I was looking to purchase a 5.1 speaker system maybe even a 4.1 speaker system to attach to my xbox to watch movies and play games off of, maybe even have a spare set of cables running from my pc so i can listen to music off it. I know that games are only 4.1 but movies are 5.1 so when playing dvd's off the xbox I'd like to have the full effect. The 2 systems I was looking into are:
Altec Lansing 5100
Yamaha TSS1B
Is there any others out there? What do you think of these two?
Full Version: 5.1 Speaker System
There is also the Klipsch ProMedia 5.1 THX®-Certified speaker system that is Very impressive for PC speakers .
Then there is the Cambridge Soundworks line of PC speakers .
Both of these come in either 5.1 or 4.1 set-ups .
I have heard all of the current 5.1 systems except for the Yamaha that you mention and the Klipsch is the most impressive to me but it is also the most expensive . The Altec would be the Best Buy choice .
--DGP--
Then there is the Cambridge Soundworks line of PC speakers .
Both of these come in either 5.1 or 4.1 set-ups .
I have heard all of the current 5.1 systems except for the Yamaha that you mention and the Klipsch is the most impressive to me but it is also the most expensive . The Altec would be the Best Buy choice .
--DGP--
i like my creative inspire 5500 digital 5.1 surround system BUT when you like to go for somethin realy profesional you should avoid the optical connection between xbox and surround system.
WTF? Avoid the optical port? Why in the world would you do that?
If you don't mind Logitech, their z-680 system is awesome. I have one myself, and it gives me what I need: Loud, crystal clear sound when watching movies and playing games. It's not audiophile category, it is, however, great with the Xbox 
EDIT. yeah, why would we need to avoid the optical port??? You sayin' that the toslink converter in the HD/HiDef Pack makes the signal worse?
EDIT. yeah, why would we need to avoid the optical port??? You sayin' that the toslink converter in the HD/HiDef Pack makes the signal worse?
I agree the logitechs are the best.
| QUOTE |
| WTF? Avoid the optical port? Why in the world would you do that? |
a coxial output (e.g. one as it is on the speed link real rgb & digital audio cable) has the advantage that the digital signal don't have to be changed by the amplifier....
SPEED LINK CABLE
ok, but if you already have a $1500 DD receiver, 5 optical in's, 5 Coaxial In's.. what would be the difference? To be honest, I never knew that Coaxial vs Optical were any different, and I only use Optical. I thought they were both "digital" cables, meaning it doesnt matter if its copper or glass, its still digital, and needs the receiver to decode the signal... please enlighten me if you will.. I find this info very interesting..
Optical is better because it is not suceptable to EM Interference.
I wouldnt spend money on 5.1 speakers for a PC, i would get a DD reciever, and some 5.1 speakers and then you can use them for a PC and a real television and settop dvdplayer, ect.. if you want. Most PC 5.1 systems are a bit weak, but better than stereo i guess.
I wouldnt spend money on 5.1 speakers for a PC, i would get a DD reciever, and some 5.1 speakers and then you can use them for a PC and a real television and settop dvdplayer, ect.. if you want. Most PC 5.1 systems are a bit weak, but better than stereo i guess.
I have the Klipsch 4.1's (i got tired of waiting for the backordered 5.1's...they were a pain to get ahold of).
A couple of things:
-Great for dvd's
-Great for games
-Overkill for music ( I have to do all kinds of subtle things with my analog converter program to make music sound the way I like it...loud but not "amplified" if you know what I mean).
But for video games, these bastards will melt your windows and kill your neighbours before they break down. I've dropped 'em and set one on fire (accidentally...long story) and they work just great. The 5.1's really add a bit in terms of the Dolby 5.1 and adding a full center channel, but for 99% of the people out there I think that is overkill and not worth the money.
The logitechs have gotten very good reviews as computer speakers. I wouldn't use them for music, but they're alright.
(I use a bose setup as my yardstick for quality-even though it's overrated-and the klipsch are within spitting distance unless you listen to classical music. The logitechs are nowhere near.)
A couple of things:
-Great for dvd's
-Great for games
-Overkill for music ( I have to do all kinds of subtle things with my analog converter program to make music sound the way I like it...loud but not "amplified" if you know what I mean).
