[davidw89]

Got a cheapo Logitech X540 5.1..giving it away to my sister's computer

Sound card: Auzentech X-Fi Prelude 7.1
Speaker: Needs to be 5.1, has a microphone plug in the front..looking at Z-5500 but need something with WAY better quality
Additional Stuff..can someone recommend?
Amps?
Optical Fibre Cable (for high quality audio output)? which ones?
Anything else
Prefer to keep budget around $500

 

[Uncle Erik]

I'd recommend one of the pro audio cards from RME or M-Audio. Those are a cut above the cards meant mostly for games. Nothing wrong with those, but you should use the correct tool for the job. Also, one will be useful if you ever decide to do some recording. You never know - some friend or relative might give you a decent used turntable and you'll want to try some needledrops.

From there, look into getting a DAC for playback. My knowledge about those isn't as good as it was a couple years ago, but I can say that you'll find plenty of information here.

 

[davidw89]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Erik /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'd recommend one of the pro audio cards from RME or M-Audio. Those are a cut above the cards meant mostly for games. Nothing wrong with those, but you should use the correct tool for the job. Also, one will be useful if you ever decide to do some recording. You never know - some friend or relative might give you a decent used turntable and you'll want to try some needledrops. From there, look into getting a DAC for playback. My knowledge about those isn't as good as it was a couple years ago, but I can say that you'll find plenty of information here.

Ok i am a bit slow on these terminology, but i was under the impression that the new Prelude 7.1 is the best out on the market for sound card? Unless there's better? (What does RME or M-Audio specialises in their sound card)

No idea what a DAC is..

Should i get a 7.1 speaker? or a bit un-necessary?
Do i need an amp?

 

[Dr. Strangelove]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Erik /img/forum/go_quote.gif Those are a cut above the cards meant mostly for games. Nothing wrong with those, but you should use the correct tool for the job. Also, one will be useful if you ever decide to do some recording. You never know - some friend or relative might give you a decent used turntable and you'll want to try some needledrops.

I'm not sure about the prelude's input stages, but I know the output parts of the card are top notch. Basically a X-fi chipset crammed with Hi-Fi components.

 

[davidw89]

oh common as if no one here has an awesome computer rig with sound card + awesome speaker + more done?

 

[Dr. Strangelove]

Imo, better off with cans than speakers for that budget.

And if your going to do speakers, best to go the home theater route with 'em instead of made-for-computer speakers.

 

[Operandi]

$500 isn't going to go very far for a 5.1 system.

~$450 will get you something very respectable like this Polk 5.1 bundle but then you'd also need a receiver or 5 channel poweramp.

 

[davidw89]

Is that better than the Logitech Zalman X 5500?
What's a receiver?
What sound card to get?

 

[Operandi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidw89 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Is that better than the Logitech Zalman X 5500? What's a receiver? What sound card to get?

The Polk are better in every regard, yes.

"Receiver", as in home theater receiver. Aside from the subwoofer the Polk's are passive speakers so you'll need an amp of some sort to drive them, the cheapest way would be a 5.1 receiver.

If you already have the Prelude 7.1 thats plenty of soundcard right there, no need for anything better.

 

[davidw89]

Ok cool..any other speaker for a higher range?

Googling home theater receiver,
5.1 Home Theater Receiver - Audio Receivers - Compare Prices, Reviews and Buy at NexTag - Price - Review
What exactly does it do? I've seen one at my friend's place, looks like it's a better version of an amplifier? But this is for my computer not my TV :/
Got any recommendation?

Haven't got a Prelude but am considering. But i don't really see any need for that top of the range sound card if iam not going to use half of its function :/..would it be future proof?

 

[jmmtn4aj]

Receivers are amplifiers with built in source selectors and video loops. They tend to be different from hi-fi stereo amplifiers because unlike a hi-fi stereo amplifier they have multiple inputs for component video, HDMI, and in some cases optical ins and a built-in DAC, along with multiple audio channels, so they're referred to as AV receivers instead of just multi-channel amps.

You need it to power the Polk set because those speakers aren't active, IE they don't produce their own power. The Logitechs have an AC adaptor that you plug into the wall, so it doesn't require an amplifier. The Polk set in contrast is passive, so you need an amplifier to feed it power.

 

[jung]

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidw89 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Got a cheapo Logitech X540 5.1..giving it away to my sister's computer Sound card: Auzentech X-Fi Prelude 7.1 Speaker: Needs to be 5.1, has a microphone plug in the front..looking at Z-5500 but need something with WAY better quality Additional Stuff..can someone recommend? Amps? Optical Fibre Cable (for high quality audio output)? which ones? Anything else Prefer to keep budget around $500

http://stereo.50webs.com/