Soundcard / speakers

[GreyMittens]

Hey gents,

I'm thinking of buying a new sound card for my pc @ home. I currently have an old Soundblaster live 5.1 card (from maybe 2000) and an Altec Lansing 2.1 speaker system. The speakers are still ok, but I think if I upgrade to a new card such as the Creative Audigy2ZS OEM that maybe I should make use of at least the 5.1 setup.

Anyone know if I currently have a 2.1 system (no center) could I just pick up another 2 speakers for the back or should I get a box 5.1 system.

Maybe you can look here and advise.
http://www.memoryexpress.com/index.php?PageTag=&page=cat&memx_menu=64&SID=44709

And the soundcard I plan on picking up...
http://www.memoryexpress.com/index.php?...il.php&DisplayProductID=5349&SID=44709


Thanks guys!

oh - and I just play games (CS, Civ4,BF2 etc) and listen to MP3s

 

[PurdueRy]

You can always add more speakers to get to 5.1. It is not the ideal setup however. In the ideal setup, the speakers would all be timbre matched(or sound the same). But for the purposes you show, I would not hesitate to just add another two speakers and spend the money elsewhere.

upon reading the thread again, you would be missing a center channel with only buy two speakers. This is a pretty big deal. Seeing as you only have a altec lansing 2.1 set. My recommendation is to go for one of the box 5.1 sets.

 

[GreyMittens]

Anyone in particular on that site you would suggest? Missing the center is a big issue I am aware. What concerns me though is on that site the 5.1 + systems sell for mostly under $100 Cdn and I am concerned about the quality. They are selling most of the 2.1 systems for 150+

What gives?

Edit: Just going based off price - Should this be a safe bet?
http://www.memoryexpress.com/index.php?...il.php&DisplayProductID=5105&SID=44709

 

[Stangs55]

if you game alot, then i would definatly pick up a Soundblaster X-Fi Xtrememusic Edition

 

[orangat]

If you play games even halfway seriously, a creative card is the standard for eax3/4 support.

Look at the A2zs/value as I think the xfi offers no improvement in fidelity. You can slap on more speakers but they won't be balanced. Good enough for games and mp3 perhaps.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: GreyMittens
Anyone in particular on that site you would suggest? Missing the center is a big issue I am aware. What concerns me though is on that site the 5.1 + systems sell for mostly under $100 Cdn and I am concerned about the quality. They are selling most of the 2.1 systems for 150+

What gives?

Edit: Just going based of price - Should this be a safe bet?
http://www.memoryexpress.com/index.php?...il.php&DisplayProductID=5105&SID=44709

I believe those get good reviews from people here. Just wait and some people that have computer speaker sets will respond with their opinion

 

[Some1ne]

I recommend an X-Fi + 5.1 Klipsch speakers. Pretty hard to go wrong there.

 

[GreyMittens]

Thanks for the insight guys!

 

[Ctrackstar126]

Get the zs ptatinum. I got the audigy value and its made a big difference but the step up would def be worth it.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

A2 ZS or value and z-5300s would be a good balance.