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Creative GigaWorks T20/T40s vs Sony HT-CT150 vs ???

post #1 of 3
11/7/10 at 11:57pm
Thread Starter 

Hi all,

 

I'm in a bit of a quandary here. I am transitioning away from my large TV-based entertainment system (KDL-52XBR5) towards something more intimate and computer-based (30" LCD). Since my 5.1 floor-standing sony-based speaker system for the TV is way overkill for a computer setup I have started to look into desktop audio solutions. However, I need some help, especially since I have a PC, PS3, and Xbox 360 that all need to output audio through, ideally, one device.

 

Considerations

1) Size. Ideally I'd like something small that fits on my desk and doesn't rival my 30" monitor or take a lot of desk space.

2) Input connections. I'd like something that supports multiple audio sources.

 

Creative GigaWorks T20 / T40 Series II

I'm considering these due to size and familiarity. My friend has a pair of Creative T20s which serve him well, sound alright, and fit size requirements. The reviews I've seen of the T40s are not as glowing as for the T20s (due to power switch location, lack of aux input, and some sound quality issues), so it looks like the T20s might be the better way to go. Connecting my computer the T20s or T40s will be fine, however connecting either the PS3 and Xbox 360 to these speakers will not be fun. So...

 

Sony HT-CT150

This seems like a more ideal solution for multiple reasons. First, it solves the multiple input problem in more ways than one. My PC can output video / audio via HDMI so all my devices can connect to this and I can use this one device to switch between them all. Yay for video + audio in one cable! Second, it basically solves the size issue with the minor caveat that I have a 32" sound bar on my desk under my monitor and another box on the floor the size of my computer case.

 

I guess my real question is this:
Are there any other audio devices that you guys know of that would be more compact than the Sony HT-CTxxx series that has multiple audio inputs or does HDMI pass-through and has better sound quality and/or reduced size?

 

Thanks!

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post #2 of 3
11/8/10 at 7:16am

just wanna confirm... you're gonna use it for a computer right?

 

a computer speaker works best for a computer

so a T20 or a T40 should do the job

 

home theater speakers are best for long range listening. having these speakers too close to you would result crappy sound as they are not designed to play close

 

for that price I could recommend this multimedia speakers with multiple outputs (though it doesn't promise good sound)

Edifier S330D provides two analog input,one AUX input,one digital input and one coaxial input (no hdmi though)

-the satellites for this model is pretty small compared to T20 but this model includes a subwoofer along with it

 

or if you don't mind about having limited inputs and don't mind squeezing more money you can get

-AE Aego M

-Harman Kardon Soundsticks II

-Creative Gigaworks T3

 

the satellites are pretty small too...

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post #3 of 3
11/8/10 at 10:40pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks power911.

 

Yes, whatever speakers I get will be connected to my computer, but since I'll be using it for movies and gaming I will be ~10 feet away at least 40% of the time.

 

Thanks for the recommendation on the Edifier S330D speakers. They look good, for the size / price.

 

I'm wondering what alternatives there might be with small / compact 5.1 home theater systems if I really want to hang on to HDMI as an audio / video connection. At this time I'm more concerned with speaker size vs sound quality and HDMI inputs rather than price, which is probably why I like the idea of the HT-CT150s. However, I'm open to alternatives.

 

Unfortunately, last time I looked into 5.1 systems with small satellite speakers the Bose systems were good for price / performance, but that was ~6-8 years ago... hmm.

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