4.1 or 5.1 speakers for EAX/A3D gaming?

[VBboy]

I am totally confused about speakers and 3d sound technologies. I am buying the Game Theater XP. Now, for the EAX or A3D-supporting games, do I need 4.1 or 5.1? Or is 5.1 only used when listening to DVDs?

Is the Klipsch 4.1 then limiting because there is no central speaker? (So then although it may sound better than some 5.1 systems it would be less 3-dimensional?)

Please post any info or links about 3d gaming and audio you have, I need to educate myself

 

[Hender]

EAX and A3D both work well with 2-speaker setups. In fact, they were developed initially so that people didn't need to rush out and buy surround sound for their PCs (a lot of good it has done, no?). Technically, you don't need either 4.1 OR 5.1 to effectively use either technology, because their main job is to emulate surround sound and the sounds coming from different directions. If you actually DO have surround sound, then the technology might work better because instead of emulating which direction a sound comes from, it actually comes from that direction. I'm not too versed on the A3D vs. EAX debate, but when it was important, I seem to remember that EAX was better for two speakers and A3D for four.

Bottom line, you don't need to worry about speaker setups to use either technology. It's a premium. 5.1 is rarely, and I mean *rarely* used in games. Maybe 1 or 2 out of every 50 use it, and only a few more than that effectively use surround sound--with the exception of games programmed for EAX and A3D. 5.1 is really only useful if you use your PC to watch DVD movies, and by the time you've just dropped enough for a decent DVD set-top box to watch movies on your TV, which would much more comfortable, most likely.

From what I've heard, the Klipsch Promedia 4.1 isn't limited by much, but the lack of a center channel probably isn't one of them. They rank higher than the majority of 5.1 systems, from what I've read. I plan on picking up a set of 4.2's when I get the cash later this year.

 

[Rafael]

EAX and A3D a 4.1 is fine, for 3D sounds effects. I got FPS1000 SoundWorks is jut fine for EAX and A3D.
5.1 only for Dolby Digital I think.

Raf

 

[Sugadaddy]

A3D, EAX, etc. games are all 4.1, so that's all you need. 5.1 is for Dolby Digital or DTS. Some sound cards will use the center channel in games, but they only reproduce the sound you hear from the front speakers, it won't be a different channel...

 

[VBboy]

Klipsch got this ProMedia 5.1 coming out, but they have ZERO information on it on their web site... Maybe I should wait for these to come out..

 

[Sugadaddy]

The Klipsch are very nice, but I'd stick with the 4.1's. If you're gonna get 5.1 speakers, get some that have a hardware DD decoder...

 

[RedShirt]

I hear that the Klipsch 5.1 will have 500 watt RMS power! 200 watt sub and with dual 8 inch woofers

 

[JellyBaby]

Don't forget, when all else fails simply listen to your source using both configurations and...(dramatic pause)...pick the one that sounds best!

 

[VBboy]

JellyBaby,

I can't really listen to both configurations because I would have to buy a 4.1 and a 5.1 system I have to take your and everyone else's word for it.

 

[jaggrey]

I have Altec Lansing ADA890 speakers teamed up with my SB Live! 5.1 speakers. Beautiful. Simply beautiful.

Before I had Altec's ACS-56 speakers with a SB Live! Value w/digital out. Also beautiful.

Both were excellent for watching DVDs and for playing games. Like some1 else said, you don't really need the center speaker unless you'll be watching DVDs, and it may even be hard to tell the difference. I know with my Altecs, when you put them in 5.1 mode they emulate a center channel. Can't say I notice a huge difference between those and my old ones.

 

[whitelight]

you don't really need the 5th channel. stick with a 4.1 system. they're great for gaming. and most 4.1 systems emulate the 5th channel really well anyway. i have a midiland 7100plus (5.1 system with dd decoder), but it sucks for gaming cuz the decoder processes the eax/a3d streams incorrectly. i can fix the problem by overriding the deocder, but that defeats the purpose of getting that system in the first place. so i recommend sticking with a 4.1 if you're gonna game a lot.

 

[parikh26]

I have a digital card(tb santa cruz). Do i need digital speaks? For tv tuner, occational dvd, and rareley games. Budget $150 or so.

Much appreciated

 

[holdencommodore]

look here 3dSoundSurge for more info on sound cards etc...

cheers.

 

[erikiksaz]

ahhem*headphones*achhuu*are*ahhum*better*achhooo*for*aahhuuw*3d*acheew*sound*achew*algorithms