2.1, 5.1 or 7.1? Confused. I'm not.

Felino · Post by **Felino** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 8:31 pm

for my new computer (other threads have realted to this, as I am a mac user by nature), I would like some new speakers. I have the option of the following logitech speakers, all are essentially the same, just with more speakers. 2.1 5.1 and 7.1. How much game and video media uses 5.1, or 7.1, is there any real difference?

Discuss.

EDIT: Anyone ever used an acrilic computer case before?

jperryss · Post by **jperryss** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 9:12 pm

I don't game on the PC, so I can't help ya there. But nearly all DVD movies are encoded 5.1. I've never seen anything in 7.1, though HDMI supports it.

A typical 2-channel or 5.1 can usually be upconverted for 'simulated' surround sound, but that's not the same as having an original 5.1 source.

I myself would probably never run more than 2 speakers (plus sub) on my computer, since I mostly only listen to music on it. Music isn't true to the original source unless you're listening to it in 2-channel stereo, and IMO it sounds better that way anyway.

You also may want to consider a nice set of phones (ya either love 'em or hate 'em, I fall into the 'love 'em' category):
Sennheiser HD280. <---- that is their entry level model

and worth every penny.

They're not for everyone, but this was the first nice set of cans I've ever owned, and I'm completely blown away by the sound quality. And if you ever wanted to be able to isolate yourself from the outside world, these will do it.

Post by **bicostp** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 9:32 pm

Well, I do what I like to call "4.1" sound. My motherboard has built in surround capability but I'm too cheap to buy a proper surround speaker set, so I just use two sets of stereo speakers and a seperate subwoofer. I'd get the 5.1 so if you want to watch movies in surround sound you have that option.

I've never used an acrylic case. Personally I don't care about the ricer PC stuff like windows and lights, and metal cases are stronger, and won't warp as much over time. Clean lines are one thing, but I think all the "gamer" PC cases look gaudy.

EDIT: I think all the left speakers handle the left signal, and the same for the right side, when you're giving them 2 channel stereo.

Felino · Post by **Felino** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 9:33 pm

With 5.1 speakers, can you simply disable the back speakers when you don't want them, making it a sorta 3.1 system?

jperryss · Post by **jperryss** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 9:39 pm

Bic: Love the sig pic.

Felino · Post by **Felino** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 11:20 pm

What the hell dos that have to do with surround sound?

Also, what sort of case to people reccommend?

Unidentified Assilant · Sat Apr 28, 2007 3:09 am

Case don't matter, I think 7.1 would be a waste of money, i've never seen a movie or game with encoded 7.1 sound, 5.1 is useful though.

Felino · Post by **Felino** » Sat Apr 28, 2007 7:49 am

I think the case matters, I kinda the xioxide ones, opinions?

theelk · Post by **theelk** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 9:53 am

Why don't you get some high quality, surround capable headphones? I have always preferred headphones.