2 computers, 1 sound system.

[Vim]

I am about to invest a ridiculous sum of money into two new computer systems and have all the components already selected with the exception of sound related items. Up until now I have just gone with creative sound cards and logitech speakers on most of my systems. My most recent being audigy2 ZS and z5300 5.1. I never thought it was a bad sound system, nor particularly great either. But after briefly reading through this forum it sounds like I've probably been missing out...

My initial thought was to just purchase a couple xfi titanium fatality champion super extreme quantum spitfire nova turbo whatever-the-heck their sound card is called, and match it up with z5500's. Those seem to be particularly poorly received here though, so I probably need to put more thought into my sound selections. But I have a couple roadblocks, not the least of which is I know little about such things so far. The other is that I have two systems that I need to simultaneously feed one set of speakers without degrading the quality of either and hopefully retaining surround sound.

Here is some relevant information that I am hoping someone more knowledgeable than me could use to point me in the right direction.

First system is overkill high end - i7, asus revolution, was planning on at least 2x sli, maybe 3 or 4 depending what slot I need for sound (only PCIe). It will be used primarily for gaming, but also for HD movies.

Second system will be mid range - c2quad, asus mobo, should be plenty of slots available. Its a secondary system that will run two side lcds, primarly used for music, tv, browsing, chats, etc.

I don't really have a set budget but I will have well over 5 grand tied up in both systems before the sound selections so the amount is starting to get a bit high for my tastes. I originally figured on 500ish for sound related items, which probably isn't enough after reading some posts here . So I don't have a real cap on price, just hoping for something nice but within reason from my original amount.

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

 

[ashmedai]

xfi titanium fatality champion super extreme quantum spitfire nova turbo

Hah...yeah, that's one of my problems with those. OMG SHINY NAME BUY BUY BUY...um, okay, but what does it DO? All I care about is what it does for my sound.

As an analog source, it's fairly crappy. As a digital source, it's overpriced compared to solutions that do almost everything it can. IF you need EAX etc...they've worked it so they're pretty much the only game. I recommend for or against getting one depending on what appears appropriate for the build.

I think one of the advantages is that it will bundle positional audio from gaming into an S/PDIF digital signal. Don't quote me on that. But if so, it would make some things easier.

I have two systems that I need to simultaneously feed one set of speakers without degrading the quality of either and hopefully retaining surround sound.

Sounds like a job for a receiver. Got space for one?

Actually, you just need some sort of source selection. It's easier to hack with stereo, but if you can pack all your surround needs into an S/PDIF interconnect it's also pretty darn easy. Analog source selection...well, it might cost a little more to implement, but it's still possible - especially for only two sources. This is something that needs addressing, but it can be done.

A receiver is just a device with a lot of source selection features and usually a multi-channel amplifier - and you probably need both of those features for this. Possibly some other random features like video A to D conversion tossed in.

I originally figured on 500ish for sound related items

You can easily do passive-speaker surround for that. Used would give you the best results of course, so I'd start investigating that if you feel comfortable doing so, but there are a number of new options too.

Here is an example (plus receiver from elsewhere). You can do better.

I don't see anything in your post about your intended uses for the audio system or what your priorities are regarding quality. It might be important in determining the advice you need.

 

[caw2007]

If you search on monoprice.com you can find a manual optical switch and cables for super cheap. Then you just need sound cards that output an optical signal and the z5500 can do the rest! It's not THE cleanest solution, but really the only other option is to buy a real home theater style receiver and speakers. The receiver will have plenty of inputs and a remote.

 

[defaultluser]

You may not need a receiver, it just depends on what you purchase. My M-AUDIO AV40 system (2.0 powered speakers) has dual inputs, and automatically mixes them together. No pesky switching necessary!

Now, I get the impression that you want a 5.1 system instead of monitors, but you may be able to find this feature in other high-end computer speakers as well.