M-audio Revolution 5.1 + Z-5500; good combo?

eatmuchpie · 27 Jun 2006 at 16:52

I just wanted to see whether this would be a good combo. Having found out that linux can't deal too well with digital connections, I have decided to go for 5.1 analogue output from the m-audio revolution 5.1 to the Z-5500.

Anywho, how is the Revolution 5.1 for sound quality? I'll be listening to music on it for the most part, with some gaming as well. I don't want to be spending ~£210 for the Z-5500 and have a sound card that can't show off its great quality.

Thanks!

[Edit: to clarify, I want 5.1 surround sound and linux support (so no X-Fi)]

eatmuchpie · 27 Jun 2006 at 17:39

times 100 !!

I had to really convince myself to consider the Z-5500 @ £210, but £300! I like listening to music, but not THAT much! My concern was with the sound card being bad for the speakers, but you're saying the speakers are too bad for the sound card, interesting...

Seeing how you seem to know about all this (stroke inducing) high-end speaker stuff, do you reckon there is anything better than the Z-5500 for about that price range (ie. £200)?

Cheers for the quick response!

EDIT: I suppose I could go for 2.1 speakers (I know my wallet would appreciate it), but when playing FPS games I think having 5.1 helps in giving the feeling of immersion

eatmuchpie · 28 Jun 2006 at 14:03

That's a pretty good idea actually. If I went for the LX 2.1 (which is cheaper than the Z-5500) then I would be getting better quality, and later on I could get the 5.1 upgrade (wallet permitting).

What kind of input does it take? (is it just the one 3.5 mm jack for the 2.1, then an extra two 3.5mm jacks for the 5.1 upgrade?)

Also, could you please e-mail me the addresses of companies that are good to buy this stuff from (OcUK only seem to have PC speakers).

Thanks for all the help!

eatmuchpie · 28 Jun 2006 at 15:19

Sounds good (pun intended

). So for that price, is the LX4 the best quality? How do they compare against the Wharfedale? I shan't be buying anything until I sell my current stuff (all my money atm is going towards a new conroe computer!), so ebay prices aren't too useful as they will no doubt be sold before I can buy them (couple of months I'd say)

Thanks for the help!

eatmuchpie · 28 Jun 2006 at 19:49

I guess it's settled then! Once I get my money together, I shall be enjoying the LX4 2.1 through M-audio 5.1, then later on I can upgrade to the 5.1. Thanks very much for your help!