Xbox 360 and PS3 audio question

hashcake · 22 Jan 2008 at 13:24

I've got my Xbox 360 hooked up to my Samsung 32" LCD via VGA and the audio is connected via the phono connectors.
My PS3 is hooked up via HDMI.
I'd like to go down the 5:1 route for audio but an I correct in thinking that 5:1 is only supplied via optical with the consoles?
I've looked at the Logitech 5400's and 5500's but they are way too powerful for my use (mrs and neighbours would go spare).
I can't find a sub £100 solution with optical support so if this the case I'll just have bit the bullet.

Wyrdo · 22 Jan 2008 at 13:26

Z-5500's are fantastic!

They're probably overkill for the tiny room I'm in but I love them!

hashcake · 22 Jan 2008 at 13:29

wyrdo said:
Z-5500's are fantastic!

They're probably overkill for the tiny room I'm in but I love them!

Room size is also part of my problem as it is quite small.
I've heard the Z-5500's (a friend has them) and I don't deny that they sound very good.
I'm just reluctant to blow £150 - £200 just for gaming.

Manlove is my forte · 22 Jan 2008 at 13:34

headphones?

Kainz · 22 Jan 2008 at 13:35

I'm in the same situation thanks to Nokkon going on about 5.1. Once again I'm also considering it but have a small room. Hell I can barely fit a computer desk in here. Money isn't the problem in my case, it's just where the hell can I still that flaming big sub!

hashcake · 22 Jan 2008 at 13:36

Kronologic said:
headphones?

Use headphones late at night.
It's when I am allowed to make some noise that I want to use 5:1.

Wyrdo · 22 Jan 2008 at 13:40

My room is tiny! It's a tiny little box room but I manage to cram everything in there.

Edz · 22 Jan 2008 at 18:20

I have the 5400's which can be purchased for £130. Value for money they are superb

Mr Men · 22 Jan 2008 at 18:31

I use Creative Inspire 5500 5.1 setup, works good for me in quite a small room, not sure of cost or if they even make then anymore got them for Xbox, but they are good and were not very dear when I got them.

theboyrob · 22 Jan 2008 at 18:48

i have the 5400's, superb for the money. Just a shame I can't fully use them as the neighbours complain!

Surfer · 22 Jan 2008 at 19:57

once you go 5.1 you never can go back to 2.1 people.

robj20 · 22 Jan 2008 at 20:01

O the joy of having deaf neighbors. I love my Z5500 for pc, for my console i have a proper home cinema, which is about half as loud again.

Margaret · 22 Jan 2008 at 20:29

I enjoy my Z-5500 and I do not care what the neighbors think, my parents can worry about the neighbors.

As far as they know I'm a geeky 18 year old without a care in the world, not far from the truth I must say.

Manlove is my forte · 22 Jan 2008 at 20:32

hashcake said:
Use headphones late at night.
It's when I am allowed to make some noise that I want to use 5:1.

You can get some decent 5.1 headphones for about £60 that come with a mic and connect into the 360 controller. I use a pair and cant fault them.

Obviously I agree about making the noise. But Miss K seems to own the living room and £2000 surround sound set-up

hashcake · 30 Jan 2008 at 23:21

Ok so I caved in and bought the Logitech Z-5400's.
They sound really good and I can't really fault them.
5:1 audio has certainly enhanced by gaming experience without any shadow of a doubt.
Having 2 x optical inputs on the Z-5400 control unit is a godsend for hooking up 2 different consoles (why 2 optical inputs is so rare on these type of speakers is beyond me).

NokkonWud · 30 Jan 2008 at 23:40

I use z5500's upstairs and a Yamaha YSP-1100 downstairs.

I use direct Optical from one and Optical through a Optical-to-Coaxial convertor for the other, as a result both get an input on the speakers.