Looking for surround sound advice

Scorpionic · 04-July-05, 11:55 AM

Hey pimps, I've got some money burning a hole in my pocket and I was considering upgrading to a 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound system. I've been pricing them and reading reviews and it seems like the klipsch ones are really awesome and would probably be a good investment. I've got a couple questions though:

1. Is $250 really worth it for the surround sound experience? I've never actually played games with this, so is it going to be something that will totally blow me away, or will I wonder why I shelled out $250?

2. If I was to buy an audigy and disable my mobos onboard sound, would it increase performance at all? I've heard people suggest that using an actual sound card can take some load of the mobo.

3. Do any speaker setups come with easy-to-access mic/headphone jacks? I use teamspeak a lot and have to swap out my cables, it sounds like it would be a hassle to unplug 5-7 cables every time you want to use your mic.

Highperf15 · 04-July-05, 12:59 PM

It's worth it, in my opinion. I have an AudigyLS and Creative T5400 speakers and it sounds pretty good. I do want to upgrade to the Audigy 2 and the Logitech Z-5500 speakers.

SexyPants · 04-July-05, 01:13 PM

1. It's worth it. When I first got mine I was playing BF1942 and I was in a turret. At one point I swung around and shot a plane down. Then I realized, "wait...how'd I know where that plane was?"

2. I don't know, I'd imagine it wouldn't be much

3. I know that both my klipsch and my brother's logitech speaker setups have headphone outputs on on the little control unit, though neither appears to have a mic input. Getting a soundcard with a front panel might be the answer. I found that my heaphones sounded better coming from the front output instead of the speakers anyway.

Personally, I've been a little bummed by my Klipsch Promedia 5.1 THXs, mostly because my brother and two dormmates have logitechs that sound nicer.Maybe if you're buying new things are different though

Scorpionic · 11-August-05, 02:30 AM

Alright I got my Audigy 2 zs platinum (even painted the front panel to match my case!) and now it's time to get the speaker setup. I can't spend a ton of cash, $150 is about my limit. I've really been interested in the Creative Inspire P7800, as it's the only cheap 7.1 system around. But that's what I'm afraid of, cheap.

Anyone have any experience with this system and care to comment?

Also looking at the logitech Z-5300 which goes for $130ish. Perhaps a decent 5.1 system is better than a low end 7.1. Any thoughts on logitech would be appreciated. I've never really heard what either of these systems sound like.

I don't need a ton of wattage as I don't feel like blowing my ear drums out or pissing off the neighbors. Clarity is what's important for me, and I hate excessive bass so I'm looking for a system that has good mid tones.

Highperf15 · 11-August-05, 02:37 AM

Actually, those are pretty good speakers for the price...............Check out this review..........
http://xhardwarereviews.com/p7800.php

Enko · 11-August-05, 02:46 AM

the z-5300s were considered a disappointment but that was only because the reviewer i was reading was expecting them to the little brother to the z-5500s. there were a few problems i heard with the 5300s but you'll probably only notice them if you're an audiophile. if you want the best PC speakers right now, its probably the z-5500s. retail value is $400 though you can usually find them for $250. I saw them as low as $180 once but it was a pretty big sale.

Rob · 11-August-05, 02:58 AM

I have the same set of speakers and let me tell you....they rock!

Unfortunately, it is near impossible to find a disc that playsback in 7.1 and the disc that comes with the card already is really great. However, this card will split your 5.1 into 7.1, which is pretty nice.

Rob

EDIT: Sorry, I made a mistake...I've got the 7700, not the 7800. Mounted on a wall, they still sound pretty great.

Scorpionic · 11-August-05, 03:04 AM

How does the P7800 sound when playing music and can you mount them on a wall?

lobey · 11-August-05, 10:59 PM

I've got the Logitech Z2200 which, if I'm not mistaken, was replaced by a newer version of this. Anyways, its a 2.1 setup, and combined with an Audigy Gamer, it is plenty loud. I personally would recommend Logitech speakers. I had a 4.1 surround set of Creative, and got rid of them within a month. In my opinion, Creative speakers aren't that good, and I know a lot of people who have them and regret buying them because of the sound quality.

