaming is really a matter of your preference, though I like the effect 7.1 gives.

[Zero82z]

Originally Posted by fishingfanatic

What no one seems to mention is the fact that some if not all of the 7.1 sound cards allow you to choose between 2.1,5.1 or 7.1. No matter what you have or prefer, the configuration can be changed to suit. I listen to music in 2.1 and watch movies in 7.1. Gaming is really a matter of your preference, though I like the effect 7.1 gives.

Obviously you can downscale the sound to as few speakers as you want to use, but if you aren't using a 5.1 or 7.1 source then you aren't going to get 5.1 or 7.1 sound. Games and movies come with support for 5.1, but most music is mixed for Stereo so you won't get any benefit from a 5.1 or 7.1 setup. Hence why I recommend 2.1/stereo speakers or headphones for people who primarily listen to music.

[Snarl]

Originally Posted by Zero82z

I would go with the 2.1 setup. I switched from 5.1 to a good set of headphones and I don't miss a thing.

I agree, did basically the same thing

[Inate8]

Good choice on the Klipsch's, they will give you years of enjoyment!

I am using NCIX.com - Buy Edifier S730 2.1 Speaker Set 300W RMS Silver Black Wired Remote with LCD Display - S730 In Canada. kind of a 'side-grade' from my older Klipsch promedia ultra 5.1's. They sound phenomenal and get LOUD!

You'll find the Klipsch's to be a bit bass heavy at first, if you like this well you'll love them! They lack a touch of punch on the mid's but the clarity is intense, you'll hear things you never heard before in your favorite tracks(flac will amaze you). They seem to be a bit understated when it comes to the treble, very neutral imo(everyone's ears are different) which I thought was really nice as it keeps those super highs away from the ear pain inducing fun of some other brands out there.

If you are looking for an affordable and very clean quality DAC, might I recommend checking out: NuForce Icon uDAC it is an amazing piece of tech that will blow you away aurally. Especially for the price compared to other products in it's range.

Any questions or you want to learn more always check out Head-Fi.org - Headphone forums and reviews for audiophiles!

[Biff73]

The Edifier S730 has the same triple 10 inch drivers for the sub woofer as the S550 right?Anyway the Edifier S550 or S730 packs enough power to blow almost any other competing PC speakers back to the stone ageAlso the Wattage are rated 8ohms & not boasted

[Perineum]

I certainly don't mind more talk about speakers or anything, but I'll point out that he *did* already buy a pair of Klipsch 2.1s....

[Jackquelegs]

I think 550 and 730 are both out of his range :)

NICE AVATAR THOUGH BIFF73. Go Char's Counterattack

[Caldezar]

Originally Posted by Perineum

I certainly don't mind more talk about speakers or anything, but I'll point out that he *did* already buy a pair of Klipsch 2.1s....

Haha +1

[Inate8]

Originally Posted by Biff73

The Edifier S730 has the same triple 10 inch drivers for the sub woofer as the S550 right?Anyway the Edifier S550 or S730 packs enough power to blow almost any other competing PC speakers back to the stone ageAlso the Wattage are rated 8ohms & not boasted

Only a single 10 inch driver, with two "accentuaters" (SP?). They are kind of neat, tough to tell if they work as advertised, but they must do SOMETHING other than look neat and flap around hahah.

Yes the only differences between the S730 and the S550 is well, obviously the 5.1 controller, and the satellites are only getting 32w per channel, where-as the S730 the satellites are getting 75w per channel.

[xktox]

IMO higher quality 2.1 beats an average 5.1 setup. Myself, I prefer with headphones.

You should check speakers in store and play some of the sample music or your own. At my local CanadaComputers they have speakers set up to test out. After trying all of them, I bought a 2.1 generic for $35 and love it (brand was Trust, lol).