Logitech z640 (REBATES!!), and other 5.1/4.1/2.1 rigs + recommended Sound Card Discussions - set up a dream system cheap

[Creig]

Actually agent2099, I would say that the best 2.1 system under $200 (heck, even under $100) is without question the Altec Lansing ACS48 PowerCube Plus. 40 watt 6" long throw woofer in a wooden cabinet combined with a pair of 20 watt two way satellites equals incredibly clear sound reproduction and excellent bass.

 

[Leatherneck711]

You can also pick up the Logitech Z640's at BestBuy. Store price is $69.99. If you get the BB 10% off computer accesories coupon that is printed in various magazines(got mine in SI). You can pick these up for $69.99-$20MIR-10%=$42.99+tax. The MIR is a little sticker on the box.

The cashier I had was confused about the 10% off coupon and gave me $10 off instead, so you may also get lucky and get these for under $40 +tax.

These speakers are not bad for a decent 5.1 system. Diffenitely an improvement over my old Labtec 2.1 system. For those worried about the bass, there is a seperate volume knob on the subwoffer to independently control the bass volume. They don't put out a ton of power, but they sound pretty decent coupled to an Audigy2.

 

[Xenon14]

Sonigistix Monsoon MH-505 FLAT PANEL SURROUND SYSTEM $145.99 @ buy.com. (Control unit, 5 speakers, subwoofer)
Logitech z-560 - $141.40 @ buy.com (4 speakers, subwoofer)
Logitech z-640 - $69.41 @ buy.com (5 speakers, subwoofer) less power than 560's.
ALTEC LANSING 641 - $139.99 @ buy.com (4 speakers, subwoofer)
ALTEC LANSING 5100 - $133.99 @buy.com (5 speakers , subwoofer)


I'm also looking for speaker sets. So far these caught my attention. Which would you go for? i heard teh monsoon, the bass is heavily underpowered. I also heard the altec, and the sound is amazing. especailly for the size of the satellites on the 5100. In my list above, the 4.1 setups provide more power than the 5.1, but is there a noteceable diff between having a 5.1 vs a 4.1 setup? So far, the most power and quantity of speakers, the Altec Lansing 5100 has the best of both worlds as far as I can tell.

 

[FOBioPatel]

firstly and foremostly, lets slam the christmas donkey for not hitting us with these deals before christmas.

secondly, and secondmostly... i would think that the quality of your sound card would be the basis of your purchase. my motherboard soundcard is crazy high end for some reason, and supports a 5.1 system (6 channel output)

there are new systems coming out that support 6.1 outputs, in fact creative is unleashing their high end cambridge soundworks systems later this year to compliment their newest sound card series.

i would say don't waste your money on a 99db sound suppressed system (megaworks 550), if your computer hums loudly. it's pointless. get the 95 - 75 db sound suppression in the WAY cheaper sets of speakers available for purchase.

logitech z640, my favorite. GOOD LOOKS ON THE FALLING BEST BUY PRICES!!!! can anyone confirm 0% tax on shipments from buy.com to NJ... as far as I know it's only taxed in some areas through buy.com


help?

 

[Xenon14]

I'm getting a new sound card too. Total price i want to spend around $300, so Santa Cruz, Audigy.... still deciding. WHat do u think??

 

[RIGorous1]

Originally posted by: Xenon14
I'm getting a new sound card too. Total price i want to spend around $300, so Santa Cruz, Audigy.... still deciding. WHat do u think??

Santa Cruz if you're into harmonics and music for the majority of your use, and the Audigy if you're a gamer.

 

[FOBioPatel]

the 6.1 channel sound cards are very expensive, but if anyone is in the market i recommend buying 5.1's... it never makes sense buying high end technology, you always know for sure it's going to be mid-range in a few months - and the price drops are extremely lucrative if you wait for them.

personal recommendations:
1.) your motherboard soundcard MAY support 5.1, or 4.1 channel outputs
2.) the cheap donkey cr@p cards that you would find every once in a while with a rebate offer, make sure it supports 5.1 output, or you're wasting your time


anyone know if 2.1 (3 channel) cards will support a 4.1 sound system, as well as a 5.1 sound system? any way to force feedback through every speaker?

 

[EXman]

Love my new Logitechs Z640 plenty for a seldom gamer and great for their primary purpose http://www.bobthebuilder.com which sucked with headphones for my 2 year old! cannot beat the price especialy with onboard 5.1 c-media support. less than 50 bones woohoo!

 

[FOBioPatel]

now listed on bensbargains.net

 

[MoleX]

Screw 6.1 Most of us, if not all us DO Not have the space in our computer areas of 5 much less 6 speakers, That being said just I picked up the FORT3 and set of z640's from Newegg for 125$ shipped before MIR. The combo kicks ass, placing the speakers was a fun chore, ended up wiring the full suite 7.1, added an old pair of Altec Lancing AC40's with an 1/8 stereo adaptder to about 5' behind where i sit.

With a true 6.1 setup the 6th speaker should be signle channel and not matrixed. and be placed directly behind and above the listener. hmm I thought about wiring both speakers to the back of my chair with a 3 foot extention bracket on the top, but quickly shot that down as it would require a lot wiring and whole lotta hassle.

I also have a 7.1 in my living room, Matched Polks all the way around and an SVS Boiler.

All in all, the z640's are fine for regular music/movie and game playing, I would not use them as my primary movie or music speakers, but for $50 shipped after MIR. I dont think you can go wrong.

MOLE

 

[FOBioPatel]

do tell more about how you config'd the 5.1 speakers in a 6.1 setup, technical notes please. i got a pair of altecs i would like to integrate into the 5.1 logitech's I plan on buying!!!

 

[hcarlson]

just ordered from newegg and didn't realize there was a rebate...coupled with my TB santa cruz sound card, these should be nice

 

[sygyzy]

A little OT but does anyone have this problem:

I have the 560's hooked up to my built in sound card (CMedia on Soyo Dragon). The rear speakers just output a copy of the front. I have them plugged in right and all. There is no distinct rear channel. If I lower the front volume all the way down, all the speakers are quiet. If I lower the rear speakers all the way down, all speakers still play.

What gives?

 

[FOBioPatel]

buy a new pair of z560, repackage and return old and claim as defective. (maybe they are?) i don't feel bad doing this if they are still under their warranty time period, it's just *wrong* that you have to pay for a defective product in terms of shipping just for warranty coverage.

does anyone know how to mod a z560 to emulate a 5.1 setup, or is it just impossible? can anyone tell me how to mod a 6.1 z640 setup to emulate a 7.1 setup.

many thanks.

 

[sygyzy]

You don't need to mod it to make it 5.1. Your soundcard has a center channel output so you plug in any speaker and you have 5.1. Now if you are talking aboiut digital decoders like DTS and Dolby, then I don't know

And you are right. I wouldn't feel bad doing that. I think it's my speakers that are defective.