Ator · 12-August-05, 03:31 AM

I've got the Logitech 5300's and they are incredible. They sound better than the $1200 stereo i've got in my car. The highs are so bright and clean! The only thing I would change is the sub box. I'm not a fan of bandpass sound. The 5500's box is much better.

4rm4g3dd0n · 12-August-05, 03:57 AM

i like my klipsch promedias a lot, they have to fill my fairly large room and they do it well. they also are very musical for the size that they are. i find from my listening that the logitech 6800's or whatever (their top of the line before the 5500's came out) were better for games and maybe movies, they just seemed to jump out more, but the klipsches were way better at reproducing music. that may just be me, and that might not be true anymore because logitech and klipsch both have a newer set of speakers out (the 5500's and the promedia ultra's, respectivlty) so it may be different now.

overall however, between the 6800's and the klipsch i chose the clipsch because i prefer their sound and i think they did a better job at music, which is a huge selling point for me. if it means anything to you, ive auditioned speakers all over the spectrum, from computer speakers all the way up to 75,000$ a pair focals and B&W's, so i know what to listen for, and i definatley consider myself an audiophile. that being said, i am also aware that everyones tastes are different. if you decide that surround is worth it for you (i totally think it is, it greatly enhances your gaming experience) then my advice to you is the same that i give to everyone i recommend speakers to: go listen to them and get the ones that sound best to you. there have been many occasions where i have read in stereophile or something about a pair of speakers that they loved and i didnt like, and there have even been some that they didnt like that i did. its all about personal taste. go to best buy, they carry both klipsch and logitech, listen to them there, and when you decide which you like better get it online for cheaper

Scorpionic · 12-August-05, 10:44 AM

I think I'm going to go with the z5300e, seems like a good bargain. Unfortunately I went to the nearest best buy and their display speakers setups were all but ruined and barely functional.

Ator · 12-August-05, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scorpionic


	I think I'm going to go with the z5300e, seems like a good bargain. Unfortunately I went to the nearest best buy and their display speakers setups were all but ruined and barely functional.

Excellent choice, man. You won't be disappointed.

JoJoTheWebToedBoy · 12-August-05, 11:51 PM

If your using it for gaming, Good choice. I have them on my game box, and they are good.. But if it's music, the Klipsch speakers will be better. I have an older Klipsch setup on my workstation so I can listen to music and work/surf, and wouldn't trade them for anything.

And yes, those Logitechs will make gaming much more intense.

Enko · 14-August-05, 02:12 PM

well if you're still looking, here's a set of z-5500s on sale plus a printer:

z-5500
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/p...9&sku=A0405790

printer
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/p...=19&sku=720STD

$35 off $300 coupon:
GV377LSW212XB4

$45 off Dell Printer coupon:
D8P68ZLCGJ3S93

For some reason the speakers also came with a 20% off notebook accessory discount.
Free shipping as well.

Came out to $208 before taxes.

michaelwolf59 · 14-August-05, 03:03 PM

I bought the Klipcsh ultras about one year ago> they play as clear as the day i unboxed them. These speakers are awesome , The sound literally shakes my furniture and vibrates my upstiars wood floors.Everyone thats heard my speakers , has said omg , They cant believe the boom they have and clarirty. In my opinion Nothing else can touch them !>>Mike

Scorpionic · 18-August-05, 05:58 PM

Got my speakers today and I'm very impressed. Quite a lot of sound coming out of these little things. I mounted them on my walls so I can surround myself, pretty effing sweet! Music sounds quite crisp and powerful, but I did have to tone the subwoofer down as the bass is overwhelming.

NCXCStud · 29-August-05, 11:29 AM

I have the Logitech 5300's as well. I love them. The ONLY thing i don't like about them is that the wires are too short for the front L and R speakers...which doesn't bode well for mounting purposes. I love them though, sound is great coming from an Audigy 2zs on music, movies, games, and my XM Satellite radio hooked up through it as well. That sub is HUGE too compared to my last one...

