Computer Speakers or what?

[COLLEGERESOURCES]

I just got into this whole game and I have 200 to 300 dollar budget and I was wondering what would be the best buy for me. A home theatre system or something like logitech z680s/promedia 5.1. Is there any difference between them, because from what I know you can hook up the computer speakers up to other things as well. Any ideas

 

[thorin]

Originally posted by: COLLEGERESOURCES
I just got into this whole game and I have 200 to 300 dollar budget and I was wondering what would be the best buy for me.

<older person mode> Save your 'COLLEGERESOURCES' and don't buy anything until you 'NEED' it. </older person mode>

What are you gonna use the speakers for? Do you watch DVDs on/from your comp?

Thorin

 

[isaacmacdonald]

wonders when you truely "need" 5.1 audio as a consumer...

Anywho, most "computer speakers" use either/both analog minijacks or optical in. You can certainly hookup the inputs to a non-computer source... but I wouldn't buy them if you're planning on using them exclusively in a home theater capacity.

 

[chizow]

If you want to hook up other sources to your speaker system, you'll want to get a dedicated receiver and satellites. If you want limited inputs (both digital and analog) on a pseudo mini-receiver, the Z-680's would be the way to go (as they accept both analog and digital inputs). The Klipsch PM's require a separate 5.1 decoder that runs ~$100 IIRC.

5.1 is the next logical step in bringing HT-quality sound to the desktop PC. Its widely implemented today and will only continue to be integrated into desktop PC use, particularly in games. DVDs and DVD-audio are also best coupled with a 5.1 set-up.

Chiz