But for video games, these bastards will melt your windows and kill your neighbours before they break down. I've dropped 'em and set one on fire (accidentally...long story) and they work just great. The 5.1's really add a bit in terms of the Dolby 5.1 and adding a full center channel, but for 99% of the people out there I think that is overkill and not worth the money.
The logitechs have gotten very good reviews as computer speakers. I wouldn't use them for music, but they're alright.
(I use a bose setup as my yardstick for quality-even though it's overrated-and the klipsch are within spitting distance unless you listen to classical music. The logitechs are nowhere near.)
1. people are assuming that changing the optical signal into a electrical signal (within your amplifier or receiver) might cause failures (but I agree with you also that digital is digital)
2. optical connections are more likely to be damaged
--> for those two reasons audiophile freaks peoples prefer coxial connections
2. optical connections are more likely to be damaged
--> for those two reasons audiophile freaks peoples prefer coxial connections
The optical and coax signal uses the same format... Each one just translates the digital information into the different channels.
Optical is better, as previously stated because it's not suseptable to interference... Digital interferance sucks, too. It will either cause the sound to drop out or go TOTALLY heywire.
Optical is better, as previously stated because it's not suseptable to interference... Digital interferance sucks, too. It will either cause the sound to drop out or go TOTALLY heywire.
I resemble that remark, I AM an audiophile, and I think BOSE speakers are CRAP! Sorry L.K., but unless you spend $2000+ on bose speakers, they suck, ESPECIALLY their $400 slim center speaker. You can get much better sound for much less than Bose prices if you look around.. I personally have Energy Speakers for surround/sub and a Polk Audio CS-250 center speaker that is HUGE. Center speaker is the MOST important speaker in a 5.1 system.
But back on topic.. Why would Optical cables get damaged sitting behind a TV/Entertainment center? I have used optical cables for years and NEVER had one go bad or break.. yes, optical is glass, and is fragile, just dont use it as a pull string and you will be fine.. which then counters your first statement that Optical is worse than Coaxial.. actually, from seeing responses, Coaxial is WORSE than optical because of interference (if you get any), but Optical is more fragile.. thats a givin.. I will stick with my optical cables I have now thank you.
But back on topic.. Why would Optical cables get damaged sitting behind a TV/Entertainment center? I have used optical cables for years and NEVER had one go bad or break.. yes, optical is glass, and is fragile, just dont use it as a pull string and you will be fine.. which then counters your first statement that Optical is worse than Coaxial.. actually, from seeing responses, Coaxial is WORSE than optical because of interference (if you get any), but Optical is more fragile.. thats a givin.. I will stick with my optical cables I have now thank you.
| QUOTE (Ace25 @ Mar 3 2003, 09:33 PM) |
| I resemble that remark, I AM an audiophile, and I think BOSE speakers are CRAP! Sorry L.K., but unless you spend $2000+ on bose speakers, they suck, ESPECIALLY their $400 slim center speaker. You can get much better sound for much less than Bose prices if you look around.. I personally have Energy Speakers for surround/sub and a Polk Audio CS-250 center speaker that is HUGE. Center speaker is the MOST important speaker in a 5.1 system. But back on topic.. Why would Optical cables get damaged sitting behind a TV/Entertainment center? I have used optical cables for years and NEVER had one go bad or break.. yes, optical is glass, and is fragile, just dont use it as a pull string and you will be fine.. which then counters your first statement that Optical is worse than Coaxial.. actually, from seeing responses, Coaxial is WORSE than optical because of interference (if you get any), but Optical is more fragile.. thats a givin.. I will stick with my optical cables I have now thank you. |
What remark? I said they were overrated, and I would rather not specify exactly how much money went into that rig.
But compared to the shit being discussed on this thread, I would say it is a fair yardstick. I know all about the the "Bose: no highs, no lows" audophile schtick, but the fact remains that 99% of people have great difficulty distinguishing these differences beyond the 500$ mark.
You have your opinion on center speakers, I have mine. I have tried with and without, and for my pc and everyday use, music, and pc games, the center channel I could take or leave. Having 4 speaker surround tho, that is essential.
| QUOTE (Ace25 @ Mar 3 2003, 01:33 PM) |
| I resemble that remark, I AM an audiophile, and I think BOSE speakers are CRAP! |
I'm an audiophile too and I have to agree that Bose suck. I would not touch them with a 10 foot pole.
