Laptop and speakers help

Glorfindel

Hey there.

I was looking at getting these speakers here: http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/AU/EN,CRID=2177,CONTENTID=10927 for my laptop. I know these are not fantastic speakers, but all I really want to be doing with them is listening to MP3s.

My laptop is this: http://www.asus.com.au/products4.aspx?l1=5&l2=26&l3=316&model=1220&modelmenu=1.

Now, being fairly ignorant on this sort of stuff, I have no idea about the sound inputs, etc. I do not really feel like blowing a fair bit of cash on those speakers without getting full use out of them. The laptop has Realtek HD Audio Manager on it, but will that suffice?

embrik

If all you're going to be doing is listening to MP3s, I'd suggest a good 2.1 system, unless you actually listen to 5.1 mixes (like DVD-Audio, etc)
You should be able to save money, and there'd be no doubt that it would work fine with a laptop.

saltiness

I second getting a 2.1 system. 5.1 is way overkill for music.

Glorfindel

The costs isn't a real issue - they can be had on eBay brand new for $290. My main question is whether the audio software with this computer will output 5.1, or will I have to get an adapter of some sort?

kingmetal

Most people do not understand this, but you really do not want to listen to music in 5.1.

Music is mixed specifically for two speakers (unless its a surround mix, but those are rare and usually just a gimmick). Playing back music that is designed to be listened to in stereo on a 5.1 system is like watching a movie in the wrong aspect ratio: the entire mix will be unbalanced, sounds that were never meant to interact with each other will be interacting with each other and ultimately the entire experience will be drastically different from what the engineer/artist originally intended.

DON'T DO IT. Surround hurts music.

redimpulse

That 5.1 is a fantastic system. But way WAY too much for listening to music.

Depending on your budget, Logitech has a slew of 2.0 and 2.1 speaker systems that would more than suit your needs. Ranging anywhere from 30 USD to 150 USD. I'd check out the 2.1 systems before considering a purchase of a 5.1 system.

Also, in order to use a 5.1 system, you need a sound card that can support it. I doubt your laptop has such capabilities, as most do not.

ecchi

The control center for that thing probably has a mode to turn the 5.1 into 4.1 with the rear channels simply cloning the front ones. Mine (also by Logitech) does. So if you really do want your music coming from more than two speakers, yes, your laptop should be able to do it. But it won't be able to get 5.1 in games or DVDs.

Glorfindel

ecchi wrote: »

The control center for that thing probably has a mode to turn the 5.1 into 4.1 with the rear channels simply cloning the front ones. Mine (also by Logitech) does. So if you really do want your music coming from more than two speakers, yes, your laptop should be able to do it. But it won't be able to get 5.1 in games or DVDs.

Cheers, that's probably what I needed to know. I was thinking of running two of the speakers from my room to the outside patio, so when I have mates over for drinks, music is right there.

redimpulse

Be sure that the system you purchase has that then. echhi, what system do you have? I may be interested in procuring one of these versatile systems myself.

ecchi

I have the Logitech z5300 or z5500 or something. The thing doesn't say its model number anywhere, but it looks just like this. It really isn't that great for music, though. If I could do it all over again, I would have bought real, standalone speakers an amp.

Which, actually, might be what Glorfindel should do. Computer speakers like these are pretty shitty for party situations, and the subwoofer is way too massive to move around (plus the cables are really short as it's meant for a living room). I don't know a lot about it, but I think a standalone stereo receiver + amplifier + speakers might serve you better. Just look into it, at least -- I don't know how much it'd cost in practice, and it's worth noting that you can't put those speakers near (crt) computer monitors.