Got 2.1 on computer, how do I add extra speakers?

tribz · 6 Mar 2012 at 15:31

I've got Harmon Kardon 2.1 Soundsticks and an X-Fi titanium sound card.

Thinking I would like some surround sound for gaming. Can I just get a pair of powered 2.0 speakers and plug them into the rear of the sound card .. is it as simple as that?

Should I get a centre for under my monitor as well or would the above be enough if it would work? If so, could I also butcher another 2.0 set for that?

Thanks!

Judgeneo · 6 Mar 2012 at 15:33

That would work yes.
I would try and get similar set of speakers to the ones you already have though, so that the sound isn't vastly different.

tribz · 6 Mar 2012 at 15:35

Judgeneo said:
That would work yes.
I would try and get similar set of speakers to the ones you already have though, so that the sound isn't vastly different.

Thanks. I really like my soundsticks. I could get another set (which is 2.1) and plug them in the rear. I suppose this would be 4.2! Does this sound ok? I could turn the bass all the way down on the rear ones.

Marsman · 6 Mar 2012 at 15:57

Would be interesting having 2.1 at the rear as well!

You would need to set the sound card to 4.1. Really, you'd be better off buying 2.0 for the rears, as the bass is sent to the green jack, same as it is for 2.0/2.1.

I can see the reason for buying the same 2.1 speakers again, but the rear speakers in any surround speaker setup, are only there for effects really. They are nowhere near as important as the speakers used for the fronts. So you are paying £100 or so for speakers that are not that important in their use.

tribz · 6 Mar 2012 at 16:02

Marsman said:
Would be interesting having 2.1 at the rear as well!

You would need to set the sound card to 4.1. Really, you'd be better off buying 2.0 for the rears, as the bass is sent to the green jack, same as it is for 2.0/2.1.

I can see the reason for buying the same 2.1 speakers again, but the rear speakers in any surround speaker setup, are only there for effects really. They are nowhere near as important as the speakers used for the fronts. So you are paying £100 or so for speakers that are not that important in their use.

Just done a few tests. Plugged the 2.1 soundsticks in the rear LR and plugged headphones into the front LR and the soundsticks lost quite a lot of their clarity and most of clarity came through the headphones so I see your point about it being more for effects. Tried 4.1,5.1 & 7.1 in the creative panel. Think I'll just get a decent powered pair of rears then rather than some more soundsticks.