Speaker setups for gaming

Relentless81 · 6 Sep 2015 at 15:30

Hi,

I've noticed recently in pictures of builds etc that people tend to be using 5.1 and quadrophonic setups less and less

I'm using an old Cambridge Soundworks 5.1 setup which has a lot of cabling and since I've moved house I tend to have the sub set as low as possible, I haven't setup the centre speaker and the rears are on the floor

Because of this I was wondering, are 2.0/2.1 speakers a lot better these days in the same regard that sound bars are used for virtual surround on TVs? If so what are people using?

Or is it just because people are using headsets? I'm not a huge fan of headsets, especially in the summer but less cabling and speakers off the floor has given me a bit of an itch to change.

Any thoughts/ideas?

Thanks

~>Dg<~ · 6 Sep 2015 at 15:33

as with anything sound related its own preference.

i always prefer a nice amp and decent speakers when gaming.some prefer headsets.

budget obviously is very important.

arknor · 6 Sep 2015 at 15:42

turn off your rear speakers and enjoy 2.1

Relentless81 · 6 Sep 2015 at 15:44

Enjoy it in what way?

2.1 can sound better or 2.1 has less cables and stuff on the floor or both.

arknor · 6 Sep 2015 at 15:50

less cables and stuff, most audio is 2.1 anyway

Glanza · 6 Sep 2015 at 15:59

Decent amp + dac with good cans for gaming. a lot better for me than using speakers.

joeyjojo · 6 Sep 2015 at 16:21

I use a pair of powered monitors and sub, but mainly for listening to music and a little gaming.

Had 5.1 many years ago and it was good fun though - would consider going back to it if space wasn't an issue.

hyperseven · 6 Sep 2015 at 16:33

Depends what you have space for.

On desk I have just a stereo system augmented by headphones/set.

In lounge AV home theatre 7.1 setup.

Using same PC on 27" 1440 and 47" TV screen; desk connected to a Xonar DGX and lounge to AV amp via HDMI.

Game on both.

Mercutio · 6 Sep 2015 at 16:42

I think in general the headset options we have now are a little better. I'm somewhere between. For certain stuff (mostly multilayer fps) headset works better. For single player/story stuff (eg fallout/elder scrolls) the speakers are a better bet.

Cat_J · 6 Sep 2015 at 16:57

I have one of the new creative cards that lets you just switch between so use both. Mostly as above, FPS with headphones and otherstuff with speakers. I used to use my Logitech z5500 5.1 but now I've gone back to my Cambridge Audio amp and 2 KEF bookshelf speaks, I prefer the sound this way. The z5500 is an impressive system for the money with some real power but the KEFs just have a warmer sound.

Gimpymoo · 6 Sep 2015 at 16:59

Cinematic single player experience, surround sound can be awesome.

Multiplayer, hifi cans.

PS - Arma 3 in surround sound with sub cranked is an AMAZING experience

C64 · 6 Sep 2015 at 17:00

headphones are simply better in every way

Gimpymoo · 6 Sep 2015 at 17:02

C64 said:
headphones are simply better in every way

That can be a minefield of an answer.

What type? Surround sound, hifi?

V4NT0M · 6 Sep 2015 at 17:02

I think most people only used the 5.1 or 4.1 setups because they could. Can't say I ever actually put those rear speakers behind me.

I use headset for surround and everything else I use monitors.

davewhite04 · 6 Sep 2015 at 17:11

Relentless81 said:
Hi,

I've noticed recently in pictures of builds etc that people tend to be using 5.1 and quadrophonic setups less and less

I'm using an old Cambridge Soundworks 5.1 setup which has a lot of cabling and since I've moved house I tend to have the sub set as low as possible, I haven't setup the centre speaker and the rears are on the floor

Because of this I was wondering, are 2.0/2.1 speakers a lot better these days in the same regard that sound bars are used for virtual surround on TVs? If so what are people using?

Or is it just because people are using headsets? I'm not a huge fan of headsets, especially in the summer but less cabling and speakers off the floor has given me a bit of an itch to change.

Any thoughts/ideas?

Thanks

I'd keep your AMP and get a decent set of headphones, I recommend AKG
K720's can be had off fleabay for £108 *B* Grade with guarantee, from a respected seller. You can wear them all day and not get itchy or sweaty.

Gimpymoo · 6 Sep 2015 at 17:11

Skyfall said:
I think most people only used the 5.1 or 4.1 setups because they could. Can't say I ever actually put those rear speakers behind me.

I use headset for surround and everything else I use monitors.

Although a surround setup can be enjoyable, it never feels "real" to me. A good set of hifi cans with a good soundcard can feel much more immersive.

Cat_J · 6 Sep 2015 at 17:17

davewhite04 said:
I'd keep your AMP and get a decent set of headphones, I recommend AKG
K720's can be had off fleabay for £108 *B* Grade with guarantee, from a respected seller. You can wear them all day and not get itchy or sweaty.

These

Karathez · 6 Sep 2015 at 17:22

I switched to a 2 speaker set up purely because I got sick of the rats nest under my desk, got some decent quality speakers, & I'm happier with it, as others have said for anything intense I use headphones - fps, anything that requires teamspeak/vent.

arknor · 6 Sep 2015 at 18:27

Skyfall said:
I think most people only used the 5.1 or 4.1 setups because they could. Can't say I ever actually put those rear speakers behind me.

I use headset for surround and everything else I use monitors.

they don't have to be behind they can be at the side to.

I got 2 at the front of my desk, 2 at the sides, the centre speaker below the monitor and the sub under the desk.
my desk is about as big as a door.

most 5.1 setups don't even show the rear speakers as behind, I think the instructions to mine showed both ways

Mariusz · 6 Sep 2015 at 18:41

Got both, but prefer headphones for gaming. Just use Logitech Z5500 for movies, YouTube, etc.