Of course, i havn't figured out the perfect way to setup my speakers at the moment (only living in this place for a year...will find a nice corner in a new house my fiance and I will move into next summer though

).

das_mod · 29-August-05, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scorpionic


	...2. If I was to buy an audigy and disable my mobos onboard sound, would it increase performance at all? I've heard people suggest that using an actual sound card can take some load of the mobo....

using a sound card does improve the overall PC performance, with a high-end system you probably wont notice since today's CPUs are quite fast but if you're really techincal about this issues, yes, disabling on-board audio does take some load of your cpu ...

godling · 30-August-05, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scorpionic


	3. Do any speaker setups come with easy-to-access mic/headphone jacks? I use teamspeak a lot and have to swap out my cables, it sounds like it would be a hassle to unplug 5-7 cables every time you want to use your mic.

Many speaker setups have a headphone jack on the "A" or "Right" speaker in front, which allows you to plug in and bypass the speakers. Excellent for private listening, particularly if you're playing BF2 and you want to jack the sound up.

However! What I really like are the Speedlink Medusa 5.1 surround sound headphones. Not only do they provide true 5.1 surround sound, but they come with a box that allows your to plug your 5.1 speakers into the back while the headphones are plugged into the front.

European link at:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatal...SpeedLink.html

There's an American (plug) version as well, but I can't find the link. When I bought mine, they didn't have an American version, so I had to buy a plug/voltage converter as well. :/

-godling

04-July-05, 11:55 AM	#1 (permalink)
Scorpionic Recycl-Hoe-tron Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Northern Colorado Posts: 543	Looking for surround sound advice Hey pimps, I've got some money burning a hole in my pocket and I was considering upgrading to a 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound system. I've been pricing them and reading reviews and it seems like the klipsch ones are really awesome and would probably be a good investment. I've got a couple questions though: 1. Is $250 really worth it for the surround sound experience? I've never actually played games with this, so is it going to be something that will totally blow me away, or will I wonder why I shelled out $250? 2. If I was to buy an audigy and disable my mobos onboard sound, would it increase performance at all? I've heard people suggest that using an actual sound card can take some load of the mobo. 3. Do any speaker setups come with easy-to-access mic/headphone jacks? I use teamspeak a lot and have to swap out my cables, it sounds like it would be a hassle to unplug 5-7 cables every time you want to use your mic.

04-July-05, 12:59 PM	#2 (permalink)
Highperf15 a.k.a., Frank Bullitt Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Have Gun ....Will Travel..... Posts: 3,891	It's worth it, in my opinion. I have an AudigyLS and Creative T5400 speakers and it sounds pretty good. I do want to upgrade to the Audigy 2 and the Logitech Z-5500 speakers. __________________

04-July-05, 01:13 PM	#3 (permalink)
SexyPants 5-Hoe-1 Jeans Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: New Orleans Posts: 3,170	1. It's worth it. When I first got mine I was playing BF1942 and I was in a turret. At one point I swung around and shot a plane down. Then I realized, "wait...how'd I know where that plane was?" 2. I don't know, I'd imagine it wouldn't be much 3. I know that both my klipsch and my brother's logitech speaker setups have headphone outputs on on the little control unit, though neither appears to have a mic input. Getting a soundcard with a front panel might be the answer. I found that my heaphones sounded better coming from the front output instead of the speakers anyway. Personally, I've been a little bummed by my Klipsch Promedia 5.1 THXs, mostly because my brother and two dormmates have logitechs that sound nicer.Maybe if you're buying new things are different though __________________

11-August-05, 02:37 AM	#5 (permalink)
Highperf15 a.k.a., Frank Bullitt Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Have Gun ....Will Travel..... Posts: 3,891	Actually, those are pretty good speakers for the price...............Check out this review.......... http://xhardwarereviews.com/p7800.php __________________

