IDNetters Forums

Technical News & Discussion => IDNet Help => Topic started by: William on Nov 21, 2006, 07:31:45

Title: Sound cards - external - compatibility
Post by: William on Nov 21, 2006, 07:31:45
I have good (but not Klipsch  :( ) 2.1 speakers but can't find a decent 2.1 sound card. I want to upgrade from on-board audio and am only interested in music - not video or games.

All the current sound cards are 5.1 and up. Can I use my 2.1 speakers with, for example, the Creative Sound Blaster Live - 24bit External 5.1 Sound Card?

I suppose I'm asking does 5.1 mean up to 5.1?
Title: Re: Sound cards - external - compatibility
Post by: Xbandito on Nov 21, 2006, 09:27:08
In a simple word "yes", you can use 2.1 speakers with a 5.1 or 7.1 sound card.
(though 5.1 speaker sets are dropping in price "like a stone" )
Title: Re: Sound cards - external - compatibility
Post by: William on Nov 21, 2006, 17:42:22
Thanks for that.

Am I right in thinking that, for music, 5.1 speakers wouldn't add anything to the 'listening experience'? Can't believe I just used that phrase  :-[
Title: Re: Sound cards - external - compatibility
Post by: Xbandito on Nov 21, 2006, 17:54:21
5.1 speakers "seem" louder and clearer (to me anyway) than 2.1 and I use them for online games, makes a world of difference when you can here someone sneaking up behind you and know what direction they are coming from  ;)
Title: Re: Sound cards - external - compatibility
Post by: MoHux on Nov 22, 2006, 00:30:44
Quote from: Xbandito on Nov 21, 2006, 17:54:21
5.1 speakers "seem" louder and clearer (to me anyway) than 2.1 and I use them for online games, makes a world of difference when you can here someone sneaking up behind you and know what direction they are coming from  ;)

It'll probably be the wife, come to give you an earbashing to turn it off!!!  ::) ::)