2.0 or 2.1 speakers for music, game with headset most of the time

ChrisD.

ChrisD.

ChrisD.

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As per the title, I'm looking for a 2.0 or 2.1 set of decent speakers to be used as all rounders but mainly background music and occasional gaming. 80% of my gaming is done on my Turtle Beach X41 headset .

I also would like a new soundcard to go with them that has optical out for the headset and connections for the speakers. Due to my Motherboard combined with Crossfire and the fact the only spare PCI slot is right between the cards, I'd be after a PCI x1 card.

I was thinking of these speakers and this soundcard, however I am open to suggestions and of course, would they actually work together?

Of course, money saving suggestions are most welcome. :)

I think my current card has had its time. :)
 
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Nothing wrong with the card itself, it's just the added stuff that makes it poor value.

It's the same card as the Titanium, except that it doesn't have some name slapped on it, a fancy EMI shield, and is £30 cheaper.

The OEM Titanium can be had for about £46 less!
 
So it's the same basically?

Would it offer noticeable difference over my 7 YO card?

And how would I switch between headset and speakers?
 
For background music the Edifiers are excellent, the bass isn't overpowering and they have a good neutral sound, perfect for more ambient type music useage (they are also excellent for movies). The slightly underwhelming bass might not be so ideal for serious music listening tho I kinda prefer that as its not so likely to bother the neighbours.
 
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I highly reccomend the audioengine a5's. A real pleasure for listening to music on, and they take up much space than the edifiers.

Music is very subjective, i would suggest visiting a few stores in person even if you do eventually buy it online.

What is your budget?
 
It's the same card, just without a fancy name, EMI shield and hefty price tag.

With WinXP, SPDIF and analogue could be used simultaneously. With Vista/7 that is no loner the case. Likely you would have to switch been SPDIF and analogue in the Windows sound properties.
 
Audioengine a5 are a lot more money than the edifiers tho, and for casual use the difference between them won't be that distinctive (other than the bass).
 
Is there an ASUS card that does the same as the Creative one? Any advantages to choosing one of SB?

Marsman said:
It's the same card, just without a fancy name, EMI shield and hefty price tag.

With WinXP, SPDIF and analogue could be used simultaneously. With Vista/7 that is no loner the case. Likely you would have to switch been SPDIF and analogue in the Windows sound properties.
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Just as I do now, but between on board and my sound card. I think there is also a piece of software that does it, it was linked in a thread on here.

Rroff said:
Audioengine a5 are a lot more money than the edifiers tho, and for casual use the difference between them won't be that distinctive (other than the bass).
Click to expand...

As lovely as they look, I don't think I can justify that amount of money when I have Canton speakers being driven by a top end Sony amp in the same room.

ATIorNvidia said:
Xonar D2X.
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That card doesn't have optical out from what I can see.
 
How would the Edifier's sound compared to my current speakers? I know mid and high will be much better but how will low ranges compare?

Logitech X-530 are what I have now, although only using L,R and the sub.
 
D2/X does have optical in and out. It's not the standard toslink socket, so just by looking many people don't realise this. They look like standard RCA SPDIF sockets, but they also take mini toslink.

All Xonar's come with an adaptor that allows a standard toslink cable to be used, unless of course it does have a standard toslink socket, which the updated DG does have.
 
Are the Xonar's better then Creative cards?

And how would the Xonar connect to the speakers above?
 
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1. It depends on one's tastes and experiences. Some will say Xonar's are better, some will say the X-Fi's are better.

2. Same way as the speakers would connect to the X-Fi.

I don't know if the R1600T's come with an RCA to 3.5mm cable. I assuming they do. That cable would just connect to the green jack on either card.
 
Thanks, I've just read a review on the card and I am very impressed.

I'm leaning more towards it over the Creative, can't seem to find a Creative at the same price that has an EMI shield (I want it for aesthetic purposes only, no idea if they do anything or not).

How bright are the lights coming out of the ports? My case would have that shining out of the top!
 
They are supposed to stop interference. The D2/X, Essence, Xense and HDAV Xonar's also have them.

How effective they are, is hard to determine. Sometimes they make no difference.

Most of the time, there would either be no interference at all, shield or not, or the shield would be effective in stopping interference from effecting the sound. Either way, the user wouldn't know.

AFAIK, only the Titanium Fatal1ty cards, and the Titanium HD have shields from the X-Fi range.

Don't know how bright the D2/X's LED's are. Maybe look at a Youtube video?
 
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