speaker advice, please

[Meghan]

The details:

I have a computer with no soundcard.
I have an Audigy 2 NX (external for use with my laptop too.)
I have Sennheiser pc135 headphones.
I have Labtc Pulse 420 speakers (2.1)
I have this Plantronics switch that you hook the speakers and headphone to and then you just switch back and forth with a button.
I have a smallish coomputer room.

The background:

When I'm playing games while wearing the headphones, the sound moves depending on which way I'm facing. For example, in Morrowind if I'm standing with a fireplace on my right, I hear the fire crackle in my right earhpiece. If I turn my character so that I've got the fireplace on my left, I hear the crackle move so that the sound is in my left earpiece. My current speakers don't have directional sound like that. I want new speakers that will do that.

So I'm looking at these two speakers here

Creative SBS 4.1 450 Speaker System
This powerful gaming solution features four compact speakers - two front and two rear - that surround you to create an immersive listening experience.

Price : $42.58

Creative Inspire T5400 5.1 Speakers -RETAIL

Specifications:
Configuration: 5.1
Power Output: 74 Watts Total RMS(8 Watts RMS per speaker(x 4 speakers); 20 Watts RMS Center Satellite Speaker; 22 Watts RMS Subwoofer)
Frequency Response: 40Hz - 20,000Hz
Signal to noise ratio: 80dB
Remote: Wired Remote Control
Features: Two-way speaker design, CMSS Upmix, Versatile Wired Remote, Reinforced Wood Subwoofer for Powerful and Clean Bass

The Question:

So the 5.1 is about $25 more than the 4.1. Will the 4.1 do what I want? Will I miss that extra speaker? Is the 4.1 a better deal than the 5.1, price-wise?

Thanks for your input!

[Kelric]

So the 5.1 is about $25 more than the 4.1. Will the 4.1 do what I want? Will I miss that extra speaker? Is the 4.1 a better deal than the 5.1, price-wise?

Thanks for your input!

I can't answer for this specific brand nor on whether or not it is a better deal but my 4.1 speakers (Logitech Z-560s) definitely can handle directional sound. I imagine that most, if not all, others will as well.

[Kraken]

My eight-year-old Cambridge Soundworks 2.1 speakers do directional sound adequately. I'd think that any decent setup would work -- it's just stereo, after all; very few games actually use 3D sound, and even then, you only have two ears. An extra speaker might matter if you have a very large room...in my little closet office, it would make no difference.

[Meghan]

thanks guys! You've given me some things to think about. Cambridge is actually owned (or partnered or conjoined or some other unholy business amalgation) with Creative these days. I do like the idea of speakers that wil last for a good while. OTOH, Labtec is a significant other (or whatever) of Logitech and I've been extremely pleased with the sound quality from them over the last year.

[Rip]

In general whatever you buy look at frequency response first and power second. Don't be sucked by marketing the numbers mean more than all the hype!

[Meghan]

oh. So when I see something that says, for example,

Satellite Max Frequency Response: 20 kHz
Satellite Min Frequency Response: 35 Hz

Total Peak Power Output: 560 W

What does that tell you?

[The Meal]

oh. So when I see something that says, for example,

Satellite Max Frequency Response: 20 kHz
Satellite Min Frequency Response: 35 Hz

Total Peak Power Output: 560 W

What does that tell you?

Not much.

Tells you that it's pumping out sounds between 35 Hz and 20,000 Hz. Doesn't say a thing about how well it's making those noises, however.

If you've got a discerning ear, then I'd worry about how flat the frequency response is, but if you're not cursed with that problem, then move your buttocks up to a directional system of some sort (4.1 or 5.1, depending on how much space you've got to work with) and be happy with the super cool new sounds! If you're trying to impress audiophiles (or aspiring to become one yourself) do yourself a favor and flush about $1500 down your toilet right now, then gouge out your eardrums with a skinny Phillip's head screwdriver. In the long run, you'll be happier.

~Neal

~Neal

[Rip]

oh. So when I see something that says, for example,

Satellite Max Frequency Response: 20 kHz
Satellite Min Frequency Response: 35 Hz

Total Peak Power Output: 560 W

What does that tell you?

It would be loud but no BOOM! The low end freq of 35hz is high for a system with a good subwoofer. Most people can hear down to 20Hz.

This will probably do a better job of explaining.

http://www.smartcomputing.com/editorial ... cyclopedia

[WPD]

...(Logitech Z-560s)...

Just buy those and be happy.

Very happy.

[knob]

560s are great speakers, and they should have dropped in price quite a bit (I bought them years ago for $200). I recently upgraded due to a bad impulse buy to these since my 560s managed to break (I kept knocking the speaker stands over. That's bad for speakers, apparently).

But I was very, very pleased with the 560s. Clear and loud.


Also, from my understanding, the center speaker is rarely used in anything other than DVDs. Sitting here listening to music now, I can barely hear anything coming from the center speaker unless I crank the volume of just the center speaker up. The only speakers that do much work are the front left and right, and the rear left and right.

So if you can get 4.1 speakers cheaper, go for it. You won't be missing much.

[Kraken]

If you're looking at high-end speakers, ask about cable shielding, too. The wires on Cambridge speakers can act as an antenna. I've never had that problem on my home speakers, but an identical pair where I used to work sometimes pulled in top 40 music and airline cockpit transmissions. We had to buy some gadget at Radio Shack to suppress that noise. Just one more thing to think about.

[Freezer-TPF-]

For good quality PC speakers at a good price, Logitech is the way to go. Even my basic Logitech 2.1 Z-340 setup sounds great with my Audigy 2 ZS.

[Meghan]

Thanks gang! Rip, that article was very helpful to me. Ironrod, that's a hoot about the speaker wires. I've never had that happen to me.

I'm tempted by the high end rigs but I made my resist roll. I want speakers that have more features than my current set but I'm not shopping for audiophile stuff. This room is too small and crowded with stuff to support elaborate acoustics.

[Kelric]

I'm tempted by the high end rigs but I made my resist roll. I want speakers that have more features than my current set but I'm not shopping for audiophile stuff. This room is too small and crowded with stuff to support elaborate acoustics.

Well the Logitechs are going to be the same size as those Creatives. Maybe a little larger. And remember, size doesn't matter.