In laymonds terms Bose takes the signal that is sent to the speakers and then then modifies it so it sounds like what Bose engineers think people like to hear. This does not bother many people (and many don't even know). However, when listening to a Bose system you are not listening to the music as it is meant to be heard.
If this does not bother you run out and get Bose. If your like me it's a pretty big deal. I would take my Acoustic Research speakers over Bose any day.
EDIT: I don't agree that you can live or live without the center speaker though. I actually have a 6.1 system. For me the front center is crucial, the rear center is optional.
Then I am outvoted by people that probably know a good deal more than I do about the subject. Consider the matter resolved, with your verdict as the standing one.
| QUOTE (J.P. Patches @ Mar 3 2003, 01:07 PM) |
| The optical and coax signal uses the same format... Each one just translates the digital information into the different channels. |
Not true... With every system I have owned you can do 5.1 surround with both but you have to have an optical cable for DTS surround.
EDIT: I don't know why this is the case tho.
ok, my audio system is on my 60" TV, NOT my PC... I wouldnt waste that kind of $ for my PC .. (although for some reason I will waste $800+ on a watercooled tower/lights... go figure) So our listening environments are completely different.. I have no idea how you can even watch a DVD movie on a 5.1 system WITHOUT a center speaker.. you wouldnt get any voice at all unless it was background talking.. all the voice comes out the center speaker.. which is the main reason I state it IS the most important speaker.. you want people's voices to sound clear, have some bass to them if they are deep talkers, etc... I know that bose center sounded like everyone was talking while plugging their noses.. sounded terrible, then again, dont expect to much bass out of a speaker thats what.. 1" tall... compared to my center speaker that is about 9" tall, 14" wide, 12" deep and weighs 40 lbs.. and cost $100 LESS than the bose.. bose=$399, Polk Audio=$299.
L.K., if you did spend over $2K just for your bose speakers, then more than likely you dont have the bose speakers I am talking about.. I am referring to the little bookshelf surrounds that sit on $99 pedestals and the slim center speaker.. I think all the speakers/sub combined comes out just under $2000 for speakers.. that is why I said if you spent over $2k for bose, they are probably better than the bose you see all over the place, like Costco, etc (not that listening to an audio system in Costco is anyway to judge a speaker). I actually spent months going to little whole in the wall high end Audio/Video places to check out all the different setups.. I didnt get the best, no way I could afford a $100,000 THX system in my apartment.. Oh well, have no idea where I am going with this now, I think I am just rambling for no reason .. bye.
L.K., if you did spend over $2K just for your bose speakers, then more than likely you dont have the bose speakers I am talking about.. I am referring to the little bookshelf surrounds that sit on $99 pedestals and the slim center speaker.. I think all the speakers/sub combined comes out just under $2000 for speakers.. that is why I said if you spent over $2k for bose, they are probably better than the bose you see all over the place, like Costco, etc (not that listening to an audio system in Costco is anyway to judge a speaker). I actually spent months going to little whole in the wall high end Audio/Video places to check out all the different setups.. I didnt get the best, no way I could afford a $100,000 THX system in my apartment.. Oh well, have no idea where I am going with this now, I think I am just rambling for no reason .. bye.
I love those fancy little audio boutiques...we have one here called "Tweeter's" that has those rooms full of speakers for you to melt your brain on and compare.
My PC is my sound system in my bedroom (I find the convenience of hd's and playlists with high quality mp3's to be well worth any degradation). It is a small room, so sound fills it easily with a few adjustments. The Klipsch are well suited to this.
My PC is my sound system in my bedroom (I find the convenience of hd's and playlists with high quality mp3's to be well worth any degradation). It is a small room, so sound fills it easily with a few adjustments. The Klipsch are well suited to this.
| QUOTE (switzch @ Mar 3 2003, 07:29 PM) |
| Most PC 5.1 systems are a bit weak, but better than stereo i guess. |
Trust me - the Z-680's are not weak in any way.
