ACS45.2 + more speakers?

[MrHappyMonkey]

Hello,

I have the Altec Lansing 45.2 2.1 speaker system (picked it up for $60 with shipping and tax). I would like to add 2 more speakers for surround sound (make it a 4.1 system). I have a Sound Blaster PCI64 sound card. Will this support additional speakers? If so, what do you recommend? The bass on these speakers are pretty sweet, so I probably don't need another sub-woofer.

I am looking for the cheapest deal with the best sound. I am only looking to spend at most $40 for the additional speakers.

Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[Philly C]

If you look under the spec sheet for that card, you find that it DOES support 4 speakers. For cheap, yet good sounding speakers, look at Labtec speakers.

 

[MrHappyMonkey]

You have any suggestions for which model?

 

[EvilDonnyboy]

I suggest the ACs 56's. Simlilar to the ACS45.2's you have now, except with a more powerful, higher quality amp. It's also got wall mountable rear speakers, treble/bass controlls on the right speaker, digital input (spdif). And it's damn cheap.

 

[MrHappyMonkey]

These are pretty sweet speakers.

What would be the difference between the ACS54 and the ACS56? I see that it is 20 watts less. Will this make too much of a difference? I am looking to use these speakers for mostly music and some gaming.

I can pick up the ACS54 for about $50 shipped.

What about the SoundsBlaster FPS* line of speakers?

 

[EvilDonnyboy]

At the same price level, I'd go with the Altec ACS instead of the Creative FPS series. CS54 outperforms FPS1000, ACS56 outperforms FPS2000. The 3500 are nice, but are more spensive.

The ACS56 has better sub, 6.5 inches over 4 inches. This will help make the bass more powerful, yet less "boomy" and muddy. If you can afford them, I highly recommend getting the ACS56 over the 54's as the difference isn't just the amp power and volume levels.

 

[w74656]

Yes, I have the ACS56s and they are sweet fo the price. I believe the subwoofer ACS45.2 is comparable with the 56's. If you want inexpensive 2.0 surround speakers, try Yahama's YST-M101 @ $18.88, hear them at Price Club (Costco), pretty good for its price.