What's a good 5.1 surround sound setup for my computer?

sadab0

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Aug 31, 2014
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My computer build is already in my signature. I use my computer for everything including movies music and games so give me something that goes well with all of these.

For my display I'm using a TV (Model: Viore LC32VH60CN).
Here are the inputs that my TV has for your reference (Refresh the pages if the picture doesn't show up the first time):
http://i.imgur.com/rUthSRp.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/iPFXoXx.jpg
The only inputs I left out of the picture are the AC Power, VGA and a few HDMI connectors.

My budget is around $100

I'm in a spacey side bedroom (about half the size of a master bedroom) which is why I think 5.1 is better for me BUT I'm no expert and if you think a great 2.1 is better than a lousy 5.1 for me then by all means shoot me a recommendation, I'd much rather have better sound quality, bass and loudness.
 
Solution
depends on what you expect out of a system.

if it is for pc use only then the logitech z506 will do well. its $90 (or cheaper on sale) and for the money has decent sound quality and enough bass to keep most people happy.

for the same budget its possible to just start into hifi with a small cheap amplifier and bookshelf speakers. without a subwoofer i'd say they might not be as boomy as the z506 but will offer better sound quality. for a bit more cash you should be able to get a sub too for an overall better 2.1

basically http://www.cnet.com/news/build-your-own-desktop-stereo-for-under-70/
the dayton sub-800 for +$79 would make a good addition if you wanted some more bass.

you would need to use some splitters and adapter cables if...
depends on what you expect out of a system.

if it is for pc use only then the logitech z506 will do well. its $90 (or cheaper on sale) and for the money has decent sound quality and enough bass to keep most people happy.

for the same budget its possible to just start into hifi with a small cheap amplifier and bookshelf speakers. without a subwoofer i'd say they might not be as boomy as the z506 but will offer better sound quality. for a bit more cash you should be able to get a sub too for an overall better 2.1

basically http://www.cnet.com/news/build-your-own-desktop-stereo-for-under-70/
the dayton sub-800 for +$79 would make a good addition if you wanted some more bass.

you would need to use some splitters and adapter cables if you went with a sub (the sub doesnt get hooked up to the amplifier) but its not a big deal.

your choice as to what preferences you have.

---

i've owned a set like the z506 (the old x530) and it worked very well for a time and i never had complaints. for the last 5 years though i've had a hifi speaker set and i enjoy it even more. my set may be far more than a cheap set of b652's but you will notice a difference even between low end hifi and computer speakers.
 
Solution

sadab0

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Aug 31, 2014
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4,560
My budget is very strict so I'm leaning towards the z506 right now but do you think it will be alright if I don't have the rear speakers set up behind me? I want to put every speaker in front of me because I don't have anywhere to put the rear speakers and I'm too lazy to do a wall mount again.

At this point I feel like a 2.1 is better for me but I don't know if I can get a good 2.1 for around $100 and if I decided to go with the hifi setup with subwoofer it would definitely be over my budget.
 
well, for about 8 years i ran with a x530 5.1 set up all in front of me. you wouldnt get true surround sound but it worked.

as for 2.1 options... the logitech z523, harmon kardon soundsticks, creature III are all decent 2.1 systems.

you may be able to use the daytons without an amplifier unless you really want floor shaking bass. on their own they are punchy but arent going to shake pictures off your walls like a subwoofer can.

your choice.
 

sadab0

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Aug 31, 2014
20
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4,560
I can't believe I didn't mention this before but would my current subwoofer from my 5.1 (Altec Lansing VS3251) setup work with the amplifier and speakers? If so then I'm definitely going to be buying the hifi setup and then upgrade my subwoofer later.
here are a couple of pictures of the connections on the back of my subwoofer....
http://i.imgur.com/7iZTrBU.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/8xXBQsh.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/gw9rs5H.jpg
Again if the pictures don't show up just refresh the page.
 
you can use a pc speaker subwoofer with the set for temporary sure.

since the pc speakers/subwoofer combo are fed by a single 3.5mm connection all you'd really need is a 3.5mm spliter connected to your pc. one end goes to the pc speaker system (with speakers unplugged) with the other end going to your amp -> 2.0 speakers.
 

sadab0

Estimable
Aug 31, 2014
20
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4,560

Yea, I'm definitely going with the hifi setup with sub now.
Your dedicated help is much appreciated.TY

Btw you know any place that's selling these right now? Amazon seems to be Out of Stock.