EDIT: Listening to low bitrate mp3's through them is really unbearable. Anything below 192 kbps is not an option. These are the first speakers I've heard that actually pronounce this effect for me. Of course, when listening to proper 5.1 DVD soundtracks through them is just fine
I'm enjoying my 7.1 HK receiver and Paradigm (2 rear. 2 sides, 2 floorstanding fronts, 1 wide center) speakers/sub..
I haven't seen any 7.1 movies, though, any suggestions?
I haven't seen any 7.1 movies, though, any suggestions?
gainpresence ,
you need material that is DTS-ES® Discrete for 7.1 .
I use HK also
.
Try here for a listing of those movies that are 6.1 & 7.1 : http://www.docdvd.com/exdvds.shtml
--DGP--
you need material that is DTS-ES® Discrete for 7.1 .
I use HK also
.Try here for a listing of those movies that are 6.1 & 7.1 : http://www.docdvd.com/exdvds.shtml
--DGP--
| QUOTE |
| .. which is the main reason I state it IS the most important speaker.. |
Definitly. Center speaker is the MOST important.. maybe PC games dont use true 5.1, but anything that uses true 5.1, will use the Cspeaker the most.
by the way, optical isnt that expensice anymore, i just got a 1m toslink cable fore $9.99 at radio shack. 3 years ago, this would have cost me $50
| QUOTE (switzch @ Mar 4 2003, 08:36 AM) |
| by the way, optical isnt that expensice anymore, i just got a 1m toslink cable fore $9.99 at radio shack. 3 years ago, this would have cost me $50 |
I would suggest looking for Acoustic Research optical cable. They are very high quality at a reasonable price. I believe the shortest optical cord costs around $15. Most Best Buy's carry them.
I'm looking to spend 200-300 bucks canadian i know that isn't alot but what 5.1 system could u recommend for that price, i know the Klipsch 5.1 Pro Media rock but they are about 450 canadian (I beleilve).
Thanks
Rukz
Thanks
Rukz
Please do yourself a favor and pick up the Logitech 560's or 680's.
Whatever you do... DO NOT buy any Creative Labs Speakers. If you have a pair of those speakers, box them up and return them to Walmart pronto. I was sorely disapointed at their bass quality when I bought me a pair. So much so, that I returned them the next day. I got on the internet and started searching for another pair. Klipsh and Logitech were what it came down too. I read review after review about the two of them until I found one that compaired the both of them... Basically they were about equal in quality and watts. I decided to give the 560's a chance...
I am in love! I have never heard music so clear and bass so loud in my life. I have honestly not turned them up as loud as they can go in fear that they would destroy my eardrums, speakers, or my room. I would fully suggest this set of speakers to anyone looking for a GREAT gaming/DVD/Audio experience. I love them dearly. (laughs)
Just my two cents,
Guider
Whatever you do... DO NOT buy any Creative Labs Speakers. If you have a pair of those speakers, box them up and return them to Walmart pronto. I was sorely disapointed at their bass quality when I bought me a pair. So much so, that I returned them the next day. I got on the internet and started searching for another pair. Klipsh and Logitech were what it came down too. I read review after review about the two of them until I found one that compaired the both of them... Basically they were about equal in quality and watts. I decided to give the 560's a chance...
I am in love! I have never heard music so clear and bass so loud in my life. I have honestly not turned them up as loud as they can go in fear that they would destroy my eardrums, speakers, or my room. I would fully suggest this set of speakers to anyone looking for a GREAT gaming/DVD/Audio experience. I love them dearly. (laughs)
Just my two cents,
Guider
Doh! The price range for the Logitech's are around $130-199ish. Maybe some newer system out there that is more, but I FULLY suggest Logitech's newer speakers!
