Surround sound on a budget

[DisrupTor75]

Got myself a dedicated sound card from asus, the Xonar DG 5.1 (cheap i know) and the speakers i have are old and inadequate. Was looking to get some new ones BUt don't fancy paying through the nose.

These look ok to me but im not well up on speakers at all

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SP-040-SL&groupid=702&catid=22&subcat=165

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SP-152-CL&groupid=702&catid=22&subcat=165

the main reason i want a decent set is that i am not having to pull the computer out each time i wish to swap from headphones to speakers. With the onboard audio (realtek HD audio) I did not have to do this as it all went through the front panel, now i have the xonar i can ony get sound working through headphones (wtf) so i turn to you lot Preferably would like to spend as little as possible but with best results i can get for around the £50 mark.

OR at a push i could go with a 2.1 setup rather than a 5.1.

Which would be better suited to a desktop?

 

[mejobloggs]

For the same price, the 2.1 would be better quality (since less speakers)

Most things I've read strongly suggest going 2.1 unless you really want 5.1

Main reason you'd want 5.1 is sound positioning in games. It's actually really useful.

If you're just into music/whatever go for 2.1. If you play lots of FPS, 5.1 worth a try

 

[Marsman]

5.1 is only really worth considering, if you can place the speakers correctly, and can afford better speakers.

Some people I've seen just place 5.1 speakers all on their desk, which defeats the point of having them.

As the above poster said, the same money will buy much better 2.1 speakers. The more speakers there are for the same money, the lesser quality they will be.

5.1 speakers for £40 will be pants.

 

[chigley]

the main reason i want a decent set is that i am not having to pull the computer out each time i wish to swap from headphones to speakers. With the onboard audio (realtek HD audio) I did not have to do this as it all went through the front panel, now i have the xonar i can ony get sound working through headphones (wtf) so i turn to you lot

You do know that you can plug your case's front audio panel headers into your soundcard, don't you?

Just checking

 

[Auraomega]

If you want a decent 5.1 for cheap and don't mind going second hand, I still have my old Logitech X-540s which served me well for a couple of years until I went for a surround hifi system. If you're interested get in touch via trust.