5.1 or 4.1 speakers

[Luie]

do you notice any difference in 5.1 or 4.1 speakers setups while in games?

what's the point of buying a 5.1 if you don't notice a major difference?...(maybe there's a major difference...)

I've got a 5.1 home cinerma thing but never tried 4.1.

It would be apprecitating if only people who had experienced both 5.1 and 4.1 speakers setup answers my question.

Thanks.

[Mpegger]

Well, I dont have personal experience with 5.1 speakers on a computer, just 4.1 on computer and Multi speaker setups with home theather systems (from normal stereo to 6.1 systems).
However, as of yet there are no games out that take advantage of a 5.1 setup. Only DVD movies allow true 5.1 output, though some sound cards (and speakers) allow a pseudo (fake) 5.1 output from normal stereo signals.
However, in the future, games will start to incorporate 5.1 audio, just like so many have support for 4 channel sounds cards now. But thier only real use is for DVD movies.

[WyrmMaster]

Hey mpegger, great avatar. I have the whole thing, pretty funny.

[Luie]

Thanks, mpegger.

btw, got another question...
I've read some reviews on the speakers but I want to know some of the overclocker's opinion...

Which would you preferr for the gaming speakers:

1. Logitech (the 4.1 one)
2. Altec Lansing 4100
3. Kliptch Promedia 4.1
4. Kliptch Promedia 5.1
5. Others...(give example)

Thanks

[Luie]

The Logitech was Logitech Z-560 I was referring to on my last post.

[Mpegger]

I think what you sould really look at is:

1. How much your willing to spend on the speakers.

2. Whats the main use your going to get out of your speakers.

3. Just how much do you really use your speakers.

4. Does the speaker offer the most connections options and features that you need now and/or for the future?

Look at your price range and the features that you really need. If your heavily into gaming, but not much else, a low end 4.1 system would suffice. If you also play alot of music AND love to play it loud, then the high end 4.1 system (Like Klipsch 4.1 or Logitech Z-560) is what you need, but thier not exactly cheap. ;)
If you watch alot of DVD movies on your computer(!), a low end 5.1 system sould suffice. But if you like to use your computer as a DVD player for your big screen tv, then either a high end 5.1 system (again, Klipsch comes to mind), or just do what I do. Use a real home theatre setup and forget about computer speakers altogether. :beer:

[Mpegger]

Originally posted by WyrmMaster
Hey mpegger, great avatar. I have the whole thing, pretty funny.

Yeah. It was the only thing I could think of useing as a avatar for now that would get some laughs. :D

Was a b***h though converting it to a moving gif. Took me about 4 hours, then another hour because it was originally 121x91 pixels. :rolleyes:

[Luie]

Thanks mpegger.

1. How much your willing to spend on the speakers.
A. I am willing to spend less than HK$3000. That's around US$360. Anything under US$360 will be fine. All the speakers which I'd mentioned earlier is under US$360. :D

2. Whats the main use your going to get out of your speakers.
A. I am going to use my speakers for gaming. (first person shooter and alike)

3. Just how much do you really use your speakers.
A. I use it everyday even I am not playing any games. I turn on MP3 player every time turn on my pc. (except for doing my homework)

Now, I really want these for my needs:
Altec Lansing 4100
or
Logitech Z-560

My problem is that I don't know which one to choose...
Which would suit my need more? Or is there other speakers that I have not come across that is good for my need?

[Yodums]

If your going for good quality speakers then go for the Klipsch 5.1's. They are very good sound wise and performance wise and a bang of the buck.

Although you should get a good sound card or else it won't most likely use the speakers to its full potential since you will pay alot.

Originally posted by luie
Thanks mpegger.

1. How much your willing to spend on the speakers.
A. I am willing to spend less than HK$3000. That's around US$360. Anything under US$360 will be fine. All the speakers which I'd mentioned earlier is under US$360. :D

2. Whats the main use your going to get out of your speakers.
A. I am going to use my speakers for gaming. (first person shooter and alike)

3. Just how much do you really use your speakers.
A. I use it everyday even I am not playing any games. I turn on MP3 player every time turn on my pc. (except for doing my homework)

Now, I really want these for my needs:
Altec Lansing 4100
or
Logitech Z-560

My problem is that I don't know which one to choose...
Which would suit my need more? Or is there other speakers that I have not come across that is good for my need?

[WyrmMaster]

well, i have altec lansing speakers, and there great. Not the same model your looking at, but i love mine.

[Kato]

the Z-560 is great...my friend just got it today, and the bass is very deep...and its cheaper than the Klipsch 5.1.
if you are only using the speakers for gaming, then i don't think you need the 5.1 channel, since no game on the market now supports 5.1...but if you like to watch DVD using your pc, then get the 5.1.
beside, if you got the Z-560, you still have money for an Audigy too :D

[FerrariF50]

Warning!

The Klipsch 5.1 had a Transister problem..you might want to check their fourm out first..... Alot of problems too from their..I'm surpized nevertheless I'm going to get those New Logitec Z-560's whooo!