Is there a way to convert 4.1 speakers to 5.1?

[MaskedAvenger]

I have Logitech 560 speakers and just got a M-Audio Revo 7.1 sound card. I would like to play DVD's on my pc and get 5.1 sound. I don't want to buy a new 5.1 set-up and waste the 560's, which I like very much. The 560 speakers only connect to the Front L/R and Surround L/R jacks (I guess the 560 sub is controlled automatically since no line connects to the center/subwoofer jack). If I connected a powered speaker (or two) to the center/subwoofer jack of the sound card, could I use that speaker as the center? And if so, any recommendations on what speakers I could use as the center channel? Thanks for your input!

 

[FearoftheNight]

Ok get new 5.1 Logitech 680 and send old one to mehh.

 

[chizow]

I've heard of people using a 2.1 speaker set to turn their 4.1 set-ups into 5.1 set-ups. You would basically use the woofer and and 2 satellites as your center channel. If possible though, I would use the more powerful woofer as the LFE and center channel as well as the Front L/R (I'm guessing you'd get something less than the 560's) and use the 2.1s as your rear channels. Don't hold me to it though, as I've never tried it myself.....

Chiz

 

[Sheriff]

I have use 2.1's as my Center channel and it works fine with the Audigy

 

[TheCorm]

I have an SB Live 5.1 but only a 4.1 speaker system so this sounds like what I need to do!...I have a small satellite and subwoofer system around here somewhere!

When I tried connecting my amplifier and stereo speakers to the centre/subwoofer channel it didn't work though....I could either get no sound or just low pass filter bass sounds...which sounded rubbish through full range speakers....am I missing something?

Jamie

 

[MaskedAvenger]

The Crom - that's what I'm trying to find out before I buy a 2.1 set - will 2.1 speakers work properly? Maybe just a pair of speakers might work better than a 2.1 setup. The 2.1 setup might be looking for a Right & Left channel & only gets a mono center channel, so it doesn't work. Any computer audiophiles out there to shed some light? I think I'll send an e-mail to Logitech.

 

[MaskedAvenger]

Logitech send back this unhelpful message:

>Hi,
>No, it is not possible to add more satellites to your Logitech Z-560 speakers as the speakers were designed for a 4.1 configuration.
>Thanks and have a nice day.

I think I'll ask the question to them again, phrased exactly as I did for this thread.

 

[chizow]

Yah, it looks as if they misinterpreted your question, as the limitation they define is the Z-560's woofer/base unit's outputs. Ask them if it would be possible to emulate a 5.1 set-up using a 2.1 and the Z-560's from a 5.1 capable sound card like your M-Audio Revo.

Chiz

 

[TheCorm]

If I get a chance tonight I will try and give it a go both with 4.1 + 2.1 setup and 4.1 + stereo speakers setup.

The Crom

How dare you! LOL

 

[chizow]

Originally posted by: TheCorm
If I get a chance tonight I will try and give it a go both with 4.1 + 2.1 setup and 4.1 + stereo speakers setup.

The Crom

How dare you! LOL

[Conan]Crom!!!!!..........[/Conan]

Great flick (The Barbarian, not the Destroyer )
:beer:

 

[MaskedAvenger]

Reply from Logitech, part 2:

>Hi,

> I understand your question now. You would like to use the center channel jack on your sound card to connect extra speakers to get the 5.1 effect.

> I am not exactly sure if it will work that way, as to get the 5.1 effect the original speakers need to be configured to that level and I believe the sound needs to be processed through the speaker system.

> I suggest you check with your sound card vendor as they will be in a better position to help you out.

> Thanks and have a nice day.

On to M-Audio!

 

[MaskedAvenger]

My e-mail to M-Audio:

"I have Logitech Z-560 4.1 speakers and just got a M-Audio Revo 7.1 sound card. I would like to play DVD's on my PC and get 5.1 sound. I don't want to buy a new 5.1 set-up and waste the Z-560's, which I like very much. The Z-560 speakers only connect to the Front L/R and Surround L/R jacks (I guess the Z-560 sub is controlled automatically since no line connects to the center/subwoofer jack). If I connected a powered speaker (or two) to the center/subwoofer jack of the sound card, could I use that speaker as the center?

I asked Logitech, and they suggested I talk with you.

Logitech: "You would like to use the center channel jack on your sound card to connect extra speakers to get the 5.1 effect. I am not exactly sure if it will work that way, as to get the 5.1 effect the original speakers need to be configured to that level and I believe the sound needs to be processed through the speaker system. I suggest you check with your sound card vendor as they will be in a better position to help you out."

Any suggestions/ideas? Thanks for your input!"

 

[MasterHoss]

Yes, you can make yourself a center channel speaker if you would like by the method you mentioned. However, note that you're center channel will sound off or different as the 2.1 speaker system you use as your center channel speaker will not be voice matched with your satellites from the Z-560 speaker system (that is unless you buy another set of Z-560s).

 

[MaskedAvenger]

I never did hear anything from M-Audio (those bums), so I went out and bought the 2.1 Logitech system BestBuy had on sales last week for $25 after rebate ($50 upfront less $25 rebate). It worked fine! The speakers aren't as good as the 560's, but I do have a 5.1 system now. It was not difficult at all to balance the volume of the center channel to the other channels - I just adjusted the 2.1 system's volume until it fit in with the other speakers. So, for $25 I kept by Z-560's thumping bass (which still works fine) and saved myself $$$ versus going to a ready-made 5.1 system of the 560's quality. Not too shabby!

 

[AllGamer]

This thread might be old,
But it sure did help accomplish what I was looking for, the suggestions above using the 2.0 or using a 2.1 set to fill in the missing center works great!

Here are some detailed info:

In your sound card, if you are using the Logitech Z560 default setup
you'll have the green (front left + right speakers) connected to the "Green" jack in your sound card,
and then have black (rear left + right speakers) connected to the "Black" jack in your sound card,
so to fill in the missing center speaker, you hook up your set of 2.0 or 2.1 speakers into the "Orange" hole which drives the center speaker & sub-woofer.

Now you'll probably think wouldn't it better to have the Logitech Z560 in the "Orange" to make better use of the 500w sub, well I tried that and it didn't give the result you'll expect.

Apparently the Logitech Z560 wasn't designed for the Sub to be running independently on its own channel, so when you connect either the Green plug, or Black plug into the Orange jack, all it does is convert the Left / Right into a Center + Sub, which will sound rather horrible as a Sub replacement.

So it's best to keep the Logitech Z560 THX 4.1 as is, as the 500w Sub still works even after you plug in a 2.1 into the Orange jack.

Pros
- separated volume for the center channel
- no electrical hacking required to your equipment.

Cons
- 2 volume knobs to control
- the 2.1 / 2.0 speaker set needs to be powered,

I'll suggest to use good quality speakers that produces mid-range or full-range sound to match the sound quality from the Logitech satellite speakers

When connecting the 2.0 or 2.1 set into the Orange Jack, you don't really need both Left + Right speakers

If your speaker set has detachable wires, then you only need to use the one that has the Power / Volume control, so technically you are only doing 1.0 or 1.1 to fill in the center speaker.

If you plug in both Left + Right speakers, all it does is play the base / Sub's sound through the extra speaker, and if the speaker is not of good quality the vibration makes it sounds horrible, reason why I suggested to use good quality speakers.

Alright, that's all,

Have fun and enjoy your games/movies @ 5.1

AG

 

[mfenn]

Necro from 2003, locking.

mfenn
General Hardware Moderator