2.1, 4.1, or 5.1 for music lover, game hater?

[profchaos]

I'm searching for the right PC speakers since my previous Altec Lansing ATP3 set died. I listen to music throughout most of my hours at home, except when I'm sleeping. I can't remember the last time I played a computer game, maybe Civilization 1 many years ago. There are so many speaker sets to choose from, and most seem to be loaded with features for gamers. I'm pretty sure that most music tracks don't play on the center channel, and just replicate the stereo signal on the rears. Given the prices, it would seem to be a crime to overlook all the cheap 6.1 systems, like the $50 Logitech Z-530, but do I really want a 5.1 system for music playback?

Basically, can anyone recommend a no-nonsense, high quality speaker system for playing stereo audio tracks, in the $50-150 price range?

 

[SynthDude2001]

From what I read, a nice 2.1 system will be best for those who primarily listen to music. If you don't game or watch movies on your computer, then you don't really need a 4.1 (or higher) system.

Sorry, I don't have any specific recommendations, but I'm sure others will soon.

Welcome to the forums.

 

[ryanv12]

I had a quality pair of 2.1 speakers before, and I switched to 5.1 for gaming, but I also listen to a lot of music. The 5.1 is much more immersive because I'm in a little sonic bubble. I would recommend going more than 2.1 (The music actually plays in mono through the middle speaker(s)). Specific type, I can't tell you - I bought a creative inspire 5.1 system for $70.

 

[imported_Kensai]

I like 5.1 because it just encases me in sound.

 

[profchaos]

The forums sure have grown up a lot since I was last here. I used to have an active account here, chubbbs, 52 posts in 2001. Then I realied I didn't have enough money to be a hardware tool, so I became a Linux tool instead (which requires no money to be a guru in many areas). Over 1000 posts on the Gentoo forums is pretty high, are you the master of the Anandtech forums, SynthDude2001?

So music should play on all speakers in a 5.1 setup, out of an onboard audio stereo output? I'm thinking about those Logitech Z-530s, maybe I'll head out to Best Buy or some such and see if they sound good. I does seem to me that if they combined those 4 satellites into two and shifted the center power to the sub, the system would sound better at the same (or lower) price.

 

[SynthDude2001]

Originally posted by: profchaos
Over 1000 posts on the Gentoo forums is pretty high, are you the master of the Anandtech forums, SynthDude2001?

lol, not even close. There are a few guys here with over 50k posts, I just spend a lot of time here because I (mostly) enjoy it.

So music should play on all speakers in a 5.1 setup, out of an onboard audio stereo output?

Yeah, most if not all speaker systems will give you the option to clone a stereo source like that. My Z-640's let you do that, and I would imagine that the X-530's (their replacement) do as well.

 

[mshan]

What about headphones? (e. g. Grado SR-60 have a MSRP of $69)

http://www.head-fi.org

 

[Gurck]

Music is recorded in stereo for a reason... A 2.0 or 2.1 speaker system gives you the intended soundstage.

 

[Arcanedeath]

Depending on the type of music you listen to I'd rec these SWANS M200 2.0 Speaker - Retail they are kinda pricy, but have some of the best music reproduction possibe on the PC w/out an external amp. A price range would be good though, cause if you have around $ 500ish to spend you can get a HTIB (Home Theatre in a Box) that will blow away pretty much all PC speakers and you could hook it up to your TV / entertainment center so it could serve dual purposes. I've just got my HT setup hooked up to my PC and it sounds great

Edit: missed the price range part... but I still stand behind rec. ing the Swans for Music playback, I've heard them and they compare to much more expensive speakers w/ a decitated Amp, the only reason you might want to stay away is if you listen to alot of techno or very base heavy music, then you might want to look into a 2.1 set.

 

[Geomagick]

For music I would go for 2.1

Nuf said

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

I'd say stick to to 2.0 or 2.1 also.

I've read great things abotu the Swans linked to above. Klipsch Promedias are a little less and would be another good stereo option.