Speaker Systems

I've tried searching this topic a few times and it came up with no results or it timed out, so hopefully I don't ask this after it has been asked countless times. Also, I did look at the "Sound Card" thread in this forum as well and couldn't find any answers.

Anyway, my question is about getting a set of speakers for my workspace. I want these for my Dell i9200. I am looking at either a 2.1 or a 5.1 system, from Creative Labs or Logitech. I was wondering if the sound card in the i9200 would support the 5.1 system if I were to get one. Would I just hook them up to the line out/headphone jack?

Also, if I needed to get a different soundcard, which would provide better quality: a PCMCIA Sound Blaster (~$120) or a USB Sound Blaster (~$85). They both say they have 7.1 channels, does that mean they will support 5.1? I don't mean to sound like a newbie but I am a newbie to speaker systems.

Thanks for any replies! Below are the links to the PCMCIA Sound Blaster and the USB Sound Blaster on newegg.com

PCMCIA Sound Blaster:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=29-102-183&depa=0

USB Sound Blaster:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=29-102-167&depa=0

 

I have a pair of Altec Lansing 221 speakers (2.1 system) and I love them. They have very good sound in my opinion. I paid about $70 CDN for them. The only thing you might not like about them is you can't adjust the base level, but I find it's just right. On their website it says these speakers are discontinued but you might be able to find them around (at places that are trying to get rid of them). I know a local comp store that still sells them. Good luck.

 

any idea how i can chamge my speakers witout voiding my warranty? acer 4000LCi 1.4 GHz with mediocre speakers[8D]

vulture

 

Please post mod questions in the appropriate forum.

As for speakers, the notebook will support 5.1 through the standard stereo port. I think a 2.1 is more practical for an office, though it depends on your setup. In most cases there's not room to properly install a 5.1. As for 2.1 I really like the design and the quality of the JBL Creature II.

Editor in Chief http://www.bargainPDA.com and http://www.SPOTstop.com

 

I just added the Creative Soundblaster PCMCIA Notebook card to my Acer Aspire 2000 and all I can say it is like a night and day difference. Before when I would hook up my Cambridge Soundworks Digital speakers (2.1) to the headphone jack on the laptop I would hear alot of distortion/hiss. Now with my Soundblaster there is no distortion or hiss. I am still using my old speakers and plan on upgrading but I'm not sure if I really want to go the full 5.1 route (either Logitech or Creative)- this is for my bedroom.

Also, now in games I can use EAX, hardware accleration, THX in movies, etc. The Soundblaster came with a demo DVD-Audio disc and it sounds great. I want to buy a DVD-Audio disc of an CD I know to see if I can really tell the difference.