5.1 systems with satellite speakers vs full size speakers

MassiveJim · 4 Aug 2017 at 14:26

I am considering buying something like this to connect (via an amp) to my PC for sound duties.
https://www.richersounds.com/product/speaker-packages/denon/sys2020/deno-sys2020-blk

I have no reference of how good these sound though, in my living room I have full sized front and centre speakers and using Q Acoustics 7000i as surrounds, so still quite a bit bigger than the ones in the kit above.

Currently using Creative I-Trigue 3000 2.1 Speakers on my PC which I've probably had 10 years now

So in reality anything I buy is going to be an upgrade, but just how good are these little satellites ?

Armageus · 4 Aug 2017 at 14:56

There are very few reviews of the sys-2020 speakers, however I went ahead and bought a set anyway (and a Denon X1300W amp) a few months ago as part of my relatively low-end home cinema refresh.

Compared to full size speakers or speakers costing lots more, then they are probably lacking, however for the cost I think they are decent enough and noticeably better than almost any PC speakers (e.g. even highly regarded sets like the Logitech Z5500, that I have also owned).

I have added some slightly larger Denon (SCN-4) speakers as Fronts and Centre, expanding it to a 7.1 set up, but the little satellites are more than adequate in my opinion.

slade · 5 Aug 2017 at 08:59

I have some Boston Acoustics 5.1 SE speakers (like the Denons) with my AVR-X1300W Amp. I have them set up in my bedroom room (4.2m x 4.8m) with my PC/55" 4K Sammy TV. For me the sound is fantastic, i think they go very loud as i often have to wear headphone when flatmates are home. I dont think you'd regret buying them... i went from Logitech Z5500 also. I've had mine for about 4 years now and they've never missed a beat!

hornetstinger · 5 Aug 2017 at 18:37

For your budget, go stereo, and buy bigger speakers.

MassiveJim · 8 Aug 2017 at 12:47

hornetstinger said:
For your budget, go stereo, and buy bigger speakers.

had thought about this also, with the view that I can upgrade later.
But I would rather just get it all together and "set it and forget it"

Also, do bigger speakers sound ok on a desk ? (my desk will be attached to the wall)

hornetstinger · 8 Aug 2017 at 15:12

Nah I'd buy better stereo speakers, then crappy 5.1. You'll regret getting a crap HTIB all in one, because you can't upgrade, and each item is unique to that complete HTIB.

Seperates can be added, replaced and all are standard.

A bit like building your own PC versus buying a ready made micro PC from a major brand where everything is special to that model.

If you do use standmounts on a desk I'd put some sound isolation feet or pads under the speakers.

NeverWinter · 11 Aug 2017 at 15:53

Why not attach the speakers to the wall? Save on desk space, that's what I did with my speakers.

FurryLemon · 11 Aug 2017 at 20:39

Buy active speakers for desk use.

MassiveJim · 19 Aug 2017 at 20:37

Little update on this, I chewed over your advice and realised that you are in fact all correct, decent stereo speakers will kill anything I was previously considering.

I have just won an auction to replace my current amp, so that will now be delegated to going in my "office" and powering the new speakers I have also just won on auction
New setups will be Marantz NR1504 in the living room powering B&W DM602 S3
And Cambridge Audio 540r V2 powering Kef IQ3 in the office.

I have also purchased a B&W ASW600 Sub second hand, not sure if that will replace the Kef PSW1000 in the living room or go in the office yet though, a trial will decide once I have it (haven't collected it yet)

So in short I have a decent(hopefully) 2.1 system for my PC now, which I will expand later