Which PC speakers have digital optical inputs?

[Wolfchild]

I know the Z-5500s have digital optical in but I'm looking to spend a little less, this is
just a setup to run an Xbox 360 on and doesn't need to be the best but I WOULD like
to utilize the 5.1 sound.

 

[Excelsior]

You're looking to spend less than the Z-5500s, to experience dolby digital 5.1 sound from your Xbox 360?

Dude, the 5500s only cost ~$250.

However, I wouldn't recommend them simply because the SQ isn't good. But, since you are just playing games, it shouldn't matter too much to you.

An alternative would be to pick up a refurb/used receiver (Onkyo 503, etc) and then piece together a system.

 

[shortylickens]

Have to agree with the man, here.

The z-5500's are about as cheap a system as you can get with Fiber Optic and a DD decoder.
The other suggestion is good too.
Find a cheap used reciever that has digital 5.1 and make your own system.

If you can get used speakers for cheap you may come in under this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16836121120

Better to save the headaches and just buy that.
Its actually really hard to find low-powered, low-quality amps with DD decoding.
You'll need to spend a little money.

OR.......
Find a box that JUST decodes digital audio (no amp) and then get some cheap 2.1 and 2.0 speakers and make it yourself. But you'd be amazed what those decoder boxes go for. They're normally used as one component in a very expensive system.
Again you would end up spending a lot.

 

[ChiBOY83]

you can get the Z-5500 for about $200 if you look really hard...thats the only cheap 5.1 set im aware of that meets your criteria

 

[alcoholbob]

http://www.tamayatech.com/parts.php?i=GMXD51

Klipsch GMX D-5.1 for $120.

Now if the Logitechs are the "BEST", then in comparison, the D-5.1 has hissing, distortion issues, and limited connectivity beyond the optical in. But it costs less than the "BEST".

 

[darkswordsman17]

The Z-5500s are actually pretty decent sounding speakers. Yes you can do better, but you're going to be spending quite a bit more very quickly (unless you get a very good deal, such as a used reciever). The reason the Logitechs are liked so well by most people is that they've been setup to sound in a way people like (the speakers are overly bright and the sub puts out a lot of bass, although its not tight, high quality bass). Audiophiles like neutrality and clean crisp sound, which isn't what the Logitechs provide, which is why you'll find people who absolutely hate them. Its really preference as much as anything there.

There really isn't much lower priced than them that will do what you want. If you just play it single player and online multiplayer, then you could pick up a reciever and some nice headphones like the Sennheiser HD-280s or HD-555s. The sound quality will beat most speaker systems and while you won't get true surround sound, you aren't missing too much (sound quality over quantity).