Decent sound is the last on the list

WatchTower · 9 Dec 2010 at 09:02

For most people it would seem getting a good sound setup for a gaming setup is last on their list. For years I myself just used my TV speakers for console gaming.

After slowly building up 5.1 sound system for Bluray movies I found it adds so much to my games to. It actually adds to the gameplay as it gets me more absorbed into my game.

Do you think most people see it as extra cost which they don't see as necessary or a lot of people don't realise how much atmosphere it actually adds to gaming?

It doesn't have to be expensive either like me I just bought a cheap Sony AV and two speakers to start and just added to it when I could afford to and like I said I now have 5.1. I could go 7.1 but I don't think the PS3 supports that in games yet.

keogh · 9 Dec 2010 at 09:23

I only use my TV speakers but have been considering upgrading the sound system, although I have for years gone with your comment:

WatchTower said:
a lot of people don't realise how much atmosphere it actually adds to gaming

But I want to improve the sound not just for my gaming but for my Blu Ray, Sky+HD and general TV/Video stuff.

Robdav · 9 Dec 2010 at 11:42

i too am wanting to upgrade the sound from my tv speakers so that I can enjoy 5.1 for my xbox, sky hd, bluray etc, but at the moment it's not a priority.

DBT85 · 9 Dec 2010 at 11:48

I've always had a 5.1 system but I don't get all pent up about using the expensive cable and £700 amps or anything. I'm not into audio enough to be able to tell the difference and know that the majority who think they can can't either. The subwoofer, centre and rear speakers in my setup are about 10 years old coupled with some cheapish floorstanders (i think 150 for the pair) and a Sony sony str DH800 amp.

Playing Batman AA or watching Saving Private Ryan with 5.1 is an incredible experience, I don't feel that it would be boosted enough by spending the extra. Much like a lot of people not buying BluRay as they don't see the difference from DVD.

GTanny · 9 Dec 2010 at 12:04

i used to love watching gaming and watching films at night with the lights off and with the misses with my old 5.1 setup (only a cheap one) but since my daughter arrived having a toddler in bed at 8pm onwards means volumes are lower so its just not a worthwile purchase as my last one died a death (by being dropped when we moved)

i agree that the sound does improve games which is why i purchased a Turtle beach PX21 PS3 headset which although only stero is a great improvement over tv speakers and much more immersive due to bocking out exterior noise.... and being able to have them a lot louder then would be wise for the tv

FlukeRogi · 9 Dec 2010 at 12:20

First thing I did when I moved from CRT to a flat panel was plug in some external speakers, even though they're nothing special - just 2 speakers and a sub. I've never been much for going over the top with sound, but I can't understand how people can stand the sound quality from your average lcd or plasma.

ZXSpectrum · 9 Dec 2010 at 12:24

There are several kits that are superb.. Dont think you will beat the Onkyo Kit here http://www.richersounds.com/product/1-box-home-cinema-systems/onkyo/hts3305/onky-hts3305-blk for the money or sound quality.. I had the older version and it worked fantastically.. I have still got the same speaker kit up upgraded the amp to the SR607 for the extra HDMI and DTS-HD/Masteraudio...

TheVoice · 9 Dec 2010 at 12:32

I've had surround sound on my PC before, but went back to 2.0 simply because I could never get the speakers in decent locations, and I found myself using them more for music than gaming.

As far as my consoles are concerned, I've had 5.1 on my TV/consoles for about a year, and it really does make a difference. That being said, it does also depend on the game, I've found some don't really use surround sound as effectively as others. Also depends on the system; my Onkyo produces a far more convincing effect than the Samsung system I had before it.

Even a decent set of hi-fi speakers or whatever will make a big difference though, doesn't have to be 5.1. I had my PS3 connected to my old flatmate's hi-fi in my previous place. Dead Space on that was fantastic, there are so many little details in the sound that you simply wouldn't be able to make out or even hear on TV speakers, it adds a lot to the ambience and experience.

Sp00n · 9 Dec 2010 at 12:40

I haven't used TV speakers for about 10 years, they never cut it. I run all my consoles, pc and TV through an amp and floor standers and I wouldn't use anything less!

Tunney · 9 Dec 2010 at 12:50

Scary game + surround sound = time to change your underwear.

Fallout 3 was surprisingly good at scaring the bejesus out of me.

Haydz · 9 Dec 2010 at 16:15

Been interested in upgrading for my xbox and PC too.

I remember reading that the only way to achieve both HDMI and optical sound through a 360, was to modify the VGA cable, is this still the case? Or are their modified versions available which will let me do this?

Matteysan · 9 Dec 2010 at 17:04

Haydz said:
Been interested in upgrading for my xbox and PC too.

I remember reading that the only way to achieve both HDMI and optical sound through a 360, was to modify the VGA cable, is this still the case? Or are their modified versions available which will let me do this?

If you have a VGA cable already just rip the plastic off & away you go. The new 360's have a different back to them so you can put whatever in without doing a bodge job.

Or you can buy one of these Microsoft XBOX 360 HDMI AV Cable & Audio Adapter.

Streeteh · 9 Dec 2010 at 17:33

I got surround sound before i got a HDTV

Thesnipergecko · 9 Dec 2010 at 17:39

You haven't experienced a game fully until you've experienced it with surround sound. It adds so much more to game environments!

Streeteh · 9 Dec 2010 at 17:43

Uncharted 2 just isn't the same game without surround sound, fantastic audio in that game.

Mr Men · 9 Dec 2010 at 18:05

I got surround sound for the original Xbox, it really adds to gaming, it's like going from SD to HD for your ears

jayextreme · 9 Dec 2010 at 20:27

don't train your ear too well, you will be falling into the never-ending hifi world (personal experience)

WatchTower · 9 Dec 2010 at 20:37

jayextreme said:
don't train your ear too well, you will be falling into the never-ending hifi world (personal experience)

I couldn't afford to even I wanted too.

Kurisu Makise · 10 Dec 2010 at 02:11

not using surround sound but got a good 2.0 bookshelf speaker set up (MS Aviano 2 speakers + pioneer amp) that i use with blu ray + xbox and i cant imagine going back to tv sound.

MikeHunt79 · 10 Dec 2010 at 02:27

WatchTower said:
For most people it would seem getting a good sound setup for a gaming setup is last on their list. For years I myself just used my TV speakers for console gaming.

After slowly building up 5.1 sound system for Bluray movies I found it adds so much to my games to. It actually adds to the gameplay as it gets me more absorbed into my game.

Do you think most people see it as extra cost which they don't see as necessary or a lot of people don't realise how much atmosphere it actually adds to gaming?

It doesn't have to be expensive either like me I just bought a cheap Sony AV and two speakers to start and just added to it when I could afford to and like I said I now have 5.1. I could go 7.1 but I don't think the PS3 supports that in games yet.

Many people seem to spend £200 on a monitor/TV then £20 speakers, which is a bit of a shame really...

You don't have to spend loads of money to get something that sounds pretty good... TV speakers are so bad that almost anything will sound good in comparison.

I've ended up spending far more on speakers than my monitor, but I'm sure I'm in the minority...