Question I Purchased The Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus Pure Edition But I Use 2.1 Corsair SP2500 Speakers, Have I Wasted My Money?

[Cassius101]

I still use the Corsair SP2500 2.1 Speaker System which is discontinued but I consider it to be among the best 2.1 Computer Speakers ever made and I don't wanna stop using it. I have used it since 2013.

Did I waste my money? Will I still notice the benefits of having a sound card? I was thinking I won't. Using my speaker system I can't put the red and white audio inputs in the graphics card or the speakers won't work, it must be hooked into the speaker system subwoofer, unless there is some type of triple converter but I don't think there is. This means I can only use the headphone jack with the speaker system, while I will mostly be using headphones, I do like experiencing it without headphones sometimes.

The speaker system also has a remote with a headphone jack so I won't be hooking up my headphones into the soundcard so will I still notice the differences with having this sound card? I don't think the sound would be as loud on my headphones if I had them directly hooked into the sound card anyway, I could be wrong but I doubt I am.

Currently I am upgrading my computer and the new motherboard I have is the AsRock Steel Legend Wifi Z790, while the MOBO isn't so different it has Nahimic audio support and I think it looks nicer but the onboard sound isn't as good as my current mother board which is the Gigabyte AERO G Z790. The AERO G has the ALC1220-VB CODEC and the Steel Legend has the Realtek ALC897, while the ALC1220-VB is supposedly better I have seen some that say you won't notice the difference.

 

[Brainonska511]

If the speakers are computer speakers, presumably, they have a standard 3.5 mm jack to hook into your audio output, either the built in on the motherboard or the sound card. And if your speakers are only red/white RCA plugs, you can always get a cheap 3.5 mm to RCA split cable.

I don't know why you'd need to hook your speakers to your graphics card.

Given the capabilities of modern integrated sound solutions on motherboards, I find it unlikely that you would notice a difference between the integrated audio output vs a dedicated sound card.

 

[sdifox]

Return the sound card and buy better speakers

 

[Motostu]

Another option would be an optical to RCA converter something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/AUTOUTLET-Op...e5f92943eb9beb08d690c649cfb&gad_source=1&th=1

 

[bigboxes]

Return the sound card and buy better speakers

This exactly. Most motherboards have adequate enough sound. Either get some better powered speakers, preferably 2.0

 

[Cassius101]

Return the sound card and buy better speakers

What is so bad about my speakers? They are among the best 2.1 speakers ever made. On HardForum someone has a similar set up as me and they say it sounds a lot better. I haven't upgraded my computer yet, still need to buy the

G.SKILL Trident Z5 Royal RGB 64GB and i9 13900k. ​

https://hardforum.com/threads/i-purchased-the-creative-sound-blasterx-ae-5-plus-pure-edition-but-i-use-2-1-corsair-sp2500-speakers-have-i-wasted-my-money.2035661/post-1045908628

 

[Cassius101]

This exactly. Most motherboards have adequate enough sound. Either get some better powered speakers, preferably 2.0

Why is the Corsair SP2500 considered bad? I doubt you ever used them, it is a discontinued product, not many people have purchased them. They likely made Corsair a small profit at least but Corsair isn't known for making computer speakers, probably why it was discontinued since their manufacturing isn't focused on mass producing several different external speaker products. I am pretty sure it was officially sold from 2011-2018 then they ceased production.

Why should I get 2.0 speakers? I doubt many or any can peak at 232 watts like the SP2500 can.

 

[sdifox]

What is so bad about my speakers? They are among the best 2.1 speakers ever made. On HardForum someone has a similar set up as me and they say it sounds a lot better. I haven't upgraded my computer yet, still need to buy the

G.SKILL Trident Z5 Royal RGB 64GB and i9 13900k. ​

https://hardforum.com/threads/i-purchased-the-creative-sound-blasterx-ae-5-plus-pure-edition-but-i-use-2-1-corsair-sp2500-speakers-have-i-wasted-my-money.2035661/post-1045908628

Best amongst mediocre is not great.

Monoprice DT-5BT 60-Watt Multimedia Desktop Powered Speakers with Bluetooth - Monoprice.com

The Monoprice™ DT‑5BT Powered Multimedia Desktop Speakers deliver high‑quality sound in a compact form factor. Featuring a 60‑watt Class AB amplifier driving 5.25" polypro

www.monoprice.com

That pair will perform much better than the one you have.

 

[sdifox]

Why is the Corsair SP2500 considered bad? I doubt you ever used them, it is a discontinued product, not many people have purchased them. They likely made Corsair a small profit at least but Corsair isn't known for making computer speakers, probably why it was discontinued since their manufacturing isn't focused on mass producing several different external speaker products. I am pretty sure it was officially sold from 2011-2018 then they ceased production.

