5.1 speaker setup

Navid

Diamond Member
Jul 26, 2004
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I have a 2.1 system and am thinking of upgrading to 5.1.

How do people place the rear speakers?
I look at different brands and none come with stands. Do you just put them on the ground? Someone would step on them! At this point, this is what is holding me back from ordering a 5.1 set!!!

Thanks for any tips,

Navid
 

frisbfreek

Member
May 30, 2004
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What does the room look like? You can't put the speakers on anything to both sides of you or behind you? Usually the surround speakers go between 90 to 130 degrees from the front center. Try to have them symmetrical (ie. 100 degrees left and right) but it's not manditory. Height wise they should be at or slightly above ear level, although this can be fudged as well. I wouldn't recommend placing anything on the floor directly.
Speaker stands depend on what speakers you're getting I guess. I personally wouldn't invest in speaker stands unless I have nicer speakers (better Logitech, Klipsch Promedia, or Gigaworks) though.
 

Navid

Diamond Member
Jul 26, 2004
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My computer desk is at a corner facing one wall. I can install the right rear speaker on a wall. But, not the left one.
I also didn't think that anybody put a speaker on the floor. But, I am wondering what everybody does!

I can place the left rear speaker, using a long wire, at the far corner of the room (so that it is not in the way). But, then, it would be very far from the person sitting at the computer desk (very asymmetrical).
 

Navid

Diamond Member
Jul 26, 2004
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I am sorry I forgot to mention this. I don't listen to music on the computer. This is for gaming. I now have 2.1. I am looking for more realism.

I am willing to pay the price for the good thing. But, like almost everybody (I think), I want to pay only as little as possible!
I hope to find something for around $80.
 

frisbfreek

Member
May 30, 2004
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You can go the cheaper route or invent a bit more money and get a really nice system. For under $80, there's the Logitech Z640:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=36-121-104&depa=0
which has a great deal right now.

After that there isn't anything worth the money until the Creative Megaworks 550:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=36-116-118&depa=0
The Megaworks are more musical, but I'd say it's a pretty good all around system.

There's also the Logitech Z680:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=36-121-105&depa=0
which would probably be better for gaming with it's boomy sub. But these two systems are quite a bit more than your $80.

It's up to you though... budget for less quality or more $ for an investment. Keep in mind though that speaker prices don't go down that much over time unlike other computer parts, so a good speaker system will probably last you a while.
 

Navid

Diamond Member
Jul 26, 2004
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Thanks!
I may go for Z640.

I still am not sure how/where to install the rear speakers!
 

torpid

Lifer
Sep 14, 2003
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The Z5300 are the best bang for your buck maybe. Though the 640s have a great price right now.
 

Garion

Platinum Member
Apr 23, 2001
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One other thing to try - Put the rear speakers on the ceiling. You can put them pretty much anywhere you need, in relation to your desk. (Note - Not that I've DONE it, just seen a lot of demos setup that way) - Could be UGLY with wires running across your ceiling, however.

- G
 

FlyingPigGod

Junior Member
Jun 12, 2004
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Before i switched back down to 2.1 I had my 5.1 setup on the ceiling. It was very easy to do most speakers have a place where you can stick a screw through for mounting. I also did this for a friend with some z5300s. If you goto a hardware store and tell the person what you are doing and what your ceiling is made out of they will get you the best screws for the job. Mine and my friends were both drywall.
 

Navid

Diamond Member
Jul 26, 2004
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Thanks frisb for your help. Thanks everyone for your suggestions.
I got Z640 from newegg when it was on sale and I got the speaker stands from Wallmart.
FarCry sounds different now (much better). And on-line half-life is much better now (I can tell if someone is behind me).

It is great!

Thanks
 

Gamingphreek

Lifer
Mar 31, 2003
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The Z-640's are awesome. Nothing on the high end speakers like the 680s and the high end creatives and of course the Klispsch's but for the amount you pay these speakers are very very good.

-Kevin