11-August-05, 02:46 AM	#6 (permalink)
Enko Apex Tech God Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Norfolk, VA Posts: 2,263	the z-5300s were considered a disappointment but that was only because the reviewer i was reading was expecting them to the little brother to the z-5500s. there were a few problems i heard with the 5300s but you'll probably only notice them if you're an audiophile. if you want the best PC speakers right now, its probably the z-5500s. retail value is $400 though you can usually find them for $250. I saw them as low as $180 once but it was a pretty big sale. __________________

11-August-05, 02:30 AM	#4 (permalink)
Scorpionic Recycl-Hoe-tron Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Northern Colorado Posts: 543	Alright I got my Audigy 2 zs platinum (even painted the front panel to match my case!) and now it's time to get the speaker setup. I can't spend a ton of cash, $150 is about my limit. I've really been interested in the Creative Inspire P7800, as it's the only cheap 7.1 system around. But that's what I'm afraid of, cheap. Anyone have any experience with this system and care to comment? Also looking at the logitech Z-5300 which goes for $130ish. Perhaps a decent 5.1 system is better than a low end 7.1. Any thoughts on logitech would be appreciated. I've never really heard what either of these systems sound like. I don't need a ton of wattage as I don't feel like blowing my ear drums out or pissing off the neighbors. Clarity is what's important for me, and I hate excessive bass so I'm looking for a system that has good mid tones.

11-August-05, 02:58 AM	#7 (permalink)
Rob Advocatus Diaboli Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Home of the world's greatest race... Posts: 6,660	I have the same set of speakers and let me tell you....they rock! Unfortunately, it is near impossible to find a disc that playsback in 7.1 and the disc that comes with the card already is really great. However, this card will split your 5.1 into 7.1, which is pretty nice. Rob EDIT: Sorry, I made a mistake...I've got the 7700, not the 7800. Mounted on a wall, they still sound pretty great. __________________ Last edited by Rob; 11-August-05 at 03:08 AM.

11-August-05, 03:04 AM	#8 (permalink)
Scorpionic Recycl-Hoe-tron Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Northern Colorado Posts: 543	How does the P7800 sound when playing music and can you mount them on a wall?

11-August-05, 10:59 PM	#9 (permalink)
lobey Apex Tech Fanatic Join Date: May 2005 Location: P-hoe-ria, Illinois Posts: 525	Logitech Speakers I've got the Logitech Z2200 which, if I'm not mistaken, was replaced by a newer version of this. Anyways, its a 2.1 setup, and combined with an Audigy Gamer, it is plenty loud. I personally would recommend Logitech speakers. I had a 4.1 surround set of Creative, and got rid of them within a month. In my opinion, Creative speakers aren't that good, and I know a lot of people who have them and regret buying them because of the sound quality.

12-August-05, 03:31 AM	#10 (permalink)
Ator At-Whore Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: The ends of the earth Posts: 2,057	I've got the Logitech 5300's and they are incredible. They sound better than the $1200 stereo i've got in my car. The highs are so bright and clean! The only thing I would change is the sub box. I'm not a fan of bandpass sound. The 5500's box is much better. __________________ AMD Opteron 146 CAB2E 0540 FPMW @ 3216Mhz 321.6x10 (max OC benchable, 300x10 daily)\| Radeon X1800XT @ 766/900 (stock cooler, 700/800 daily) \|SuperPI 1M: 26.109\| 3DMark05: 11454 \| 3DMark03: 21355 \| 3DMark01: 40456 \| Join Team Ator's F@H FORCE! Click HERE for info! NOW RECRUITING!

