New audio / speakers for PC

arknor said:
how big are the cones and tweeters in the a 5.1 system compared to 2.0 though.

I don't see how in stereo some movie setup can outperform big book shelf speakers
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I'm not sure what you're asking?

Plenty of people have 5.1 setups with floorstanders and bookshelf speakers, you do have soundbars which are a mixed bag that can do surround sound and even atmos which at times can be better than a pair of bookshelf. That said, to get the best experience in regards to that sort of soundbar setup you're generally looking at spending £500 + for last years higher end models, and when you see some of them in person they've a lot larger than many expect. You can get some fantastic results, but if space/budget/convenience aren't a concern an AVR setup will always give better results. At the lower end the same is true, I'd argue that a mini amp and pair of bookshelves will beat out any soundbar under the £400-500 range, and again that's looking at scoring a deal on last years models.

I think a decent soundbar shines when someone is space limited or has a more middling budget and wants to enjoy surround, otherwise I'd not bother personally.

In relation to the OP, some people just enjoy surround but aren't overly fussed about the overall quality. I wouldn't get on with any creative speakers, the Z5500's would drive me up the wall, and yes I have heard them in person.
 
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arknor said:
how big are the cones and tweeters in the a 5.1 system compared to 2.0 though.

I don't see how in stereo some movie setup can outperform big book shelf speakers
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How long is a piece of string? Both systems can have drivers from 2" all the way upto 15" Different designs, sealed, ported, from single full range drive, to crossover system, active and passive speakers, transmission line, horn, coaxial, 2 way, 2.5 way, 3 way, electrostatic, line array, ribbon/soft dome/metal dome, paper/kevlar/metal/plastic drivers, others like infinte baffle and other less common designs.

From £50 to £1.5 million for pair of speakers.

My 9.4.4 system sounds great in stereo, or if I'm listening to a CD in stereo. Or I could watch a movie in stereo pressing stereo it'll downmix the soundtrack . Of if I press direct it'll output whatever the original stream is ie if it's 7.1 it'll output 7.1. If I use DTS X or Dolby decoder it'll expand that 7.1 mix to 9.4.4 through DSP. Generally though having fewer but higher quality speakers is better than many but lower quality speakers of the same total budget. But if cost is not a factor, then a 9.4.4 system can be very good. Different materials on the speakers, fit and finish etc, crossover quality.

I wouldn't recommend budget floorstanders.

I've owned Wharfedale Diamond 9.0 and I found them very good for the price, nice well rounded presentation and not hard on the ears. Good for a bedroom system.

You can have floorstanders, satellite, or bookshelf speakers in a stereo, 2.1 or 9.4.4 system. There are pros and cons of each. I have a mixture of speakers from little bookshelf with 4.5" woofers to ones with 7"

Music is avaiable in 5.1, usually concert DVD's, also BD audio. Not as widespread as CD of course but they do exist, I've got a couple.

For subs they start at 6", all the way upto 80", different designs typically sealed or ported, some other things like servo design, dual driver some are push/pull, others with driver and passive radiator, horn subs bit more rarer. Active and passive subs although generally active is the most common.
 
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Gray2233 said:
I'm not sure what you're asking?

Plenty of people have 5.1 setups with floorstanders and bookshelf speakers, you do have soundbars which are a mixed bag that can do surround sound and even atmos which at times can be better than a pair of bookshelf. That said, to get the best experience in regards to that sort of soundbar setup you're generally looking at spending £500 + for last years higher end models, and when you see some of them in person they've a lot larger than many expect. You can get some fantastic results, but if space/budget/convenience aren't a concern an AVR setup will always give better results. At the lower end the same is true, I'd argue that a mini amp and pair of bookshelves will beat out any soundbar under the £400-500 range, and again that's looking at scoring a deal on last years models.

I think a decent soundbar shines when someone is space limited or has a more middling budget and wants to enjoy surround, otherwise I'd not bother personally.

In relation to the OP, some people just enjoy surround but aren't overly fussed about the overall quality. I wouldn't get on with any creative speakers, the Z5500's would drive me up the wall, and yes I have heard them in person.
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I don't get on with the Z5500's either, that is why I am upgrading.
They served a purpose more than a decade ago, in a small room where they sounded ok.

Some great advice on here, will investigate further over Christmas.....I may even get lucky in the January sales :-)
 
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father-ted said:
I don't get on with the Z5500's either, that is why I am upgrading.
They served a purpose more than a decade ago, in a small room where they sounded ok.

Some great advice on here, will investigate further over Christmas.....I may even get lucky in the January sales :-)
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Do you have a local hi fi dealer nearby where you could go in and listen to a bunch of speakers. Like a Richer sounds or maybe a sevenoaks or pete tyson. Set a budget. Tell them what size room you got. and then listen to a bunch of stuff. Which ever one your ear likes then that's the right one.
 
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