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Is everyone using 5.1 speakers?

C

Cally

Gawd
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Jan 27, 2005
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I just got off the phone with Klipsch about getting my sub repaired. They tell me $160 to send it to the repair facility, plus return shipping. I am thinking for a little bit more I could buy a new system that might last longer without repairs.
I went to Best Buy this morning to see what they had. I only saw 1 set of 5.1's and all the others were 2.0 sets,none were expensive.Checking the net for 5.1 sets didn't show me much more. Are 2.0 systems so much better now that 5.1's are dead? Bose had a nice set of 2.0 with top swiveling speakers they said emulated surround sound. These would be just for gaming.
 
These days, if you want a entry level 5.1, you should be looking at the home theatre in a box setups or repair the amp yourself. Pc surround is mostly logitech which I do not like. Bose is lol overpriced.

Partsexpress should have replacement amps and all the audio equipment you need for pretty cheap.

There is always craigslist too.
 
I use a 2.0 set of speakers for music/movies, and a pair of good stereo headphones for gaming, music, movies on my computer. I'd only use a 5.1 set for an actual home theatre, not for my PC as it is suboptimal for the gaming/music.
 
2ch speaker setup certainly isn't holding me back in competitive fps games, quite the contrary actually since the stereo imaging is so good.
 
I'm running a 4.1 bookshelf/ receiver setup.

I personally find out-of-phase sounds can only provide so much depth/ oomph, hence the necessity for rear speakers.

Should've gone this route a long time ago, TBH....
 
Using 5.1 speakers for my computer setup, not using computer multimedia speakers though... 5 speakers and sub + receiver
 
It isn't so much that 2.0/2.1 speakers are superior, its that most people didn't take the time to set up their 5.1 system. Most of my friends had their 5.1 speakers setup all in front of them, negating the whole point of 5.1.
 
450 said:
It isn't so much that 2.0/2.1 speakers are superior, its that most people didn't take the time to set up their 5.1 system. Most of my friends had their 5.1 speakers setup all in front of them, negating the whole point of 5.1.
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yep, I've noticed this, too. But most people don't take the time to mount the rear speakers, either due to computer/desk location, or lack of need.... (bought 5.1 only because it was labeled as "good" and was needed).

For me, I use a nice pair of cans and the dell soundbar (since the U2711 supports DP and HDMI audio, I can easily switch between my computer and xbox and still use the speakers). Though now I just use the cans, since my GTX580 doesn't have a DP port :(
 
jeremyshaw said:
yep, I've noticed this, too. But most people don't take the time to mount the rear speakers, either due to computer/desk location, or lack of need.... (bought 5.1 only because it was labeled as "good" and was needed).

For me, I use a nice pair of cans and the dell soundbar (since the U2711 supports DP and HDMI audio, I can easily switch between my computer and xbox and still use the speakers). Though now I just use the cans, since my GTX580 doesn't have a DP port :(
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Hmmm...does the u2711 have a 3.5mm aux input?
 
I used logitech z5500s until I got my bookshelves + sub + receiver last week. I'll just use the z5500s for my Xbox setup now.
 
Almighty ODST said:
I used logitech z5500s until I got my bookshelves + sub + receiver last week. I'll just use the z5500s for my Xbox setup now.
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One thing I did like over most klipsch speakers was that the z5500 had a optical/coax input.
 
Decibel said:
:eek:

Friends don't let friends buy Bose.
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No Highs, No Lows, Must be Bose!

I use a 2.1 set for music and movies (Swans M10) And headphones for Gaming. Currently using Sennheiser HD202 and they are great for about $20.
 
450 said:
One thing I did like over most klipsch speakers was that the z5500 had a optical/coax input.
Click to expand...

Yeah the digital inputs are quite handy but the sound quality on my new setup is so much better that I have no regrets.
 
compslckr said:
No Highs, No Lows, Must be Bose!

I use a 2.1 set for music and movies (Swans M10) And headphones for Gaming. Currently using Sennheiser HD202 and they are great for about $20.
Click to expand...
How do you like the M10s? I was thinking about those or M-Audio AV-40s but 2.0 might not have enough bass for me and I heard the M10 subwoofer is weak (I listen to a lot of electronic/trance/house/etc. so I need bass :p)

I thought about going with a 5.1 setup but its just impractical for me. My room is pretty small (like an apartment or dorm-sized room) and I don't have enough space to properly set up 5.1s. Well, I probably could, but it seems like more trouble than its worth for the size. I certainly would if I had a bigger room though.
 
