2.1 or 5.1 setup?

[Hulk]

I'm trying to decide which one I should go for. Is there a big difference between the two. In games, with the 5.1 setup, can you really feel like there are bullets flying behind you or cars trying to overtake you?

 

[BLUEFISH44]

5.1 speakers combined with a good sound card makes everything more imersive (spelling?) I love it, i used to be a 2 speaker guy but now i will never go back. I compare it to a video card upgrade in terms of how much more you will notice in games.

And yes what happen behind you you hear from behind.

 

[dolphumous]

There's nothing like hearing a guy reload his gun while he's running up behind you.

You may have to get used to it.
I literally turned aorund a few times when I first got my 5.1's.

 

[Treyshadow]

First, its all about budget and what you want out of the sound.

A great 2.1 setup trumps a cheap 5.1 setup.

A good 5.1 setup is better for gaming than a great 2.1 setup (if running EAX or other DSP).

A great 2.1 setup beats any computer based 5.1 setup available today for music.


Decide where your priorities are and decide from there.

 

[spaceman]

bitching headphones like the Sennheiser 555 or 595 or audio technica ath ad700 airs or a900s will be a great option too. no "pc speaker" is as good as a real stereo or surround receiver setup.

the headphones are the cheapest route to awesome sound.

there's also alternatives to the x-fi btw. read the different posts here.