Looking to buy first 3.1 system (audio noob)

[monkeymonk]

Ok so back at home I had a set of corsair sp2500 I loved them but I hated the like of a center channel for audio during movies. Now I am looking to buy a good quality speaker setup. I have a sound card similar to this http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102033&Tpk=creative%20titanium%20x-fi&IsVirtualParent=1. I have read the sticky and have started my research into speakers however I am still not well versed on the matter. I'd like to order by the end of the weekend so I can get them by next weekend.

Money isn't an issue (within reason) I don't have much space so I need speakers that aren't crazy big and they don't have to be really powerful because I can't play loud music here anyways. Quality is a must though. Will I need an amplifier? Any advice for an audio novice? Thanks guys

 

[thee_prisoner]

I see no reason to throw away what you have. You could just get an active(powered) center channel speaker. But the problem is that the sound card doesn't have discreet outputs( argh, hate that) Maybe your mobo sound chip has them.

the Prisoner...

 

[monkeymonk]

I see no reason to throw away what you have. You could just get an active(powered) center channel speaker. But the problem is that the sound card doesn't have discreet outputs( argh, hate that) Maybe your mobo sound chip has them.

the Prisoner...

Well the 2500s are at home in Washington and I am stationed in Florida so it would cost to ship them. What do you mean by discrete outputs? Wouldn't I just plug it into the black jack? Can I really just add a sound channel like that, I mean the corsair speakers are like a preconfigured set so would the sound card figure out where to send noise? There is a floor model 5.1 system at the store near me for like half off so I might buy those but if I have speakers behind me I would rather have them Bluetooth so i wouldn't have to mess with the wires. Is this possible to do? 5.1 sounds tempting because I don't think there are any 3.1 systems out there.

 

[thee_prisoner]

With that sound card(I'm not sure what computer you are using) you only have SPDIF output. So you are limited to speaker system that use that kind of input. What I meant by discrete outputs are sound cards or on board sound chips that use an analog outputs. For example pic:https://www.google.com/search?q=ana...ard%2Fcommercial%2Fgraphics_and_media;500;333

So in terms of what you want, you need a speaker system with SPDIF inputs or a receiver( or integrated amp, pre-amp) that accepts SPDIF inputs. A receiver will power the speakers or buy speakers that are powered.

Wireless rear speakers is a great option since they don't really put out much fidelity sound. Put your money into the 3.1 option since the main speakers and center are the most important for movies. You always can add rear speakers later. Depending where you are in Florida, I would check out a new/used stereo store and see what they have, They are pretty cool about listening to speakers and will probably have something to match up a receiver and speakers. These type of stores have trade in options too if later you want to get something better.

Best thing is to listen to some speakers and not order online and just go to your local indy store. Just tell them what you have and what you are looking for.

the Prisoner

 

[monkeymonk]

If it helps here is the exact sound card I have. http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102019
And here is the mobo http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131759
So what you are saying is that I will need a receiver because my sound card wont support analog?
I went to the NEX and they had a Klipsch HDT600 speaker system for sale its the floor model so it was $350 instead of 600.
http/www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5118546&SRCCODE=SHOPPINGDF&cm_mmc_o=2mHCjCmtB55bETCjCVqHCjCdwwp&cpncode=31-128383494-2
Is this a good option I take it I will still need a receiver?
would it be better to pick the speakers out individually? Do you have any recommendations? I think I would prefer some smaller floor speakers for the L/R because desk space is very very limited.
I'll try an go check a speaker store out but I am very restricted at this base and it is hard to leave. Thanks again

 

[thee_prisoner]

Your sound card doesn't have analog outputs except stereo 2.0. The mobo does have discrete analog outputs (main, center,sub and rears) so that is good and also HDMI output which may be the best option. An idea is to get a receiver and the speaker system. The speaker system is probably ok but since you or I haven't heard them who knows.

Receiver wise, I noticed it is getting harder to find receivers with 5.1 analog inputs and outputs. So HDMI would be the best option. HDMI from the mobo to a receiver HDMI input then hook up the speakers.

In terms of of optical outputs on your sound card, a receiver with both HDMI and SPDIF(optical) and use one or another but there can be problems with gaming using optical output. There are plenty of threads out there talking about optical in gaming and movies only working in stereo. Although with the brand and model sound card that may not be a problem. You will have to research your sound card specifically for 5.1 since some people are still not happy with optical out and prefer analog.

Anyways, it looks like you have some options and BTW Amazon has that speaker system on sale for 328.00. I still recommend if you can to try out a used/new stereo store. Indy stores that sell new/used usually have very knowledgeable sales peoples and work with you getting a good setup you can try out before buying.

Buying individuals speakers is a great way to go but it gets more complicated matching up stuff that sound good together. You have to understand most of these inexpensive 5.1 systems aren't the best quality but if it works for you go for it. I use good quality separate components( amps, pre amps and etc with good quality home stereo speakers.) that I have bought over the years, trading in and trading up.

Happy Listening, the Prisoner.