PC speaker/sound card help

[pencil shavings]

I have finaly had enough of listening to my music through the speakers on my monitor and have decided to get a speaker set up. My comp is about 1.5 years old, lowish spec from new. so standard dell soundcard, not sure about the spec (its not this comp :p)

I have been looking online and you can pick up 2.1 systems from about £10, is there any difference those and a £50+ system? also been looking at sound cards, can pick up one of these: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CREATIVE-Sound-Blaster-LIVE-5-1-digital-card_W0QQitemZ270195940690QQihZ017QQcategoryZ3701Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
is there any point? then I could get a 5.1 set up for about £50.

Ive got about £100 to spend. Think it will be good to wait for the sales, but I need to know what Im going to spend it on.
So please spend my money for me! :mrgreen:

Thanks

[phil24_7]

I got an Altec Lansig MX5021 2.1 speaker set that is loud as fug and sounds amazin!

[pencil shavings]

yeha, i did look at those, I was looking to get a sound card as well so thats abit above my budget.

has anyone had experiance with the Logitech X-540? Ive read good things about it online.

Also general question about suround sound, can you put all speakers at the front and have it function like a 2.1 system?

[phil24_7]

You can but it's pointless, you may as well get a 2.1 system for the same money that will perform better!

[monkey]

Non computer person here but why not flog your old computer and spend your 100 squids towards a newer computer with a better sound setup? Or if it's for music get a half decent stereo sound card and plug it into your stereo? I remember years ago when I first realised all I needed was a cable to sort it out.

:smile:

[Xan173]

Most 5.1 are not too good at playing music. If you want to playback music don't exceed 2.1

An alternative option if you have the space and aren't bothered about style would be to go for a hi-fi amp and a pair of decent bookshelf speakers.
Or, if you've already got a hi-fi, and a wireless network you could also consider a streaming solution? (http://www.play.com/PC/PCs/4-/905156/Logitech-Wireless-Music-System-For-PC/Product.html)

[pencil shavings]

I dont really have that much room, im in halls at uni atm. I was just thinking about the 5.1 because they are avaliable at my budget.

I think I will stick to a 2.1

The streaming thing is a good idea, but I dont have a hi-fi, my computer is my everything!!

I have the dell dimension 5150, not sure if that helps towars the question of the sound card, or maybe a RAM ungrade?

Thanks

[_drummer_]

Not sure what sound a dell dimension 5150 is, but if it's onboard (mobo) a soundcard like the one above will probably be better, you can always use it in 2.1 speaker setup mode anyway.
Best way is to open her up & have a look, just don't touch things (or ground yourself on the PSU first with it plugged into the mains with power to the PSU but without the pc on). I'd echo what the guys say above, stick with 2.1 & google to find reviews/hardware guides.

HTH

[_drummer_]

BTW If you can't tell by looking, or have some warranty etc just go Start>Run>devmgmt.msc & look at Sound, Video & game controllers. Or run dxdiag.exe >Sound tab.
HTH