Cheapest, best set of 2.1 and 5.1 sound?

[Freeman]

I'm not too sure whether to go for 5.1, or 2.1. I say that because I'm moving into Uni soon and I'm not sure how much space I'll have.

The speakers also need to be wire free, or if wired they need to be able to be tucked away and not get in the way of anything. Also they should be able to have 2 different peripherals attached, so my 360 and my pc at the same time.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I should be looking at, 5.1 or 2.1.

Cheers.

 

[monkeyspank]

Cheap, discrete wiring, space limitations. All of that says 2.1 to me or better still if you can get 2nd hand seperates amp and a pair of reasonable bookshelf speakers it would sound better and you won't need a sub

 

[Freeman]

Yeah I'm beginning to think 2.1 as well now. Just need to do a bit of research on what will be best. I'd need some pretty decent ones as I'm used to 7.1 and the new 2.1 will be running a 360, TV and DVDs as well as my computer applications.

 

[monkeyspank]

unless you spent a lot of money on your 7.1 then any decent purchase of 2.1 (or even better 2 + amp) for similar cash would be like night and day.
Ask around in the home cinema and hifi forum

 

[snowdog]

Depends on what you like, even for gaming 5.1 helps a lot, in CoD4 I consider it a major advantage I can hear exactly where the somone is when playing with few players.
The sub on 5.1 also has it's deticated jack for in the soundcard, while 2.1 just filters it from the front left & right channels, wich means games & films usually use the sub better on 5.1.


However, listening to your requirements I think 2.1 will suit you better, but I'm converted to 5.1 for ever anyways, for gaming anyways .