Low-cost surround sound suggestions?

cherv1

Hi, I am considering getting a surrouns sound set-up for my entertainment room, but I know very little about the subject. I have a Gamecube and will soon be getting a new laptop, which I know can offer surround sound with an S/PDIF port (and I think you can get a TOS-link adaptor, but I'm not really sure exactly what it is). Basically, what equipment would I need to setup up a surround sound system, and what is the lowest price I could achieve this for? Also it need to be available in the UK.

Thanks for educating me.

corcorigan

My personal feeling on this is that unless you want to spend £££ you're better just going for a really good stereo set up. Less clutter too.

You only have two ears anyway.

LewieP

I personally would concur with corcorigan, unless you are willing to spend alot, you are better off getting a decent stereo, or my personal choice, a set of decent headphones (although I know some people don't like using headphones)

If you want though, I can have a look around and see whats available on the cheap atm

cherv1

OK yeah. I basically have a crappy small TV at the mo, which is only mono, so I got a video/audio changer and connected some PC speakers to it, but they don't sound that great at all. They kinda rattle on bassy noises but the stereo is definitely good. I do have some nice headphones that my parents gave me which they had when they were young, which still work nicely, but at the mo I can't really use them because the volume from my consoles is way too loud. I keep meaning to get a volume control from Maplin but I haven't got round to it.

@ Lewie: Don't worry I think I may just stick to these headphones. Thanks anyway.

PS are those games going on eBay soon? I would perhaps like to bid on one or two, but I'm only really comfortable with buying things on eBay. Thanks.

LewieP

cherv1 wrote: »

@ Lewie: Don't worry I think I may just stick to these headphones. Thanks anyway.

PS are those games going on eBay soon? I would perhaps like to bid on one or two, but I'm only really comfortable with buying things on eBay. Thanks.

Yeah, I keep meaning to get round to it, but something comes up all the time. I know you've said you aren't necasarilly comfortable with ebay, but I can show you my ebay account with positive feedback if that helps, and I've done sales with other people in G&T with no problems. If you are intrested in maybe buying items before they go up on ebay, PM me, if not, I'll PM you when they go up ;D

powersurge

I've been pretty happy with my older Onkyo home theater in a box. Under $500 (forgot how much been a long time) and the speakers are not lil tin cans. Full speakers/sub and the receiver (DTS/Dolby 5.1).

http://www.onkyousa.com

While a lot of big audio buffs will knock HTIAB kits I think they are pretty dang good for the price.

mausmalone

I've found that Yamaha gives a good balance of price and quality, especially since you can readily find their speakers at overstock.com. I don't know if they ship to the UK or not, though. I got my receiver on the super-cheap because my university replaces electronics every 3 years, which is important for computers but means you can pick up some 3 year old perfectly fine receivers on the cheap. (they use 'em just to switch video inputs ... what a waste)

And don't listen to the guys who say if you're not willing to go all out don't bother. I've got 5 small satellites and they sound perfectly fine. I realize that they distort at high volumes, but the room is small and the neighbors close, so I never have to go that high. Besides, if you get a good receiver and cheap speakers for now, you can buy better speakers later when you have the budget and a room that warrants it.

RainbowDespair

cherv1 wrote: »

OK yeah. I basically have a crappy small TV at the mo...

If that's the case, why don't you just replace the TV? Better visuals & audio all in one fell swoop.

fragglefart

Logitech Z-5500 Digital.

So awesome.

You can get the things for £200.

Mr_Grinch

Take a wander in to Superdrug of all places, last time I checked they had a 5.1 system there for £45 complete with speakers. This was a while ago. Yes, it definitely won't sound awesome, but a friend had one up and running and it'll definitely be better than pc speakers.

Not sure what inputs it's got on it though.

Anyway, if you're passing a store, have a look in. Woolworths occasionally do them too.

brynstar

fragglefart wrote: »

Logitech Z-5500 Digital.

So awesome.

You can get the things for £200.

I completely agree with the awesomeness of this set. I've had a set of Z-680's, their predecessor, for about 4 or 5 years now and they are amazing.

Capncrunch7

brynstar wrote: »

fragglefart wrote: »

Logitech Z-5500 Digital.

So awesome.

You can get the things for £200.

I completely agree with the awesomeness of this set. I've had a set of Z-680's, their predecessor, for about 4 or 5 years now and they are amazing.

As have I. They are quite amazing. More than likely you will never turn the volume or bass over 25% too, this monster is pretty powerful for a PC speaker set up.

Rigor Mortis

Logitech speakers are fantastic, and their speaker systems often show up at discount shops...

For example, this is what I have... quite stunning for the price.
http://www.factorydirect.ca/catalog/product_spec.php?pcode=LO0223

If you have any factory direct type outfits in the UK, check them out.

Houk

i never really looked into it...can pc stereos be easily connected to regular tv receivers?

fragglefart

Houk wrote: »

i never really looked into it...can pc stereos be easily connected to regular tv receivers?

You just need a standard Y-Cable audio splitter thingy, costs about £6. A "3.5mm stereo mini to 2 RCA connectors" thingumabob. Can get them just about anywhere. This sort of thing;



I needed help figuring it out, but Syndalis pointed me in the right direction (thanks again dood).

So I have my TV plugged into the speaker control box via one of those, gives good stereo x 2 out for the TV (kinda 5.1 from 2.1), and have my 360 plugged in via the digital optical input which gives amazing digital 5.1 surround for games and movies.

You can buy better and more costly seperates, but in all honesty for the price, the sound quality and clarity is just awesomesauce. And so, so loud if you want it to be. I can't turn it up anywhere near full volume, even with the neighbours out, the whole place just starts shaking! The only downside - the sub is kinda big, and there are very limited settings. But movies like Star Wars / LoTR and all games like PGR3 / Gears of War just sound unbelievable. While watching "Saving Private Ryan", I pretty much felt like I was there. Very uncomfortable!

But awesome too...

Transporter

Houk wrote: »

i never really looked into it...can pc stereos be easily connected to regular tv receivers?

As far as I know, the higher end logitech ones always comes with an optical out as well as the standard PC hook ups. I do that with mine and they kick all the amount of asses.

Oh, they have a COAX hookup as well.