5.1 Surround Sound on Computer

[Memo]

Ok...I want to buy a home theatre system soon and i want to be able to hook it up to my computer. I have no Idea what i need to do this. Right now I have a Sound Blaster Live! Value. I dont think it can do 5.1. So, what would be a good sound card to buy for this? I want to buy a decent receiver, but that is NOT too expensive. Below $300 would be great. The sound card must not be too expensive either. What kind of cable would I need to connect the sound card to the receiver? I know my Sound Blaster Live! Value has a digital connect, but does this connect to a receiver? For the two front Left and Right speakers I am looking at the Sony SSM-F600H. They are bad ass speakers for their price and I can get them for relatively cheap since a friend works at Best Buy. As far as the Center, and Rear speakers, I have no idea. Any help? I dont know what i'm doing really, and hope that someone out there does :) Thanks.

[spigidygak]

Uhm, although I would always prefer to recommend going the component way. . . these bad boys are coming out soon Klipsch 5.1 promedia's (http://www.klipsch.com/index.asp?path=/newscenter/pressdetail.asp?frame=y&id=442&line=&1) and for $399. . . you can't beat that since their other lineage, 4.0's, 4.1's, 2.1's rock. I think this would be the cheaper and better route. Unless if you must go with a component based system.

[\/\/|ZarD]

Go with the Klipsch setup.
Buying a new receiver and speakers would only make sense if you'll be using the system for something other than just your computer.
You HAVE to buy a special cable to use the Digital out and from what I have seen those cables aren't cheap. Maybe you can do it without the special cable but I haven't gotten it to work.

[Memo]

Well, I have looked at the Klipsch 5.1. But I also listen to a lot of music, which is the reason I wanted to put large Floorstand speakers in the front. I am sure they're awesome for certain types of music, but I listen to rap and rock. They're not going to be JUST for the computer either. I kind of want to set up my whole room through the receiver. TV and Computer and maybe a seperate CD Changer. What I was wondering more is like what soundcard would be best to attach a Dolby Digital 5.1 capable A/V Receiver to. Or what kind of setup would be best, if anyone has something like this at home.

[\/\/|ZarD]

I can't imagine anyone needing more sound out of a computer than what the Klipsch setup offers. The only way you might need more is if your room is 500+ sq ft

[SpeedRacer]

The SoundBlaster Live 5.1 series w/ the Promedia 5.1's. I have the v2-400's and they're awesome. Some of the deepest bass I've ever heard and that's with 2 6.5" drivers. The 5.1's are coming with 2 8" drivers.

[spigidygak]

Well in that case go for the component setup by all means! I had the original Klipsch 4.1's but they can't match to the setup I have right now with a H/K AVR 35, Infinity Overture 1's and an AudioSource SW-12 sub. I would recommend the Phillips sound card since it has a digital coaxial output (spdif). And let me look into a lil' about recievers. I'm guessing something like a Denon is what I would recommend. E-mail me if you want a lil' more help.

[Memo]

I think I am gonna go with the component setup since its a bit more versatile and I don't mind spending a LITTLE more money. I will most likely just buy the receiver and the front to floorstanding speakers first. I'll worry about the surroun sound once i have that set up. I have set my eyes on the Sony SSM-F600H Floor Standing speakers as my two front ones. But I have not yet decided on a A/V Receiver. I don't want anything extremely bad ass. Just want it to be GOOD. Preferably $300 and below. Lower is always better. I know I will have to upgrade soundcard, I am lookinga t this Philips Acoustic Edge you said. Looks good. Anyone else have some good suggestions on Receivers / Sound cards?

[spigidygak]

Eh. . . sony. . . speakers. . . eh you sure you like those? Make sure if to demo them at a store with your cd's that you listen to most often. Not to happy with the quality Sony makes sonically. But hey not to bag on you, if you like them. Just like the many Bose owners out there. . . hehe.

[Memo]

To tell you the truth. I dont have a musical ear. I probably couldn't tell the difference between a 5,000 dollar speaker and a 5 dollar one (exageration). I think the Sony's are alright and I can get them for about half price since a friend works at Best Buy. Plus, I have $120 dollars worth of best buy gift certificates. So anyways, the Sonys are an affordable option for me. If you ahve any other affordable options, please suggest. I will listen to everything before I buy something expensive.

[spigidygak]

Since it looks as though you'd prefer to deal with Best Buy because of your friend. . . there isn't much to choose from. But take a gander at the Cerwin-Vega LS-12 or LS-15's. Or the JBL ND310. Those are pretty close to the price of the Sony's and probably sound better. The Cerwin-Vega's are probably some of the best speakers to listen to rock music. As far as recievers that Best Buy has, go for a Yamaha or Technics. They usually have a better sound for music. At least to me.