5.1 Surround Sound Question.

[A15G]

Okay, so just a couple days ago I decided and wanted to buy a 5.1 Speaker System for my laptop and make it my little room theatre to where I can hook it up to my TV.

The main question is, If I buy a 5.1 Speaker System, would I have to have a 5.1 Sound card to support it? I dont know much about this, and I didnt want to buy a surround sound system and not being able to use the surround sound. I've seen external 5.1 adapters and was considering one as well.

Thanks, a15g.

[Conumdrum]

Look at the Software and hardware that came with your laptop. Next you need a DIGITAL AUDIO output from the laptop. No laptop comes with 5 analog output connections.

So read the book, look at your software.

More research, yes you can do it.

Make sure tyhe stereo has a digital optical or digital coax.

Actually unless it's a high end laptop you just bought, forget it. At least $1300 or so I guess.

[A15G]

Look at the Software and hardware that came with your laptop. Next you need a DIGITAL AUDIO output from the laptop. No laptop comes with 5 analog output connections.

So read the book, look at your software.

More research, yes you can do it.

My laptop is a 2 Channel Integraded Audio, by Intel.

Say that I buy the Logitec X-540 5.1 speakers and plug into my audio port on my laptop, does the surround sound automatically turn on when a video/game supports it? I dont know how it works.

[Rich'[ard]]

hmm, i think you may need to purchase a 5.1 sound card adapter from the likes of Creative, to have 5.1 surround sound as an option.
there's no need for an expensive card, unless you're an audiophile. but for someone like me that just wants good quality sound, i just connect my 5.1 Logitech to my motherboard's on-board sound card. it sounds fine to me :thup:

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=211&products_id=11972

[Maxvla]

Color me biased, but I have to question building a 5.1 setup around a laptop. Grab yourself a pair of AudioTechnica AD700 headphones (~$80) and call it done. If you have problems with line clarity (laptops are usually problematic, especially when connected to power) you can always get an inexpensive external DAC which can be had for well under $100. I guarantee that unless you absolutely must have the physical sensation of bass, you will be much happier with my suggestion.

You will have more detailed movies, more accurate (not flabby) bass and better positioning than an entry level 5.1 system. In addition your music will sound infinitely better with quality headphones than trying to play stereo music with the typically anemic satellites entry 5.1 systems come with.

edit: Completely missed where you were piping the video to your TV. Feel free to ignore my post, but it still stands if you decide to watch movies or listen to music while using your laptop.

[A15G]

;6268673"]hmm, i think you may need to purchase a 5.1 sound card adapter from the likes of Creative, to have 5.1 surround sound as an option.
there's no need for an expensive card, unless you're an audiophile. but for someone like me that just wants good quality sound, i just connect my 5.1 Logitech to my motherboard's on-board sound card. it sounds fine to me :thup:

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=211&products_id=11972

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102025
Cheaper on newegg. Ill just have to wait till I get more money and buy both at once.

[tweakboy]

Its not going to work on your Intel 2 channel sound. No way possible your getting more then stereo on this one.. Listen to Conum,,,,You should be using a desktop anyway, LOL , dont you know the rules of OCF , lol jk

[Conumdrum]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102025
Cheaper on newegg. Ill just have to wait till I get more money and buy both at once.

It's NOT 5.1 output.

For 5.1 you need more jacks than that or a digital output. So unless you buy a external box your out of luck.

Maybe this one is. USB from laptop to the box.
http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=1&subcategory=873&product=17751&nav=2

Review with USB and dig out.
http://alatest.com/apps/reviews/20629429/50512/?ref=http%3A%2F%2Freviews.cnet.com%2Fexternal-audio-adapters%2Fcreative-sound-blaster-x%2F4505-9335_7-33003674.html

[tweakboy]

You can do virtual surround or SRS ,,circle surround, and make it feel like its 5.1 , but its just virtual...... You need a external sound card with that laptop if you wanna go true 5.1 my friend,,,