Computer 5.1 setup - receiver or not? and, which speakers? (1 Viewer)

[The111]

Currently I have an old soundcard in my machine running through an old 2-channel Pioneer stereo, with some old Pioneer tower speakers. It sounds pretty decent, but the receiver is dying I think because one channel cuts out a lot. And I want to move up to a 5.1 system for gaming, but still retain good 2-channel performance for music.

My first move will be to get a new soundcard, probably one of those Auzentech Xplosions.

After that, my first decision is do I get a powered speaker kit so I don't need a receiver? Or do I get a newer receiver with 5/6/7 channels and use that to drive "real speakers" as I've always done in the past? Honestly, I like having a receiver, and imagine that maybe it sounds better that way... but finding space on my computer desk for a receiver has always been a hassle and it would be so convenient (space-wise) to not have one. Is it possible to get good sound going straight from the sound card to powered speakers?

Next task, speaker selection. I read awesome things on the computer sites about the Logitech Z-5500, but honestly I bought another Logitech set once (not quite as high on their product lineup) and listening to mp3's on it sounded like crap compared to my old Pioneer 2-channel setup, and I returned the Logitech set to Best Buy immediately. Should I be looking outside of "computer speaker kits"? Does this decision depend on whether or not I'm using a receiver? I like having a physical volume knob, again whether or not I'm using a receiver.

I guess I'd prefer not to spend more than $500 (not including the sound card) on this whole thing. The main reason for upgrading to 5.1 is for the FPS games I play. But I still want to have good sound when listening to music (mp3's), at least as good if not better than my old Pioneer 2-channel setup.

Thanks in advance for any insight!

 

[The111]

Bump? Anybody?

Thanks!

 

[Cees Alons]

Matt,

Let's try the Computer forum. Hopefully more knowledge of soundcards and attached speakers here....

 

[Ken Chan]

You've got the first part right: a soundcard with Dolby Digital Live and/or DTS Connect, either of which will do real-time encoding of multichannel audio into DD or DTS. What you want to do is send this digital bitstream to a decoder/preamp with a volume knob. You don't want an analog connection directly between speakers and the soundcard -- the DACs on the soundcard are dubious, and the PC is electrically noisy.

Whether you use a "real" receiver/amp like a Pioneer, or one specifically designed for computers/games like the Logitech (the ones that accept DD or DTS), is about those size/space vs. quality. Most computer speakers use small satellites and a sub, and their amps are probably not as good. What can you expect at that cost? The Z-5500 sounds OK to me, but I specifically don't try to compare them to "real" speakers because I'm pretty sure I would be disappointed.

From your post, I would guess you would be happier with real speakers with a real amp. Buy a new receiver and some new satellites for surround.

 

[ThomasC]

I agree. That would give you a 4.1 setup. If you wanted a center to make it a 5.1 setup (and if you have the room), I would suggest moving your towers to the back for to act as surrounds and buy matching speakers for the fronts.

If you're going to stick with $500, I would suggest getting just a receiver and subwoofer, and saving up for the speakers. In the long run, it will be worth it.

 

[The111]

By "the Logitech one" are you referring to the powered amp built into the sub in the Logitech system?

What are some other examples of "not real" receiver/amps?

I don't mind having a real receiver but it's so hard to find somewhere on my computer desk to put it, having two widescreen monitors. Guess I'll have to get creative.

 

[Ken Chan]

Regarding "real", I'm talking about both the preamp/processor and amp. In a classic home theater receiver, they're both in the same box. With the Logitech Z-5500, they're separate: the part with the volume knob accepts a digital (optical or coax) DD or DTS connection, and the amp is built into the sub. Creative used to make some comparable systems, but right now I can't make sense of their product line. It doesn't seem like there are as many choices in this "not real" area as there were maybe a few years ago. But like I said, you're probably better off going with "real".

 

[bobbyg2]

I've heard the Logitech Z-5500's in person at a friends house, and at least to me they sound relatively decent for the price. The only real complaint I have about them is that they seem to lack a little bit in the lower mid-range, to higher low-end frequencies.