Yes, I did search the forums before posting this. 
Basically, I want to turn my computer and it's surrounding area (my desk is quite large) into a better entertainment centre for myself. Currently I've got my computer and the regular peripherals scattered around it (printer, scanner) as well as my bookshelf stereo. This is fine, but I'm thinking of moving my XBox there was well, and using the video in on my computer to play it. The living room is a good place for it, but having roommates, someone is always watching TV. I would also like to watch DVDs in all of their dolby 5.1 goodness.
For this to work, I've got a SB Live 5.1 that I've had for some time, so the DVD 5.1 isn't an issue. The only problem is the XBox. Because of the XBox, I need a system that can take optical input, and currently my computer can't handle that, and I don't think it's worth it to buy a Live Drive to do it (or another sound card, or whatever would be necessary).
So, what seems to make sense is getting a speaker set up like the Creative Inspire 5.1 5700, which has the dolby decoder/amp seperately, with necessary inputs. The other option is the Yamaha TSS1B, which is similar to the Inspire 5700 package, but is cheaper.
The problem is, these packages seem grossly underpowered compaired to the Logitech Z560's and the Altec 641's. Albeit, those are both 4 channel setups, and wouldn't do dolby properly, although I thing they would be sufficient.
400W is a LOT more than 48W (Z560's/641's vs Yamaha and Creative). So, my question is, has anybody else had the same problem? Is there a simple solution? Is the power rating for the 400W speakers correct? (For years computer speakers have always had their wattage rated rather sketchily)
Any information would be appreciated.
Basically, I want to turn my computer and it's surrounding area (my desk is quite large) into a better entertainment centre for myself. Currently I've got my computer and the regular peripherals scattered around it (printer, scanner) as well as my bookshelf stereo. This is fine, but I'm thinking of moving my XBox there was well, and using the video in on my computer to play it. The living room is a good place for it, but having roommates, someone is always watching TV. I would also like to watch DVDs in all of their dolby 5.1 goodness.
For this to work, I've got a SB Live 5.1 that I've had for some time, so the DVD 5.1 isn't an issue. The only problem is the XBox. Because of the XBox, I need a system that can take optical input, and currently my computer can't handle that, and I don't think it's worth it to buy a Live Drive to do it (or another sound card, or whatever would be necessary).
So, what seems to make sense is getting a speaker set up like the Creative Inspire 5.1 5700, which has the dolby decoder/amp seperately, with necessary inputs. The other option is the Yamaha TSS1B, which is similar to the Inspire 5700 package, but is cheaper.
The problem is, these packages seem grossly underpowered compaired to the Logitech Z560's and the Altec 641's. Albeit, those are both 4 channel setups, and wouldn't do dolby properly, although I thing they would be sufficient.
400W is a LOT more than 48W (Z560's/641's vs Yamaha and Creative). So, my question is, has anybody else had the same problem? Is there a simple solution? Is the power rating for the 400W speakers correct? (For years computer speakers have always had their wattage rated rather sketchily)
Any information would be appreciated.
Facebook
Twitter