Posted by Ohso on 21, 2000 at 7:00 PM:
In Reply to: Speaker advice needed please posted by saint on 21, 2000 at 5:32 PM:
I got the Cambridge Soundworks FPS-2000.
These are surround sound digital speakers and sound really great. They even come with connectors specifically for the Live and Live Value series cards. I see no reason not to get digital speakers as you don't save much and the digital ones can be hooked up either way.
Beware the digital hookup will not work in real DOS, you must use the analog jacks or use Windows! This is a limitation of the Live and probably applies to other soundcards as well.
4.1 is 4 satellites and a sub-woofer.
5.1 adds a center channel.
5.1 speakers won't gain you any benefit on a Live Value as the card won't send that type of signal.
(Like trying to use surround sound speakers on a stereo only card).
I belive 5.1 is means essentially the same as Dolby Digital. I think they are synonymous.
: OK: Thie 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