Posted by saint on 21, 2000 at 5:32 PM:
OK: This is one area I'm about a clueless as can be. I have a Soundblaster Live Value card. I have 4 generic desktop speakers hooked up, and get ok sound. However, I'm ready to move into "WOW" sound. I'd like 4 speaker "surround sound" (in quotes, because I want that affect, not necessarily any particular brand/standard of surround sound), with a wolfer of course. I want something for game play, MP3's, and DVD movies.
Questions:
1. Can someone explain the various different standards/options? 4.1? 5.1? Digital vs analog? Dolby? I'm fairly lost. A brief (or long!) explanation or pointer to someplace to read up on it would be great. Obviously I'm interested in how it applies to computer audio.
2. Which option is best for the SB-Live value? My card came out pre-5.1 standard, I believe. I've heard digital speakers are a snow job?
3. I'd like specific brand/model recommendations if possible.
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(This may turn into a piece on the faq if the discussion is good).
Thanks!
--- saint