Speaker setups for gaming

Another point is that most PC surround systems do not have the ability to set the distance, delays and individual volume tweaks for each speaker from the optimal seating position so the surround experience will be, well, off.
 
arknor said:
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
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I have the same setup, but since getting my AKG 702s, they've never been off my head. Onkyo AV Receiver, Boston Speakers.
 
My PC is in the living connected up to Onkyo amp and 5.1 Kef speakers along with PS4. Wouldn't have it any other way tbh.
 
http://www.dolby.com/us/en/guide/surround-sound-speaker-setup/5-1-setup.html

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http://www.dolby.com/us/en/guide/surround-sound-speaker-setup/7-1-setup.html

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:p
 
I had some Logitech Z506's and I ended up replacing them a while back for some Aego M 2.1's and was incredibly impressed on the sound quality difference (though the price is a little more and it was going from 5.1 > 2.1)
That said, I still prefer a good quality headphone setup over that as well for gaming.
All running through an Asus STX internal card.
I'm not one to watch films etc on my pc though so it's gaming/music only
 
i use marantz amp + mordaunt short separates and mission rear center speaker for single player and xbox pad/couch games... running 6.1 optical to a soundblaster Z which also means get dolby digital/dts in all games too! (mad max + witcher 3 sound incredible)

also Have sennheiser 558's for headphones and multiplayer games and edifier 1600 2.0 speakers which can be changed with a click of a switch..

SBZ soundcard is amazing piece of kit works perfect for what i need it for.
 
Going off what everyone has said I'm going to stick with what I have for a bit and install the centre speaker as I mostly play single player these days, I'm going to look into some headphones in the near future

Cheers
 
C64 said:
headphones are simply better in every way
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Except in volume. ( I have HD555's with HD595 mod, they start cracking at ''-9db'' at some loud songs)
Except in feeling.
And less configurability, some music I prefer to have more lows, some music I prefer more flat like sound, and also depends on mood. I have an active sub on pre-out from A/V receiver, which I can adjust independently from the rest, which is impossible with headphones. No headphones will make my room shake.



I dropped the centre speaker myself, I have a 4.1 setup which I often use in 2.0 or 4.0 ( dual stereo) mode. Center speaker is useless for music, and unnecessary for films imho.

As for gaming, 5.1 support is great in some games, and rubbish in others, I must admit 5.1 worked very well in many games and I could clearly hear people behind me from rear speakers, but I don't game that much anymore and always listen to music so meh.
 
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snowdog said:
Except in volume. ( I have HD555's with HD595 mod, they start cracking at ''-9db'' at some loud songs)
Except in feeling.
And less configurability, some music I prefer to have more lows, some music I prefer more flat like sound, and also depends on mood. I have an active sub on pre-out from A/V receiver, which I can adjust independently from the rest, which is impossible with headphones. No headphones will make my room shake.

I dropped the centre speaker myself, I have a 4.1 setup which I often use in 2.0 or 4.0 ( dual stereo) mode. Center speaker is useless for music, and unnecessary for films imho.

As for gaming, 5.1 support is great in some games, and rubbish in others, I must admit 5.1 worked very well in many game and I could clearly hear people behind me from rear speakers, but I don't game that much anymore and always listen to music so meh.
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The OP asked about setups for gaming - in which case headphones are indeed better (at least for FPS).

I wouldn't really rate things by how antisocially loud I can run them at either. Nor would I want to disable my sub when using satellite speakers that have a crappy range.
 
''Crappy'' range is subjective, I have B&W fronts with 53Hz to 20kHz, and Jamo's 48Hz to 20kHz at the back. These speakers alone make my door rattle from a certain volume. But from time to time you want more, eg. cans shake off your desk volumes, in which case I still have 10'' sub...
 
There is no 'better' when it comes to headphones or speakers. Use what works for your space.

I don't like to be shut out from the rest of the world (phones, doorbell etc) so I prefer speakers. I have a bose 2.0 setup on my PC and B&W 5.1 in the living room. I have a pair of B&W P3s for when I'm using the Oculus as the immersion is important.
 
Whenever I'm at the PC I usually listen to music so I have a 2.0 Microlab Solo 6C setup because I prefer a more spatial sound compared to headphones.
 
I'm using 2.0 because:
a) for £100 or less any 2.1 / 5.1 system is going to have 0 mid-range, stupidly strong bass, and tinny treble
b) less cables
c) takes up less space
d) I'm sitting close to the screen and it's annoying having sub woofer on the floor. Tbh surround sound sytems are 100% designed for sitting a good distance away from your screen e.g. on a sofa, and this is not how most people use their PC's, especially if gaming.

Love my 2.0 speakers. They have plenty of bass, but it's not overpowering, mid range is excellent, and treble is non-tinny.
I also have a £100 5.1 logitech speaker system and it is garbage in comparison (unless you want your face blasted off by bass - but I can't stand the tinny trebles and non-existent mid range).

+ headset for late night gaming :p
 
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snowdog said:
Except in volume. ( I have HD555's with HD595 mod, they start cracking at ''-9db'' at some loud songs)
Except in feeling.
And less configurability, some music I prefer to have more lows, some music I prefer more flat like sound, and also depends on mood. I have an active sub on pre-out from A/V receiver, which I can adjust independently from the rest, which is impossible with headphones. No headphones will make my room shake.



I dropped the centre speaker myself, I have a 4.1 setup which I often use in 2.0 or 4.0 ( dual stereo) mode. Center speaker is useless for music, and unnecessary for films imho.

As for gaming, 5.1 support is great in some games, and rubbish in others, I must admit 5.1 worked very well in many games and I could clearly hear people behind me from rear speakers, but I don't game that much anymore and always listen to music so meh.
Click to expand...

Yes I appreciate music from my speakers I was saying for gaming I just think headphones are better
 
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