Speaker question

[rthor27]

I don't know if this is the place to post this kind of question but here goes:
I have had a 4.1 sound system for my PC for a couple months, and now that my anime DVD collection has skyrocketed I decided to look for a 5.1 system...
I picked out Klipsch's quintet microtheater. My only problem is (and I haven't actually bought this yet) that if I were to get it how would I connect it to my PC? My altec lansing system was PC ready but this Klipsch one isn't. I've been told that I'd need an amp and a pre-amp (both costing more than the system I was looking at) to hook it up...

anyone agree or know a different and correct way? if you can help, thanks

[GTaudiophile]

Have you taken a look at the VideoLogic DigiTheater DTS System for $500-$600? I think you would find it better than the Klipsch Quintet system since it was designed to also work with a computer.

If you do purchase the Klipsch Quintet system (or any system without a built-in amp), you'll need an amplifier to power the speakers. I would suggest buying a Dolby Digital/DTS receiver for around $300 (Circuit City sells the Technics SADX940 for $250).

You hook up the speakers to the Center, Front, Rear, and Subwoofer output jacks on the back of the receiver. Then simply run a (supplied) digital cable from the S/PDIF output jack on your soundcard (assuming you have a soundcard like the SB Live! Mp3+) to the S/PDIF input jack on the receiver. Before playing a DVD, be sure to select "AC-3 passthrough" or "AC-3 out" in the Sound Properties control panel of your software or hardware DVD decoder.

WARNING: The Creative DTT2500,DTT3500, and Altec Lansing ADA885 are the only systems I know of that include a Dolby Digital decoder and STILL allow for 4-speaker gaming. The Klipsch Quintet and VideoLogic DigiTheater DTS systems will ONLY allow for 2 speaker gaming.

------------------
"Why float through life when you can drive a BMW?"

Visit 3D SoundSurge for all your multimedia audio needs!

[This message has been edited by GTaudiophile (edited October 05, 2000).]

[rthor27]

Thanks! you've really changed my mind and now I'll be getting the DeskTop Theater 5.1 DTT2500 Digital and a X-Gamer !live 5.1 sound card

my only question now... is there a S/PDIF out or would I need one, I saw that the sound card has:
Line Out (Front)/Speaker Out
Line Out (Rear)

so would I just hook it up to those or would I hook it up with a digital cable between my PC and the decoder box? In other words how would I hook up the speaker system so I can utilize all of the 5.1 support...

hope I don't sound so much like a beginner but we all have to start someday, right?

later

[GTaudiophile]

Well, if I were you, I would save some money and buy the "older" / non-5-channel SB Live! Mp3+, X-Gamer, or Platinum soundcard. All you need is the AC-3/digital output. The SB Live! 5.1 soundcards do have a digital output, but they are just integrated into one of the analog outputs I think. I would also purchase the new and improved DTT3500 system instead of the DTT2500.

All you have to do to get 5.1 Dolby Digital sound while playing DVDs and 4.1 sound for gaming is hook up the amplifier to your soundcard with the digital cable. It's really as simple as that. The amplifier does all the work, so all you have to do is push a button on the amp.

------------------
"Why float through life when you can drive a BMW?"

Visit 3D SoundSurge for all your multimedia audio needs!