I use 2 sets of 2.0 AV40s (4.0) currently as I live in a pretty small bachelor suite and that's about as much sounds as I can justify in here. Bass is ample with LFE piped to all 4 so no need for a sub, and the room is not wide enough to justify a centre channel. All in, I'm pretty happy with the setup. the AV40s are one of the best buys I've made in a long time.

Dustin
 
I use the logitech's too. I had the Klipschs before but the sub/amp died and that's why I have the logitechs. They have been rocking fine for years now. I have 3 other 5.1 setups in my house.
 
z5500's serving double duty: Xbox360 hooked up via optical digital + VGA to monitor (pre HDMI 360) and from computer via triple analog connection.
 
Im rolling a Logitech 2.1 system and a set of Razer Carcharias headphones and love them both. I use 5.1 for the home theater but have often wondered why really cause there's not much coming from the surround speakers except for the occasional sound effect.
 
12andy said:
I'm running a 4.1 bookshelf/ receiver setup.

I personally find out-of-phase sounds can only provide so much depth/ oomph, hence the necessity for rear speakers.

Should've gone this route a long time ago, TBH....
Click to expand...

4.1 really is what you want for pc use. 5.1 is a bit of a pita due to the center channel speaker placement. I only use the rears for gaming. My mains are way better speakers than the rears but it doesn't make a big difference when gaming.
 
spaceman said:
4.1 really is what you want for pc use. 5.1 is a bit of a pita due to the center channel speaker placement. I only use the rears for gaming. My mains are way better speakers than the rears but it doesn't make a big difference when gaming.
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Agreed. Having the "center" sounds played through the front mains allows for seamless timbre matching, as well. For some reason or another (aside from placement), I've always found that "PC" speakers with identical drivers always sounded much different than their "center" counterparts, especially when running pink noise through each channel.

A bit concerning whenever you're "mouse-looking" within an area with many ambient sounds playing at once - let alone voices going off - and the tonality is totally different as the scene sweeps through your screen. :(
 
I've always had 2.1s on my PC for games and music, and I've always been happy. Headphones too... my current gear is in my sig.

Anyway, for me stereo imaging does just fine for center vocals, and I've never had the urge to mess with setting up speakers behind me. It wouldn't really work in my room- I don't want rear speaker stands behind me, and as for wall mounting, well the rear wall is too far back and there's a closet door there to deal with. Plus there would be wire to run.

If / when my 2.1s die, I have a feeling it will be time to try a stereo reciever and some nice bookshelf speakers. Maybe a powered sub.
 
Music -> Stereo
Movie -> Surround Sound
Games -> Headphones or if you can 5.1 thru digital and the speaker placement as it should be. Dolby doesn't beat thru surround.
 
I've got two speaker sets connected to my Yamaha receiver. The "A" speakers are a set of Paradigm Cinema 90s. They use the ADP surrounds, so they're easier to install since they are beside you instead of behind you. The "B" speakers are a pair of Paradigm Titans (the Yamaha and the Titans are castoffs from my home theater). I have an Infinity sub too. So I use the Titans in stereo most of the time, and switch to the 5.1s for movies mostly. I have the Creative Titanium HD for the sound card, and I usually use the analog out for stereo and switch to optical for DDL 5.1. I'm pretty happy with the whole setup.
 
spaceman said:
4.1 really is what you want for pc use. 5.1 is a bit of a pita due to the center channel speaker placement. I only use the rears for gaming. My mains are way better speakers than the rears but it doesn't make a big difference when gaming.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately 4.1 hard to do for PCs. Reason is there's no 4.1 definition in Windows. It goes 2.0, 4.0, 5.1. So that means nothing gets sent to the sub. If you have a receiver, well then it can handle the redirection to the sub. However then you run in to another problem: Every receiver I've ever seen automatically engages a non-defeatable dynamic range compression on all channels if there is no center speaker (per the Dolby spec). The reason is to keep you from blowing your speakers when a 5.1 source is mixed down to 4.1. However it does mess with the sound and you can't turn it off (or even tell it is on).

