Need some speaker advice

[miri]

Ok, I finally got a motherboard with 5.1 sound, Abit IS7 to be particular. I'm currently using Altec Lansing ACS45 speakers with subwoofer. I've had these speakers for a while and for good reason. The sound reproduction and bass are both excellent.

I've been looking at the Creative/AltecLansing/Logitech sub $100 5.1 speakers. Will each of these speaker sets have at least the same quality sound reproduction as my old ACS45? I would hate to purchase a set of these speakers and have surround sound but with lesser quality. Also is surround sound worth it? Does it make much difference in gaming? Also out of the 3 speaker sets which ones do you folks recommend?

BTW, some people may say onboard sound is no good but I think the onboard sound is excellent.

Thanks for any information.

 

[BoomAM]

the 5.1 sets from all 3 companies are good.
Many people here will say that the Creative Speakers are crap, when they are not.
I use the Creative 5300s and they are great for the price, in the UK they are about £50, so in dollers, thats about $60-70, i think.

 

[mchammer187]

creative IMO is crap unless you go for the megaworks 550D or 650D setup

IMO the best deal to get for $100 is the boston acoustics BA7800 on ebay about $100 shipped for a fantastic set of speakers

better than klipsch 4.1s and logitech z-560's imo

edit: just checked again and they seem to be going for $75 after shipping which is a fantastic deal IMO

 

[BoomAM]

Originally posted by: mchammer187
creative IMO is crap unless you go for the megaworks 550D or 650D setup

The MegaWorks are excellent speaker systems, however there are several other Creative speaker sets that are good, the 5300s are amazing for the price, and the 5700D are excellent for their quality and flexibility.

 

[miri]

Thanks for the feedback. But i'm really wanting to know if a 5.1 setup is that much better than a 2.1 setup. Does surround sound make a huge difference in games?

 

[BoomAM]

Originally posted by: miri
Thanks for the feedback. But i'm really wanting to know if a 5.1 setup is that much better than a 2.1 setup. Does surround sound make a huge difference in games?

Depends.
If the game propely supports it, then it sounds awsome.
If the surround has been added by the developers as an after though, then it sounds OK, but not amazing.
If its a stereo games, then it sounds no different that a 2.1 system.

 

[mboy]

I love these for the $$$$$$ z-640

HUGE difference in a game like Vietcong where you can hear people shooting to left, right, behind, in front, etc. I havent heard anything beter for the $$$. I simply LUV mine!!!

 

[mchammer187]

Originally posted by: miri
Thanks for the feedback. But i'm really wanting to know if a 5.1 setup is that much better than a 2.1 setup. Does surround sound make a huge difference in games?

I would seriously consider the BA7800's they are a 4.1 setup and are worlds better than anything under $250 range and some

you can check out a review at http://www.3dsoundsurge.com