You can get them cheap at www.newegg.com
Guider
You can get them cheap at www.newegg.com
Guider
yea bose are very expensive... most of their systems flat out bite
although....
i just got my new bose acoustimass 15 and....... DAMN GINA!
this thing really pumps
in the past alot of bose's products were ehhh ok, but w/ this system comes their new subwoofer encloser
the 3- 5 1/4" cones in the sub send shockwaves of bass throughout my house... now i'm constantly being told to "turn that fucking shit down!"
lol at $1200 this thing better make the guy down the street wonder who's playing nfsu at 2am
in the past the saying was "got no lows... must be bose"............
well not anymore, if your not convinced come to my house.... bring your earplugs
also in addition to the high price you need a DD reciever to decode
so obviosly not very affordable for most.... but goddamn you only lose your hearing once
although....
i just got my new bose acoustimass 15 and....... DAMN GINA!
this thing really pumps
in the past alot of bose's products were ehhh ok, but w/ this system comes their new subwoofer encloser
the 3- 5 1/4" cones in the sub send shockwaves of bass throughout my house... now i'm constantly being told to "turn that fucking shit down!"
lol at $1200 this thing better make the guy down the street wonder who's playing nfsu at 2am
in the past the saying was "got no lows... must be bose"............
well not anymore, if your not convinced come to my house.... bring your earplugs
also in addition to the high price you need a DD reciever to decode
so obviosly not very affordable for most.... but goddamn you only lose your hearing once
I'm not even sure I want to jump into this one, too many "audiophiles" 
with awesome opinions.
I will clarify a few things, you will not find "Bose" in a single celebrity's entertainment center, nor will you find them in any audio magazine with some celebratory review. Most people who are serious about home audio and know what brands are available from shops with slightly more disctinction than Best Buy know there's MUCH better rated speakers on the market. The main bread of a true "Home Theater" (not your 27" screen with a 5.1 from Sears but rather people using lcd projection or HDTV WS that knows the value of monoblock class A amplifiers, and rechant names like B&W, Marantz, Pass Labs, and the likes. I'm not going to get into the details of my home entertainment system, but I've bought every drop of it through classified ads from studios and the like and have spent over $15,000 buying equipment at 40% or less of the retail price. I'll spare my opinions save for the optical has a much lower distortion, EM interference, cross signaling, and EM resistance levels than coaxial and is far superior.
I wouldn't recommend my setup, since my front, left/right and rear speakers were all custom made. but I'd definately shop around and read reviews on what sounds right for you.
center - $110 on ebay
Front and Rear $58 new from J&R
Subwoofer $99 New at J&R
Personally, if I was starting off, I would buy that center and a pair of those for the front. If I wanted to fill the room more, I'd buy a second pair for the rear. If you still needed to fill the toom, I'd step up and buy the sub
Acoustic Research is what I would call a baby step into audiophile. They are plentiful, popular, and priced.. that is to say they are well manufactured, easy to find, and more affordable than other speakers of comparable performance. AR tends to have consistantly good reviews for these reasons, would be a great starter.
Remember, 99% of audiophiles don't buy their entire system at once, it's simply not price practical. Part of the fun of this hobby is the search. If you truly enjoy the sound of music and movies, then start looking for that next great amp or decoder or whatever your system needs. Hunt the classifieds Watch the savings, this is so important. Look for merchandise that is described as MINT only, anyone who has dropped or scratched a piece of equipment has no idea how to care for it. A well built amplifier porperly cared for will last for decades without the need for maintenance. Newer doesn't mean it is better, some of the best amplifiers on the market are monolithic and noone can deny the clean powerful sound of a 70s vacuum tube amp! These things have no moving parts, they don't break down like a car, just keep them cool and they'll last a lifetime. Manuals are another important thing to look for, only people who truly cared for their equipment would care enough to have a safe place to keep the owner's registration, not to mention these provide invaluable information about the wonderful piece of equipment you just purchased. Anyways, enough of that, whatever you purchase, I hope you love it!
with awesome opinions.I will clarify a few things, you will not find "Bose" in a single celebrity's entertainment center, nor will you find them in any audio magazine with some celebratory review. Most people who are serious about home audio and know what brands are available from shops with slightly more disctinction than Best Buy know there's MUCH better rated speakers on the market. The main bread of a true "Home Theater" (not your 27" screen with a 5.1 from Sears but rather people using lcd projection or HDTV WS that knows the value of monoblock class A amplifiers, and rechant names like B&W, Marantz, Pass Labs, and the likes. I'm not going to get into the details of my home entertainment system, but I've bought every drop of it through classified ads from studios and the like and have spent over $15,000 buying equipment at 40% or less of the retail price. I'll spare my opinions save for the optical has a much lower distortion, EM interference, cross signaling, and EM resistance levels than coaxial and is far superior.