Now you could hook up a center channel to the receiver to keep it happy, and then just tell Windows to use 4.0 speakers, that would work. Waste of a speaker but there you go.

I do know what you mean able placement though. I had to build a custom stand for my CC and it still sits higher than the mains.

In terms of the OPs question: No 5.1 is actually a rarity with PC gaming. Most people just have a small 2/2.1 system and call it good. I personally have a bigass 5.1 system, but plenty do not.
 
I appreciate all the comments. I am going for a good 2.1 system and currently looking at the corsair system that was reviewed. The logitech 2.1 would be my backup plan.
 
Cally said:
I appreciate all the comments. I am going for a good 2.1 system and currently looking at the corsair system that was reviewed. The logitech 2.1 would be my backup plan.
Click to expand...

Take a look at the Swan m50w as well.
 
I talked with Jon and his delivery schedule of the M50W's are maybe the end of next week. I see that the Corsair system on Amazon has a new price of $199. Close to $100 dollar savings on the corsairs pushes me towards getting them. Then I read a few posts on owners having troubles with the control pods, some being replaced more than once. That makes me hesitate on getting them.
How are the Swans for needing repairs? Anyone have any problems with them? Would Jon be the guy to send them back to if you did have a problem?
 
I use Alesis M1 Active MKII Studio monitors. I don't require surround sound on my PC.
I get very good imaging with these speakers when I game too.
 
The AV 40's and Alesis M1 MK2's seem a bit large for a desk top?
 
Cally said:
The AV 40's and Alesis M1 MK2's seem a bit large for a desk top?
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Ya, they are a little large,
desk-2011.jpg


The M-Audio BX5a speakers are about 1/4 the size of the Alesis and they sound excellent as well. My brother bought a pair 3-4 months ago for $200 at Guitar Center.
 
I have a 2.0 setup (swan 1080's), but am hoping to buy a powered sub soon. It would be awesome to have a 5.1 tower setup, but those logitech/"computer"/HT in a box 5.1 setups suck.
 
I have 2.1. 5.1 or 7.1 is only good if you actually have the room configuration for it. If your desk is in a corner and there are other obstructions in the room such as windows or doors or other furniture that stop you from properly placing the speakers, then there's no point.

Even for my TV, I went with a 2.1 system. My living room shape is just not optimal for surround sound. When I do the basement then it's a rectangle room and the TV/projector will be on a wall and not a corner, so it will be doable, and I'll be able to run the wires through the ceiling.
 
FOR MOVIES & MUSIC... I have a quadraphonic surround sound setup from my HT Omega audio card that goes analog front out to M-Audio SBX10 subwoofer, then from there to two M-Audio BX8a front speakers. The HT Omega analog surround goes out to two Swans D1080MKII speakers in the rear. Maybe this is called 4.1?

FOR GAMING & MUSIC... I have an Asus Essence STX audio card digital RCA/COAX output going to a Little Dot DAC_I that outputs stereo analog to a Little Dot MKV amplifier that outputs to my Ultrasone Pro 900 headphones.

Yes, I am running two audio cards at once on my Windows 7 machine. No, I do not have any problems, as I select a single output source for my computer audio depending on what I'm doing. It appears they both might be running the same/similar C-Media drivers which might make a difference. Both control panels have the same effects and options.
 
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I have Paradigm Cinema 70 5.1 speakers with an NAD T747 receiver (which I absolutely love). I also use Sennheiser PC350 and Shure SRH840 headphones, and I just bought a Creative X-FI HD card which has upgraded the headphone experience beyond all expectations.
 
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Asus Xonar Essence STX running to my Swan M200 MKIII's. Absolutely sublime for everything including gaming. I left cheap plastic 5.1 speakers in the dust long ago.
 
criccio said:
Asus Xonar Essence STX running to my Swan M200 MKIII's. Absolutely sublime for everything including gaming. I left cheap plastic 5.1 speakers in the dust long ago.
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Do you still use a Yamaha sub with your setup? I'm considering getting a pair of the M200 MKIIIs for my parents but I'm not sure if it'll need a sub or not.
 
450 said:
Do you still use a Yamaha sub with your setup? I'm considering getting a pair of the M200 MKIIIs for my parents but I'm not sure if it'll need a sub or not.
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Nope. I used that back with my old bookshelf and reciever setup.
 
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