Digital vs Analog Speakers

[carasage]

I am looking for a digital 2.1 speakers. I searched and searched and only found ones that are analog?

Then again I may be confused... when speakers are digital does that mean they use the optical inputs of the soundcard?

I am trying to look for a 2.1 speaker that utilizes the optical port. Are there such a thing?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

They're all analog (even the "digital" ones).

A speaker advertised as "digital" may have a digital input, but it has to be converted back to analog somewhere along the line before it gets to the speakers themselves.

A speaker set with a digital input is just delaying the conversion to analog until it gets to the speaker's control pod rather than having a soundcard or integrated audio solution do it.

If you have a decent soundcard, then don't worry about using a digital connection as the conversion to analog in a speaker's control pod may do a worse job than your dedicated soundcard would do.

What's your budget?

 

[carasage]

Thanks for the clarification.

Currently, I have a Audigy 2 ZS. My budgest is below $200, I can do like upto $150.
I guess preference would be mostly for games > movie > music... in that order of importance.

Also the reason why i am investing in a 2.1 setup instead of a 5.1 setup is because I have limited desk space. And besides its rather hard trying to setup rear speakers in my room.

so any suggestions/recommendations are greatly appreciated.

 

[Tiamat]

There is a good possibility that the DAC in the speaker is much cheaply made/less performing compared to the one in a dedicated sound card. Therefore, my vote goes to getting the best analog speakers you can, and allowing the soundcard to do the conversion.

Klipsch Promedia 2.1 comes to mind as an excellent speaker for computer purposes.

 

[Markbnj]

I bought digital speakers, and all they do is say "0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 1"

 

[reallyscrued]

^ LMFAO

 

[carasage]

so... yea.. any suggestions on speakers?

 

[nineball9]

If humans had digital ears you'd have no problem. Alas, they're analog.

For most people, speakers are a matter of personal taste. One person's "perfect" speakers are another person's "awful" speakers. Try listening to various models at some brick-and-mortar stores. Your ears and personal tastes will give you the best answer(s).

Good luck!

 

[ProviaFan]

The Klipsch Promedia 2.1's don't seem to be perfect in my humble opinion, but for the price, they are very decent "computer speakers." To get better, you'd probably need to spend a lot more. I'm satisfied with mine for listening to music in a less-than-perfect environment (college dorm).

 

[slpaulson]

I'd check out Klipsch Promedia 2.1's, Cambridge Soundworks MegaWorks and MicroWorks, and Altec Lansing MX5021.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

games= Logitech Z-2300s

music/movies= Klipsch Promedia 2.1