Why should I get 2.0 speakers? I doubt many or any can peak at 232 watts like the SP2500 can.

Because good 2.0 is much better than mediocre 2.1 PMPO numbers are pretty useless, but marketing loves it since it is much bigger than RMS.
It's about physics. The bigger the speaker cone, the easier it can make lower frequencies. While the Corsair is better than the typical 2.1, it is still wanting.

This one was on sale before, maybe you can wait for it to go on sale again. Ribbon tweeters are phenomenal. Of course, if you are happy withe the Corsair, keep using it but return the soundcard, it is not worth it.

https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=42000

<---- grew up in an electronics retailer/mid range distributor.

If you are interested you can read this. Mine you a few of the links are dead.

The Speaker Building Bible - Techtalk Speaker Building, Audio, Video Discussion Forum

Want a second or third opinion about your speaker cabinet design or other audio related problem? Post your question or comment on the Technical Discussion Board. Hundreds of technicians, engineers, and hobbyists, nationwide read and discuss electronics related questions each week. We welcome...

techtalk.parts-express.com

 

[Motostu]

Cassius, I think what I posted will allow you to connect, giving you a line level input.

 

[sdifox]

Cassius, I think what I posted will allow you to connect, giving you a line level input.

He can just use the headphone jack on the soundcard.

 

[Brainonska511]

He can just use the headphone jack on the soundcard.

Exactly. I was really confused when I initially read this thread. If it's a set of computer speakers, there should be nothing magical here. No reason to use the headphone jack on the front of the case. Just use the headphone jack on the sound card (or return the sound card and use the one on the motherboard).

 

[Motostu]

I realize that and have done the same, but for someone worried about potential distortion by overdriving a line level input I think the optical adapter would avoid that? NBD either way. Still need a 3.5mm to RCA adapter as the speaker set he has doesn't have a 3.5mm input.

 

[Cassius101]

Best amongst mediocre is not great.

Monoprice DT-5BT 60-Watt Multimedia Desktop Powered Speakers with Bluetooth - Monoprice.com

The Monoprice™ DT‑5BT Powered Multimedia Desktop Speakers deliver high‑quality sound in a compact form factor. Featuring a 60‑watt Class AB amplifier driving 5.25" polypro

www.monoprice.com

That pair will perform much better than the one you have.

Why would I get those? Aren't those only 60 watts combined. The Corsair SP2500 satellites are 56 watts each and the subwoofer is 120 watts which is why it's peak is 232 watts. I rate my Corsair SP2500 8.5/10, they are not bad speakers and all reviews are very positive of them. They are probably the best 2.1 Speakers ever made, I can't find any that are as good or better.

https://lanoc.org/review/audio/5087-corsair-sp2500-21-pc-speaker-system?start=4

Corsair SP2500 Review | bit-tech.net

A wall of fantastic, punchy sound with plenty of detail.

bit-tech.net

Corsair SP2500 speaker review (Page 8)

Armed with a phat sub, two satellite speakers and a very dandy LCD control DSP unit we'll today have a look at that Corsair Gaming Audio SP2500 speaker kit. It definitely surprised us away in terms of audio quality.

www.guru3d.com

 

[sdifox]

I realize that and have done the same, but for someone worried about potential distortion by overdriving a line level input I think the optical adapter would avoid that? NBD either way. Still need a 3.5mm to RCA adapter as the speaker set he has doesn't have a 3.5mm input.

Eh? How is that even a problem? It is configurable.

https://download.gigabyte.com/FileList/Manual/mb_manual_z590-1220audio_v1.pdf?v=61f0c0c7ceefb67f9ec6e36e0a987b70

 

[sdifox]

Why would I get those? Aren't those only 60 watts combined. The Corsair SP2500 satellites are 56 watts each and the subwoofer is 120 watts which is why it's peak is 232 watts. I rate my Corsair SP2500 8.5/10, they are not bad speakers and all reviews are very positive of them. They are probably the best 2.1 Speakers ever made, I can't find any that are as good or better.

https://lanoc.org/review/audio/5087-corsair-sp2500-21-pc-speaker-system?start=4

Corsair SP2500 Review | bit-tech.net

A wall of fantastic, punchy sound with plenty of detail.

bit-tech.net

Corsair SP2500 speaker review (Page 8)

Armed with a phat sub, two satellite speakers and a very dandy LCD control DSP unit we'll today have a look at that Corsair Gaming Audio SP2500 speaker kit. It definitely surprised us away in terms of audio quality.

www.guru3d.com

3" driver requires more power than a 5.25" driver to produce the same decibel level for a given frequency, assuming they have the same efficiency. A smaller driver has faster reaponse rate for higher frequency than a bigger driver.

