best speakers for computer and Xbox 360

[shuttleboi]

I'm planning to get an Xbox 360 and play it on my Dell 2407 monitor in my den. What's the best 2.1 or 5.1 speakers that I can use for both my computer and the Xbox? Are there any speakers that have digital inputs?

 

[noagname]

something

 

[shuttleboi]

Originally posted by: noagname
something

Put down the roach.

Anyone else?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Logitech z-5500s would be my first suggestion. 6 channel direct input for 5.1 computer usage and a digital optical input for the 360.
The older z-680s would be a good choice too if you can find them.

This is assuming you can set up the 5.1 speakers with two of them behind you (or at least to the side)

If you can't do that due to your room, you should probably just stick to a 2.1 set instead.

 

[Oyeve]

Originally posted by: shuttleboi

Originally posted by: noagname
something

Put down the roach.

Anyone else?

Ahahah. Thanks for the laugh!

 

[goobernoodles]

+1 on the z-5500's.

 

[RanDum72]

How much are you willing to spend?

 

[shuttleboi]

I would hate running cables through my den to set up the rear speakers.

Are there any good 2.1 speakers? Ideally, they would have separate inputs for the PC and the Xbox, and there would be a switch to multiplex between them.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

You could add an input switch to basically any speaker set you want.

Without knowing your budget, the Klipsch iFi set can be had for around $200 from what I understand and that had dual inputs. It doesn't really switch between the sources though.

The input on the back of the sub always stays active and the connection on the pod mixes with that.

Here, just read this

http://www.klipsch.com/media/products/owners-manuals/iFi%20eng_.pdf

If you mute your computer when playing xbox, and have the xbox turned off when using the computer, there shouldn't be any issues with that vs. a switch.

 

[shuttleboi]

I can spend up to $300. The iFi looks interesting, but it's obviously iPod-centric. I guess I'll have to start looking at the Logitech Z2300 or the Z5500. The Z2300 is 2.1, but it has no secondary input or digital inputs. The Z5500 has all the inputs, but it's a massive 5.1 system.

 

[mshan]

http://www.spherexinc.com/home.aspx

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

You could do that. The iFi will be much better than any logitech set in terms of sound quality though. It's true it has ipod connectivity, but that shouldn't stop you from considering it a great speaker system for the price.

A digital connection would only really be needed if you wanted to do surround sound from your 360.

I'm reluctant to mention it, but there is also the z-5450 set. It has "wireless" rear speakers. You don't need to run speaker wire across the room, but you do have to plug the rear speakers into outlets to power their own amps.

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=360435

More like the z-5300s than the z-5500s in terms of size.

Remember size is relative though
I think I'm required to post this https://mywebspace.wisc.edu/spmclaughlin/web/Random/Log_vs_SVS.JPG

 

[beemercer]

For 2.1, I like my Logitech Z2300's.

 

[RanDum72]

I was going to suggest the Logitech 5450's since they have slick wireless rear speakers. Sound should be good enough for your needs.

 

[Molinjir]

Z-5550 probably, for the purposes you describe. However, it would be appropriate to consider klipsch 5. 1 ultra promedia as well. Both would fufill the function you want quite handily.
Klipsch is far superior for music, but lacks digital inputs, and cannot match the sheer 'boom' value of the logitech. That said, klipsch has superior, tighter bass.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Molinjir
Z-5550 probably, for the purposes you describe. However, it would be appropriate to consider klipsch 5. 1 ultra promedia as well. Both would fufill the function you want quite handily.
Klipsch is far superior for music, but lacks digital inputs, and cannot match the sheer 'boom' value of the logitech. That said, klipsch has superior, tighter bass.

And thus lacks a way to hook it up to get surround sound from the 360 so you'd be left with 2.1 output from that source unless you try a "fake surround" route of some sort

 

[Nocturnal]

I can't stress enough but the Logitech Z-5550s are like thee most suggested speakers on this forum, probably. I know if I had the $ I would buy it in a heart beat.

 

[shuttleboi]

The Logitech Z-5500 5.1 speakers appear to have the inputs I want. If I decide not to hook up the rear speakers (I don't want to string the cables across the room), is there a setting to have it reduce down to 3.1 or 2.1?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: shuttleboi
The Logitech Z-5500 5.1 speakers appear to have the inputs I want. If I decide not to hook up the rear speakers (I don't want to string the cables across the room), is there a setting to have it reduce down to 3.1 or 2.1?

Running with just 2-3 speakers connected will not hurt anything, but I don't know if there's a downmix option on them so the surround info is still played.