Surround sound for my PC

[Lazarus52980]

I would like to setup a 5.1 surround sound system for my PC, but I really don't know what to get. Does anyone have any advice on what equipment to get, and how to set this up? Is the equipment the same as if I was doing it with a TV?

Anything would be greatly appreciated.

 

[jtvang125]

Two routes you can take and each one has a few different options as well.

1. Computer speaker setup - Assuming your built-in sound card has 5.1 analog outputs the speaker system will take these and amplify them. Your computer will software decode the source. If you get a dedicated sound card then the sound card will hardware decode the sound.

2. HT speaker setup - You'll need a sound card that will do digital out (SPDIF or Toslink) to a 5.1 receiver. Receiver will do the decoding. Unless you do a HTiB you'll have to buy all the speakers seperately.

 

[BigSmooth]

Budget? Room size?

 

[thegimp03]

Depends on your budget. If you want inexpensive bang for the buck go with the Logitech z-5500.

 

[s44]

Depends on your budget. If you want inexpensive bang for the buck go with the Logitech z-5500.

Only if you want to be tethered to "computer speaker" setups forever. Onkyo HTIBs at the same price are a better idea if you can fit the receiver.

 

[Lazarus52980]

My budget is about $300 or so. I could go a little higher if need be, but not too much.

The "room" is not really the issue, its more that I want the surround sound around my chair within the room, not really for anyone else.

Does that make a big difference?

 

[MagickMan]

Only if you want to be tethered to "computer speaker" setups forever. Onkyo HTIBs at the same price are a better idea if you can fit the receiver.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882120167