How to get surround sound for my PC?

[readysetmosh]

Hey guys. I'm wondering how I would be able to set up surround sound on my PC with my current speakers. I'm planning on buying some sort of sound card that supports these kinds of cables: http/www.monoprice.com/Product?seq=1&format=2&p_id=2820&CAWELAID=1329459442&CAGPSPN=pla&gclid=Cj0KEQjwveufBRDlsNb3kb-twMIBEiQASNH0xuRqRnX-lPJHfOtyydhSwnVKl-aWLgwgD6aafXCdYroaAtkr8P8HAQ . However, I was not able to find any that do support this kind of wire. Any suggestions?

 

[ien2222]

More info is needed, if it's bare wire my first question is: Are these speakers passive? (non-powered) if so, there isn't a sound card out there that will power them. You'll need an AVR/amp and depending on which way you go determines what you can do with your PC.

If you can give us the speaker brand and model that will be helpful.

 

[readysetmosh]

More info is needed, if it's bare wire my first question is: Are these speakers passive? (non-powered) if so, there isn't a sound card out there that will power them. You'll need an AVR/amp and depending on which way you go determines what you can do with your PC.

If you can give us the speaker brand and model that will be helpful.

They are various non-brand speakers I've collected over the years. Yes, they are bare wire and passive. I was looking in to getting a preamp but I would need two preamps (each of the preamps supports 2 speakers(I have on already)). I would use speaker wire to RCA cables to connect the speakers to the preamp, which I would plug into a surround sound PCI-e card. Would it be easier to just buy a used PC surround sound system?

 

[ien2222]

Hey there,

First, I apologize, I should have asked for the motherboard and graphics/sound cards(if applicable) that you are using also, so this will get a bit long as I'll cover most options that might be available to you.

If you are using HDMI for your video, you can send your sound through that to an AVR (video is then relayed to the monitor). A somewhat inexpensive one would be like a Denon E200, especially since this model is discontinued and places may start clearancing them soon. Another way to go would be to get a used AVR or even a refurb.

If you aren't using HDMI, but have an optical port on your MB, you can use an AVR.

If you have neither, but 5.1 out in the form of 3.5mm jacks, you can use an 5 channel amp with them, or an AVR which supports 5.1 pre-in.

Otherwise, a sound card is going to be needed.



I guess it depends on what you want to do, and what you're budget is like. What are you planning to use them for? If it's just for say music or youtube then a good 2.1 or even 2.0 setup is all that's needed. If you plan on movies with surround or gaming then you're looking more for a 5.1 setup.

Your average logitech/creative/corsair/etc PC surround system is convenient and a cheaper way to go. But I try to steer people away from that if they are looking for a more quality type of sound. Budget will determine a lot as will what speakers you already have, if they aren't very good it might be better to go with something else.

If you could list your hardware that you have (brand/model#) for MB, graphics and sound cards if you have them and what speakers you do have, what you want to do with them, and budget you're looking at, I can give you some solid options to look at. If you happen to live in a city that's listed on craigslist, I can browse the listings alittle and see if there's a good deal for used.

 

[readysetmosh]

Hey there,

First, I apologize, I should have asked for the motherboard and graphics/sound cards(if applicable) that you are using also, so this will get a bit long as I'll cover most options that might be available to you.

If you are using HDMI for your video, you can send your sound through that to an AVR (video is then relayed to the monitor). A somewhat inexpensive one would be like a Denon E200, especially since this model is discontinued and places may start clearancing them soon. Another way to go would be to get a used AVR or even a refurb.

If you aren't using HDMI, but have an optical port on your MB, you can use an AVR.

If you have neither, but 5.1 out in the form of 3.5mm jacks, you can use an 5 channel amp with them, or an AVR which supports 5.1 pre-in.

Otherwise, a sound card is going to be needed.



I guess it depends on what you want to do, and what you're budget is like. What are you planning to use them for? If it's just for say music or youtube then a good 2.1 or even 2.0 setup is all that's needed. If you plan on movies with surround or gaming then you're looking more for a 5.1 setup.

Your average logitech/creative/corsair/etc PC surround system is convenient and a cheaper way to go. But I try to steer people away from that if they are looking for a more quality type of sound. Budget will determine a lot as will what speakers you already have, if they aren't very good it might be better to go with something else.

If you could list your hardware that you have (brand/model#) for MB, graphics and sound cards if you have them and what speakers you do have, what you want to do with them, and budget you're looking at, I can give you some solid options to look at. If you happen to live in a city that's listed on craigslist, I can browse the listings alittle and see if there's a good deal for used.

This is my motherboard: http/www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HUFQ1EC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I do not have any extra sound card, I just use the integrated. I have an EVGA GeForce GT 630. I do use the HDMI out from this card. As of now, I still need to figure out my budget. I would definitely like to have at least 5.1 surround due to my gaming and movie watching. I'm considering getting the AVR, but I'll let you know.

Edit: I live in north new jersey

 

[ien2222]

Hey, sorry for the late reply, we had an outage last night.

Ok, the motherboard won't help any, however the graphics card will output 5.1 over hdmi which means you can use an AVR with your speakers.

I looked in your area of CL and really didn't see anything to get (at least not in the lower price bracket) except for one listing.
http/newjersey.craigslist.org/ele/4638018870.html

I'd say if you can get it for ~$75-$85 and everything works fine it would be a good deal.

Fry's is currently has the Yamaha RX-V473 and the Sony STR-DG1200 on clearance both for $99 which is a great deal. However this is in store only while supplies last so you'll have to look in your area. In both cases it might be worth getting an extended 2yr warranty as there are quality problems with the HDMI boards with both.

Otherwise I think the way to go would be to get a refurb from accessories4less, specifically the Denon E200.

http/www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavre200/denon-avr-e200-5.1-channel-3d-home-theater-receiver/1.html

As these are refurbs, even though it does come with a 1yr warranty you'll want to get the extended 3yr option. This will run about $165 which includes shipping. New without the extended warranty is around $195.


This will allow you to use the speakers you have already but also gives you the best option for upgrading in the future especially as you can upgrade over time instead of having to do it all at once.