Recommendation for 2.1 Digital Speakers?

[tempoct]

Like sub-sat system. Low gaming. Music mainly.
Wanna try to use digital connector (coax or optical).
I saw Cambridge SoundWorks used to make one but not anymore. Currently seems to be only 5.1 system like the Logitech one.
Any recommendation?

 

[tempoct]

Look like 2.1 digital speakers have extincted.
tempoct

 

[Mr. Wolf]

Klipsch Promedia 2.1 is the best.

 

[4BwlNvvHufcy]

I'd look into getting a receiver, either a stereo receiver, or a home theater receiver with 7.1 capability. Also, know that running a digital signal out of your computer is only beneficial if the DAC, and other circuitry, are better in the device doing the digital to analog conversion than the sound card. for example, check this bit from alg7_munif's post from here:

When I plugged my headphone directly to the analogue output of the X-Meridian, I was amazed that the analogue output gave me a much better sound than the headphone output of my Z-5400. Before this the headphone output of my Z-5400 will give me a better sound quality than the analogue output of the X-Plosion. This shows that the X-Meridian has a better DAC/circuit than my Z-5400 but my Z-5400 circuit is better than the X-Plosion's analogue. I don't know how good is the Z-5500 compared to the Z-5400 but if you're planning to buy a Z-5400 and connect it digitally with the X-Meridian, I would say forget it, stay with analogue or get a real HT receiver.

It is my understanding that the noisy (electrically speaking) atmosphere in a computer can affect the analog output. Perhaps if you have a sound card with analog output capabilities that are a marginally superior than the digital to analog capabilities in a receiver, the electrical noise generated by your computer would cancel out that advantage. I haven't done any tests of the sort, so I can't comment too much. Just something to keep in mind. (If you will be using digital out straight from your motherboard, rather than onboard sound... digital is definitely the way to go. Not sure if you're using a sound card.)

If you do decide to go with a receiver + speaker combo, depending on what speakers you get, you could get away without using a sub. Of course, you can always add one later. That is the wonderful thing about buying real audio equipment instead of computer speakers: you're flexible in what you can do.

I'm not aware of any current generation 2.1 speakers with digital input capability. The only one I know off the top of my head is the Z-5500 from Logitech, which is 5.1. I believe Creative has some speaker offerings that have digital input, but I'm not familiar with them.

 

[tempoct]

Thanks,
I was looking at digital speakers because I use on-board sound of my P5B deluxe which has infamous cracking & popping noise. Not looking into big system coz I have another PC for HTPC purpose (connected to a Yamaha receiver via coax digital).
Just need some music while working but don't wanna spend much. I was looking to get a different sound card (says X-Fi Xtreme Music) but seems costly. If I could get 2.1 digital, I'll be all set.
Searched the web and found old creative 2.1 from yr 2000. That's only one thing I found. Maybe I should get Z-4540... seems to be on sale about $200. But really want a small system.

 

[SJetski71]

OP it may be more than what you're looking for but there's a promo running now with little time to waste

First, if you have a Paypal account, register here for a $20 discount to any business that accepts paypal: http://paypal.promotionexpert.com/holiday/ (must register before midnite tonight, purchase must be made between nov 23 and dec 30th)

Then sometime bewteen nov 23 and december 30th, head over to Accessories4less and pick out the Onkyo system you prefer: http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/category/HTIB

Accessories4less accepts Paypal payments, so therefore you'll ultimately end up with a $20 discount (rebated to your paypal account within 6-8 weeks to be exact). Even if you do not have a Paypal account and aren't qualified for the $20 discount, those are still the best prices you'll find on a proven-decent home theatre in a box set.

Good luck either way

 

[Silverghost]

Klipsch Promedia 2.1 is the best.

I agree. Awesome speakers but they are not digital

 

[tempoct]

What about Hi-end quality 2-ch sound card? I guess they also don't make that anymore. The cheap one is usually cr@ppy 6.1 channels... It would be good if some companies make good stereo card...