Help with choosing new PC Speakers, Audio card

KKSlider1337 · 11-30-2008, 05:09 PM

Hi there, I wondered if anyone with some knowledge of PC speakers could give me some advice. I have some old Altec Lansing 221 2.1 speakers that I really don't like; the bass is nasty and overall it just sounds very muddy.

I was wondering if I bought some new speakers, would they probably sound better? I was considering either Logitech X-540 5.1 (~£50) or Logitech Z-4 2.1 at just under £40. I don't have any proper outputs for 5.1 though, so it would just be through a single minijack and wouldn't be true 5.1, hence I'm edging towards just getting 2.1, not really having enough room for a 5.1 anyway.

Secondly, I have an Analog Devices Integrated HD audio card so I wondered truthfully how much difference does it make to get a better sound card, and what would be recommended? I've only ever had integrated sound. I am slightly cautious about changing anything in my PC, never done it before.

If someone could give me some advice about either of these two points, and tell me if either would be the way forward or suggest some alternative advice I would be very grateful.

Thanks in advance.

**Pauldo** · 12-01-2008, 05:29 PM

That's SoundMax, right?

If you talk to any audiophile, they will tell you to ditch the pc speakers and pipe your audio over to your real stereo system. That said, you will probably hear a difference with those Logitechs. It might not be mind boggling as they don't have that much more output than the 221's.

As for a dedicated sound card, with those speaker systems you will not be able to tell the difference between an old audigy card, or envy 24HT card, and the newer X-FI cards, or Xonar cards. Might not be worthwhile to upgrade unless you are getting hiss or other noise from your onboard audio card.

I would wait for a dedicated soundcard purchase until you can afford a great set of speakers (z-5500 or equivalent) and a sound card that can run them (X-FI, Xonar, even older Auzentech's)

Pauldo

KKSlider1337 · 12-02-2008, 02:54 AM

Thanks for your response Pauldo.

Yes, it's a Soundmax.

I've been thinking I'll probably just get some new speakers rather than bother with the soundcard as well. Those Z-5500's look fantastic however they're out of my price range really

and my room isn't really that big; judging from reviews it sounds like the sub etc. is massive.

I might just settle for the Z-4's as I suppose I won't be needing a brilliant set. I think these old 221's are on their last legs as well, sometimes distorting etc. so I probably will definitely hear the difference.

They're going to be plugged into a HDTV I'm getting soon, which will play my PC, 360, Wii, DVD player etc. through it.

Thanks for your advice.

11-30-2008, 05:09 PM	#1 (permalink)
KKSlider1337 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 5 OS: Vista Sp1	Help with choosing new PC Speakers, Audio card Hi there, I wondered if anyone with some knowledge of PC speakers could give me some advice. I have some old Altec Lansing 221 2.1 speakers that I really don't like; the bass is nasty and overall it just sounds very muddy. I was wondering if I bought some new speakers, would they probably sound better? I was considering either Logitech X-540 5.1 (~£50) or Logitech Z-4 2.1 at just under £40. I don't have any proper outputs for 5.1 though, so it would just be through a single minijack and wouldn't be true 5.1, hence I'm edging towards just getting 2.1, not really having enough room for a 5.1 anyway. Secondly, I have an Analog Devices Integrated HD audio card so I wondered truthfully how much difference does it make to get a better sound card, and what would be recommended? I've only ever had integrated sound. I am slightly cautious about changing anything in my PC, never done it before. If someone could give me some advice about either of these two points, and tell me if either would be the way forward or suggest some alternative advice I would be very grateful. Thanks in advance.

12-01-2008, 05:29 PM	#2 (permalink)
Pauldo Enthusiast Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Seattle, Washington Posts: 1,444 OS: winXP Pro sp3 My System	Re: Help with choosing new PC Speakers, Audio card That's SoundMax, right? If you talk to any audiophile, they will tell you to ditch the pc speakers and pipe your audio over to your real stereo system. That said, you will probably hear a difference with those Logitechs. It might not be mind boggling as they don't have that much more output than the 221's. As for a dedicated sound card, with those speaker systems you will not be able to tell the difference between an old audigy card, or envy 24HT card, and the newer X-FI cards, or Xonar cards. Might not be worthwhile to upgrade unless you are getting hiss or other noise from your onboard audio card. I would wait for a dedicated soundcard purchase until you can afford a great set of speakers (z-5500 or equivalent) and a sound card that can run them (X-FI, Xonar, even older Auzentech's) Pauldo __________________ SystemSpec \| Power Supply Info \| How to Post a Screen shot \| Speedfan[/center]

12-02-2008, 02:54 AM	#3 (permalink)
KKSlider1337 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 5 OS: Vista Sp1	Re: Help with choosing new PC Speakers, Audio card Thanks for your response Pauldo. Yes, it's a Soundmax. I've been thinking I'll probably just get some new speakers rather than bother with the soundcard as well. Those Z-5500's look fantastic however they're out of my price range really and my room isn't really that big; judging from reviews it sounds like the sub etc. is massive. I might just settle for the Z-4's as I suppose I won't be needing a brilliant set. I think these old 221's are on their last legs as well, sometimes distorting etc. so I probably will definitely hear the difference. They're going to be plugged into a HDTV I'm getting soon, which will play my PC, 360, Wii, DVD player etc. through it. Thanks for your advice.