 

[WilliamM2]

Why would I get those? Aren't those only 60 watts combined. The Corsair SP2500 satellites are 56 watts each and the subwoofer is 120 watts which is why it's peak is 232 watts. I rate my Corsair SP2500 8.5/10, they are not bad speakers and all reviews are very positive of them. They are probably the best 2.1 Speakers ever made, I can't find any that are as good or better.

I am sure those speakers would be lucky to achieve 7 watts RMS for the speakers, maybe 10-12 for the sub? 232 watts? Not hardly.

I run home stereo speakers off a true 50 watt per channel Rotel power amp, and a 100 watt powered sub. It will blow you out of the room at half volume. Way more than needed for near field listening. But I already had the amp just sitting in the closet...

 

[sdifox]

I am sure those speakers would be lucky to achieve 7 watts RMS for the speakers, maybe 10-12 for the sub? 232 watts? Not hardly.

I run home stereo speakers off a true 50 watt per channel Rotel power amp, and a 100 watt powered sub. It will blow you out of the room at half volume. Way more than needed for near field listening. But I already had the amp just sitting in the closet...

I have 5x125w Outlaw 750 amp. Plus 2x500w sub built into my mains. And a spare Carver 505.

They have been in boxes since I moved in Nov 2011. Hopefully I'll get my projection HT setup again this year, the room is built.

Each of my main speakers is 125lbs

 

[Cassius101]

I am sure those speakers would be lucky to achieve 7 watts RMS for the speakers, maybe 10-12 for the sub? 232 watts? Not hardly.

I run home stereo speakers off a true 50 watt per channel Rotel power amp, and a 100 watt powered sub. It will blow you out of the room at half volume. Way more than needed for near field listening. But I already had the amp just sitting in the closet...

So you think it was false advertising, I don't think so. They sound much louder than only being 7 watts for the speakers, it is delusional if you think those satellites are only 7 watts each.

https://lanoc.org/review/audio/5087-corsair-sp2500-21-pc-speaker-system?showall=1

 

[Cassius101]

Cassius, I think what I posted will allow you to connect, giving you a line level input.

Yes I thought about using something like that before but I haven't seen this type for it.

Amazon.ca

I also thought I might be able to use this as a double input with 2 in the speaker and 2 in the sound card.

 

[WilliamM2]

I have 5x125w Outlaw 750 amp. Plus 2x500w sub built into my mains. And a spare Carver 505.

They have been in boxes since I moved in Nov 2011. Hopefully I'll get my projection HT setup again this year, the room is built.

Each of my main speakers is 125lbs

I was only talking about my computer setup. It wasn't for bragging.
But...
My main rig runs 300 watts to each of the fronts (only 108lbs. ea) with a 2 channel amp, and a 170X5 channel amp runs the Center and surrounds (That I rarely ever use). Plus a 600 watt sub, but the amp just died on that a few months ago. One of the main reasons I hate powered speakers with plate amps. I could almost replace it for the cost of repair.

Then there is the garage setup...

 

[WilliamM2]

So you think it was false advertising, I don't think so. They sound much louder than only being 7 watts for the speakers, it is delusional if you think those satellites are only 7 watts each.

https://lanoc.org/review/audio/5087-corsair-sp2500-21-pc-speaker-system?showall=1

Yes, it's false advertising. The reviews you keep quoting never actually TEST it, they just parrot the manufacturers specs.
You're delusional if you think it really puts out 232 watts, or anywhere near that amount.
It only takes about 1 watt for 90db to 95db (depends on the speaker), add 3db every time you double the power. It only takes 10 watts to get over 100 db. Then consider that the small 3" woofers are only producing frequencies above somewhere around 120hz....

 

[sdifox]

I was only talking about my computer setup. It wasn't for bragging.
But...
My main rig runs 300 watts to each of the fronts (only 108lbs. ea) with a 2 channel amp, and a 170X5 channel amp runs the Center and surrounds (That I rarely ever use). Plus a 600 watt sub, but the amp just died on that a few months ago. One of the main reasons I hate powered speakers with plate amps. I could almost replace it for the cost of repair.

Then there is the garage setup...

Yeah I am currently on headphones Beyerdynamics DT-770 for computer. Once my HT is back I'll move my computer down to HT. Used to play Starcraft 2 on 1080P projection and 5.1 sound xd

Plate amps should be easy to replace.

 

[bigboxes]

Those 3" speakers can't reproduce low bass and have trouble reproducing mid bass. The crossover pushes everything to that craptastic bandpass sub because your 3" speakers can't reproduce it. What you have is muddy bass and lifeless mid bass. Once you hear a pair of decent sounding 2.0 speakers, you'll wonder why you ever put up with that marketing nonsense. All you should care about are tight accurate sound.