4.1 or 5.1 sound for computer games?

[mshan]

newbie question:

Should I get a 4.1 or 5.1 system for computer gaming?

Is 5.1 the wave of the future, or are games still (and will they continue to be) optimized for 4.1 sound?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

I think most computer speakers are 5.1 anyway.

I'd get 5.1 just for movies anyway if you think you'll watch DVDs on it.

A 5.1 set of speakers will be able to play any 4.1 stuff, but you'll miss the center channel in anything 5.1 or DD in the future.

Do you know how much you want to spend on your sound system? The best option for your budget might be 5.1 anyway.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

If it's just for computer gaming, you could get something as cheap as the Logitech Z640s. More than sufficient for gaming.

- M4H

 

[mshan]

These speakers would be purely for gaming (Turtle Beach Santa Cruz sound card).

I have an Asus A7N8X v2 Deluxe and would use it's digital output to a HT receiver for Dolby Digital.

 

[ts3433]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
If it's just for computer gaming, you could get something as cheap as the Logitech Z640s. More than sufficient for gaming.

- M4H

The X-530 set has since replaced that in Logitech's lineup. I have the $40 2.1 version (X-230) and I'm fairly satisfied. Comparing music playback versus my uncle's Z-640 set, I think it's a significant improvement. I'm sure the story's the same for gaming as well.

 

[mshan]

Are the Logitech Z-640 still the standard for purely gaming speakers?

(also, how well do they mate with a Turtle Beach Santa Cruz's analog outputs?)

 

[ribbon13]

Originally posted by: mshan
These speakers would be purely for gaming (Turtle Beach Santa Cruz sound card).

I have an Asus A7N8X v2 Deluxe and would use it's digital output to a HT receiver for Dolby Digital.

Do you already have a reiceiver? Heres a nicely priced kit

 

[Ike0069]

If you don't want to spend alot, the X-530's can be had for <$60 shipped. I really like mine for gaming.

 

[mshan]

I have an Outlaw 1050 AV receiver and Acoustic Research HC-6 home theater 5.1 system for DVD playback.

I was wondering if there are any cheap but quality gaming speakers for use with my Turtle Beach Santa Cruz.

 

[Ike0069]

I have mine connected to a cheap C-media sound card, and had on-board sound going before that. Both sounded great to me.

 

[Schneider879]

Originally posted by: ts3433

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
If it's just for computer gaming, you could get something as cheap as the Logitech Z640s. More than sufficient for gaming.

- M4H

The X-530 set has since replaced that in Logitech's lineup. I have the $40 2.1 version (X-230) and I'm fairly satisfied. Comparing music playback versus my uncle's Z-640 set, I think it's a significant improvement. I'm sure the story's the same for gaming as well.

The only problem with the x-530 is that it is much weaker than the z-640's. Only 70watts of total power.

 

[ribbon13]

Originally posted by: mshan
I have an Outlaw 1050 AV receiver and Acoustic Research HC-6 home theater 5.1 system for

:heart:
I bought one those for each member of my family. Too bad they stopped making it. What prompted you to buy one? That was like the ulitimate steal of a deal a few years ago.

 

[mshan]

I read a great review somewhere.

Yeah, they really are nice AV receivers and they show up on Audiogon.com at very low prices sometimes.

 

[mshan]

The other thing I was thinking was using a pair of Sennheiser PC150 headphones with my Turtle Beach Santa Cruz.

Anybody used that combo?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

So how cheap are you thinking?

... and you don't want to just hook this up to your hometheater set? 5.1 to 6 channel direct on your receiver?

If this is just for gaming and not music quality etc., then logitech makes nice sets for a lot of grunt bass . If you're looking for something a little more powerful than the systems already mentioned, 5300s will give you a good sound level (~$160).

Do you have an old receiver lying around? A couple sets of bookshelf speakers and a dayton sub would give you really nice bang for your buck.

EDIT: haven't used PC150s, but my 64ohm HD280s worked well with my old TBSC.

 

[joliver]

Originally posted by: mshan
Are the Logitech Z-640 still the standard for purely gaming speakers?

(also, how well do they mate with a Turtle Beach Santa Cruz's analog outputs?)

I tried hooking up my TB Santa Cruz to my 640's when I got them, only to find that in newer games I had to restart my computer every time I wanted to use surroud. It would work the first time I opened the program, but one I closed it and tried again I would lose sound. Odd.

I ended up buying an Audigy 2 ZS and haven't looked back. Works every time without error. The Santa Cruz is just getting too old...