How big of a difference between 4.1 & 5.1 surround sound speaker setup?

[GtrCheck]

I want to get some good speakers for my computer, but need to decide on whether or not I should go with a 4.1 or 5.1 speaker set. If I go with the 4.1 speaker set, I won't have to get a new soundcard plus I can get a more affordable set of speakers. I want to know if the added speaker in the 5.1 setup enhances the sound in DVDs and games enough that I should spend the extra money for them. Any advice would be appreciated. I don't need speaker or soundcard brand recommendations, just opinions on whether the 5th sattelite speaker is worth the cost.

Thanks

 

[GtrCheck]

*bump for the evening*

 

[DJediMaster]

IMO i think 5.1 is unnecessary for a computer set-up. You will only be watching movies probably by yourself and the center channel is not necessary in this case. You only need 5.1 with a larger viewing audience or when there are viewers that are 'off axis'. If the 2 front speakers are positioned relatively close to each other they will create a good phantom centre channel.

 

[AMB]

What sound card do you have?

I only use 5.1 for DVDs at the moment,

 

[Insane3D]

I agree. If your front speakers are less than say 5ft apart, the "phantom" center channel works well in most cases.

 

[glen]

DJediMaster is correct.
Center channel is only needed if you are not centered between the right and left speakers.

 

[GtrCheck]

*one last bump*

Thanks to all who replied. By the way my soundcard is a Soundblaster PCI 64V. It can do the 4 speaker + subwoofer thing, but not the 5.1 thing. I don't really want to replace it unless I have to. Thanks again