12-August-05, 03:57 AM	#11 (permalink)
4rm4g3dd0n Apex Elite Tech Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Texas A&M University Posts: 1,194	i like my klipsch promedias a lot, they have to fill my fairly large room and they do it well. they also are very musical for the size that they are. i find from my listening that the logitech 6800's or whatever (their top of the line before the 5500's came out) were better for games and maybe movies, they just seemed to jump out more, but the klipsches were way better at reproducing music. that may just be me, and that might not be true anymore because logitech and klipsch both have a newer set of speakers out (the 5500's and the promedia ultra's, respectivlty) so it may be different now. overall however, between the 6800's and the klipsch i chose the clipsch because i prefer their sound and i think they did a better job at music, which is a huge selling point for me. if it means anything to you, ive auditioned speakers all over the spectrum, from computer speakers all the way up to 75,000$ a pair focals and B&W's, so i know what to listen for, and i definatley consider myself an audiophile. that being said, i am also aware that everyones tastes are different. if you decide that surround is worth it for you (i totally think it is, it greatly enhances your gaming experience) then my advice to you is the same that i give to everyone i recommend speakers to: go listen to them and get the ones that sound best to you. there have been many occasions where i have read in stereophile or something about a pair of speakers that they loved and i didnt like, and there have even been some that they didnt like that i did. its all about personal taste. go to best buy, they carry both klipsch and logitech, listen to them there, and when you decide which you like better get it online for cheaper __________________

12-August-05, 10:44 AM	#12 (permalink)
Scorpionic Recycl-Hoe-tron Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Northern Colorado Posts: 543	I think I'm going to go with the z5300e, seems like a good bargain. Unfortunately I went to the nearest best buy and their display speakers setups were all but ruined and barely functional.

12-August-05, 11:51 PM	#14 (permalink)
JoJoTheWebToedBoy Apex Advanced Techie Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Tucson,Az Posts: 191	If your using it for gaming, Good choice. I have them on my game box, and they are good.. But if it's music, the Klipsch speakers will be better. I have an older Klipsch setup on my workstation so I can listen to music and work/surf, and wouldn't trade them for anything. And yes, those Logitechs will make gaming much more intense.

14-August-05, 02:12 PM	#15 (permalink)
Enko Apex Tech God Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Norfolk, VA Posts: 2,263	well if you're still looking, here's a set of z-5500s on sale plus a printer: z-5500 http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/p...9&sku=A0405790 printer http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/p...=19&sku=720STD $35 off $300 coupon: GV377LSW212XB4 $45 off Dell Printer coupon: D8P68ZLCGJ3S93 For some reason the speakers also came with a 20% off notebook accessory discount. Free shipping as well. Came out to $208 before taxes. __________________

14-August-05, 03:03 PM	#16 (permalink)
michaelwolf59 Apex Master Tech Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Cottonwood, Arizona Posts: 442	Klipcsh I bought the Klipcsh ultras about one year ago> they play as clear as the day i unboxed them. These speakers are awesome , The sound literally shakes my furniture and vibrates my upstiars wood floors.Everyone thats heard my speakers , has said omg , They cant believe the boom they have and clarirty. In my opinion Nothing else can touch them !>>Mike __________________ enigma@commspeed.net

18-August-05, 05:58 PM	#17 (permalink)
Scorpionic Recycl-Hoe-tron Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Northern Colorado Posts: 543	Got my speakers today and I'm very impressed. Quite a lot of sound coming out of these little things. I mounted them on my walls so I can surround myself, pretty effing sweet! Music sounds quite crisp and powerful, but I did have to tone the subwoofer down as the bass is overwhelming.

29-August-05, 11:29 AM	#18 (permalink)
NCXCStud Apex Tech Fanatic Supreme Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Lexington, SC Posts: 712	I have the Logitech 5300's as well. I love them. The ONLY thing i don't like about them is that the wires are too short for the front L and R speakers...which doesn't bode well for mounting purposes. I love them though, sound is great coming from an Audigy 2zs on music, movies, games, and my XM Satellite radio hooked up through it as well. That sub is HUGE too compared to my last one... Of course, i havn't figured out the perfect way to setup my speakers at the moment (only living in this place for a year...will find a nice corner in a new house my fiance and I will move into next summer though ). __________________ Currently at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary on a path, called by God, to serve his church as an ordained Lutheran minister. Pray for me, pray really hard