I wouldn't recommend my setup, since my front, left/right and rear speakers were all custom made. but I'd definately shop around and read reviews on what sounds right for you.
center - $110 on ebay
Front and Rear $58 new from J&R
Subwoofer $99 New at J&R
Personally, if I was starting off, I would buy that center and a pair of those for the front. If I wanted to fill the room more, I'd buy a second pair for the rear. If you still needed to fill the toom, I'd step up and buy the sub
Acoustic Research is what I would call a baby step into audiophile. They are plentiful, popular, and priced.. that is to say they are well manufactured, easy to find, and more affordable than other speakers of comparable performance. AR tends to have consistantly good reviews for these reasons, would be a great starter.
Remember, 99% of audiophiles don't buy their entire system at once, it's simply not price practical. Part of the fun of this hobby is the search. If you truly enjoy the sound of music and movies, then start looking for that next great amp or decoder or whatever your system needs. Hunt the classifieds Watch the savings, this is so important. Look for merchandise that is described as MINT only, anyone who has dropped or scratched a piece of equipment has no idea how to care for it. A well built amplifier porperly cared for will last for decades without the need for maintenance. Newer doesn't mean it is better, some of the best amplifiers on the market are monolithic and noone can deny the clean powerful sound of a 70s vacuum tube amp! These things have no moving parts, they don't break down like a car, just keep them cool and they'll last a lifetime. Manuals are another important thing to look for, only people who truly cared for their equipment would care enough to have a safe place to keep the owner's registration, not to mention these provide invaluable information about the wonderful piece of equipment you just purchased. Anyways, enough of that, whatever you purchase, I hope you love it!
| QUOTE (Ace25 @ Mar 3 2003, 10:33 PM) |
| I resemble that remark, I AM an audiophile, and I think BOSE speakers are CRAP! Sorry L.K., but unless you spend $2000+ on bose speakers, they suck, ESPECIALLY their $400 slim center speaker. You can get much better sound for much less than Bose prices if you look around.. I personally have Energy Speakers for surround/sub and a Polk Audio CS-250 center speaker that is HUGE. Center speaker is the MOST important speaker in a 5.1 system. But back on topic.. Why would Optical cables get damaged sitting behind a TV/Entertainment center? I have used optical cables for years and NEVER had one go bad or break.. yes, optical is glass, and is fragile, just dont use it as a pull string and you will be fine.. which then counters your first statement that Optical is worse than Coaxial.. actually, from seeing responses, Coaxial is WORSE than optical because of interference (if you get any), but Optical is more fragile.. thats a givin.. I will stick with my optical cables I have now thank you. |
You mean these $2,000 Bose??? They still suck. Bad. 3.335 Stars out of 5 by Audio Review. Not impressive, especially considering most people who bought this have never head something like these Martin Logans
well have you even tried the acoustimass 15 series II with their new subwoofer encosure?
if not, its not fair to offer a poor review since you know nothing on this product.
if not, its not fair to offer a poor review since you know nothing on this product.
dammit man, now you have given me audio fever again. I was big serious into buying an Energy speaker system a few months ago, but my rent went up and my bankroll went down. Now that I have a roomate, I have extra moola for a sweet system. I am definately a newb when it comes to being an audiophile, but there are a couple of good forums out there to discuss this.
Basically, it all boils down to the size of your room, and the amount of money you want to spend. I would recommend floorstanding front speakers rather than the bookshelf speakers, but bookshelves will do fine in a small room.
Oh, and in Canada, there is a store called Paradigm (they sell their own brand) which I understand a ton of audiophiles love to drive to for their cheap prices and excellent quality speakers. Some others I have heard of but aren't listed are Boston Acoustics, Axioms, and M&K's.
Basically, it all boils down to the size of your room, and the amount of money you want to spend. I would recommend floorstanding front speakers rather than the bookshelf speakers, but bookshelves will do fine in a small room.
Oh, and in Canada, there is a store called Paradigm (they sell their own brand) which I understand a ton of audiophiles love to drive to for their cheap prices and excellent quality speakers. Some others I have heard of but aren't listed are Boston Acoustics, Axioms, and M&K's.
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