Surround sound with optical input

[neocon]

I am thinking of buying a new set of speakers for my computer. I want at least 5.1, may be even 7.1. I'm not sure whether it is worth getting speakers with optical input and built in 5.1 decoder.

Here are a couple of options:

This option has no decoder or optical input, but its under £50



This option, Logitech Z-5400 , has a decoder and an optical input, but costs £150



Can you recommend some speakers?

Would you just go for the cheap option?

I currently have dell 5.1 system.

 

[neocon]

Logitech Z-5400 THX® Certified 5.1 310 Watts Speakers - Retail (SP-035-LG) £140 inc vat

vs

Creative Labs Inspire GD580 5.1 Speaker System

£115.04 inc VAT

 

[Phil99]

If you want to use a console (e.g. XBOX or 360 with DDLive) or a seperate DVD player then yeah, get one with a decoder but make sure it also has full multichannel analogue inputs so you aren't limited with your choice of PC soundcard.

 

[neocon]

Creative Inspire™ GD580

Number of Speakers: 5 satellites (for front, center and rear)
1 Creative subwoofer
1 separate decoder amplifier
Recommended Usage: Gaming Console, Home Theatre, Music
Power: Satellites: 6 Watts RMS per channel (5 channels)
SubWoofer: 17 Watts
Frequency response: 40Hz to 20kHz
Decoder Audio Format/Decoding Technologies Supported: Dolby® Digital, DTS®, Dolby® ProLogic II (movie/music mode)
Decoder Unit connectors: Analog Line-in
Digital Coaxial
Optical
Power Source: 12Vac, 4.2Amp/0.7Amp
Front/Center/Rear Satellite Dimension (L x W x H) in cm: Approx. 14.1 x 9.5 x 7.7
Subwoofer Enclosure Material: Wood (Black)
Bundled accessories: Audio Cable
Optical Cable
Power Adaptor
Quick Start Guide/Manual
Remote Control



no jacks!