2.1 versus 5.1 versus 7.1

Gackt

Gackt

Gackt

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I've been speccing a build for some time now, and whenever I've revised it (be it due to new components or my deleting of cookies :x) I've always immediately gone to a 7.1 system. I was wondering what sort of benefits I would be looking at having a 7.1 over a 5.1 or a 2.1. Are there any noticeable benefits or situations where one would be better over another?

This would be used in conjuction with Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Gamer 7.1.

Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated.

I'm currently using a 2.1 with an onboard soundcard, if that helps.
 
often wondered this myself, but as I'm not too fussed about surround sound in games, and don't use my PC for much movies, my speakers are mainly used for music, so a nice 2.1 setup was much better value for money for me :)
 
yantorsen said:
often wondered this myself, but as I'm not too fussed about surround sound in games, and don't use my PC for much movies, my speakers are mainly used for music, so a nice 2.1 setup was much better value for money for me :)
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I'd say 5.1 but then I play games as well.

OT: yantorsen, can I catch you on msn?
 
sr4470 said:
I'd say 5.1 but then I play games as well.

OT: yantorsen, can I catch you on msn?
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So would you say 5.1 is better than 7.1? I'll be playing games mostly, with music and movies as a close second - how much of a benefit would an extra two speakers really make?
 
I like 5.1 - it's great for games, and works fine as 2.1 for music.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love 7.1, but there's just nowhere to put the side speakers in my room. With 5.1 I just have 2 at the sides of my desk, one nailed to the wall above my monitor and the other 2 nailed to the wall opposite my desk (which happens to be above my bedposts too) - it works great. If I had side speakers I'd have all sorts of trouble placing them.
 
Can you place 7.1 side speakers slightly higher than your head?

For example, if I placed them on the wall, closer to the ceiling but pointing to my head, would that be acceptable?
 
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That's how mine are set up, seem to be fine though I'm sure an audiophile around here will give out about that sort of setup.

7.1 gets a vote from me and besides you may as well future-proof yourself as I think all the new blu-ray and hd-dvds are 7.1 but I could be wrong.
 
I say it again, the current 7.1 Gigaworks are really old, they have a issue with a part dying (go read up as cant remember if amp or not).

Also go and read many reviews and see there great for Movies and Games but lacking for Music.

I am waiting on the "supposed to launch at Xmas new range".
 
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Vs stereo headphones should be on the list as i think that kicks everything elses bottom.
 
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