Which is the best computer speaker system:?

Jack

preferably with 5.1 and 7.1 configuration.

Answer
JBL Creature. Its a 2.1 Multimedia Speaker System, I got one a month back and its Awesome

Suggestions for a decent surround sound system?

doom359

I'm looking to add a surround sound system to the LCD TV I bought over the summer. It is 32" and is in my bedroom. (The speakers are going in there as well.) The main use of the TV is watching television, movies or games on my PS3 and/or XB360, and videos or etc. from my computer. I'm not an audiophile and I only have a limited knowledge of good vs. bad systems. I would like suggestions on a decent/good surround sound system that will cost between $100-$300. I'm not looking to break the bank or have the best sound quality possible, just a few steps up above the quality of the TV's speakers.

Here's what I'm looking for in specifications (if possible):
1. 5.1 surround speaker system
2. HDMI
3. TOSLINK/Digital Input
4. RCA and etc.

I am aware of home theater packages out there that include the speakers and the AV receiver. And I know that buying the receiver and speakers separate is better in quality. I do not mind if the suggestions are for a complete package or buying the receiver and speakers separate since my stated budget is small.

Lastly, if there aren't any decent surround sound systems within my budget, I'd like suggestions on what are the good brand names to go with when buying a receiver and when buying speakers.
RHJ: For the higher end receivers, which of those that you listed would you recommend?

Answer
Decent home theater / home cinema surround sound speaker systems, with or without a subwoofer, start at around $400 (US). There are many brands to choose from. A few of the better names when it comes to speakers at the lower-end of the price scale are: Ascend, Athena, Atlantic Technology, Boston Acoustics, Definitive Technology, Dynaudio, Energy, Harmon Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Mirage, Paradigm, Polk, PSB, Sunfire, SVS, and many others. Better quality surround sound speaker systems are best paired with a good quality A/V receiver (or A/V âseparatesâ) from mainstream consumer electronics manufacturers such as Onkyo, Denon, Pioneer, Yamaha and Rotel, up to higher-end models from Integra, Adcom, NAD, Outlaw, B&K Components, Sunfire, Arcam, Marantz, and Anthem. A decent quality surround sound A/V receiver starts at an MSRP of around $400 (US) and goes up from there.

Within your price range youâre pretty much limited to a multimedia / PC speaker system (or a low-end HTIB.) Compared to home theater surround sound systems your choices are much more limited with the best known brand names being Logitech, Klipsch and Creative. When it comes to PC speaker systems I would personally lean towards Klipsch followed by Logitech but you really should listen to the sound system first to decide what sounds best to you. While youâre at it you should also listen to a good quality home-theater-in-a-box system and an entry-level home theater / home cinema surround sound system for comparison. Keep in mind that a sound system will not sound quite the same in your home as it does in the showroom.

Anyhow, start by reading several product reviews from reputable âsites and magazines and gather (informed?) opinions to help narrow your choices before heading to the showrooms ⦠or taking your chances by purchasing a surround sound system sight unseen - or should I say âsound unheardâ. To help narrow your choices check the product reviews (and discussion*) from the following Websites:

http://reviews.cnet.com
http://www.hometheatermag.com
http://www.soundandvisionmag.com
http://www.avguide.com
http://www.hometheatersound.com
http://www.maximumpc.com

* http://www.avsforum.com

PS

Donât rely upon one or two âsites and/or magazines - use as many sources as possible to gather your information.

PPS

In reply to your additional questions:

For high-end AVRs the new Rotel 15 Series are very attractive but out of the price range of the average consumer (including me). Currently, if it were my choice to put together a decent surround sound audio system that I hope would last for several years I would choose from the lower-priced (THX certified) AVRs from Integra, Marantz and Denon. Nowadays I would exclude any AVR that does not include support for the new HD audio codecs from Dolby and DTS as well as full HDMI 1.3 switching / repeating capability (even though support for the HD audio codecs in an AVR wonât be of much use to a PS3 owner such as yourself.) While weâre talking AVRs I would also look for an AVR that runs reasonably cool â the Onkyo AVRs run much warmer than normal, which is a serious concern for me. My choices might satisfy a good percentage of âbudget audiophilesâ but are probably pushing the envelope for the average consumer.

Based on your criteria I would probably look at the least expensive AVRs from Integra, Marantz and Denon as well as Onkyo, Pioneer and Yamaha that support the new HD audio codecs and full HDMI 1.3 switching / repeating. Also factor in reliability, warranty, service and support. (This is one area were the forums can be very useful.) If you can find any reviews on the models that interest you then use that, along with any other criteria you may have, to help narrow down your choices to three or four AVR models. You should then be fairly well prepared to go to dealers in your area to audition the AVRs, along with various surround sound speaker systems on your list. Of course all of this assumes youâve upped your existing budget by a substantial amount. Just remember that choosing an AVR (or A/V âseparatesâ) over a HTIB will give you much greater upgrade flexibility down the road, which can potentially save you money (if you donât get bitten by the audiophile or keeping-up-with-the-Jonesâ bug.)
 

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