I have a bit of a dilemma when it comes to buying new speakers for my computer. I probably use it 60% music, 25% games and 15% movies. Currently I have a cheap but not terrible two speaker solution.

Could readers who use there computers similarly give me their impression on whether a 2.1, 4.1, or 5.1 setup is best. I imagine the 4.1 and 5.1 systems give the best sound environment but I am not sure how I can best mount / place them in my room. I have a computer desk against the wall and I am not sure where I would put 2 satellites behind me.

For those of you who have 4.1 and 5.1 systems, how much better do you like it versus 2.1 setups? For music, is there much of an advantage? What about games and movies?

Finally, how about 4.1 vs. 5.1? I would have to get a new soundcard since mine only supports 4.1. If you were trying to get the "best" setup for under $200, what would you do?

I know that's a lot of questions but I am curious mostly of your impressions of your 2.1, 4.1, or 5.1 systems and which you think is the best for the money.

Thanks!

I personally use Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 speakers. They're fantastic for movies and games, but they are also great for music. The only thing negative I can say about them is that the volume control is a little goofy below 1/16th. (Yes... I said 1/16th. With these speakers, any setting above 1/4th is simply too loud.) They retail for about $180. Overall, I would say that these are fantastic PC speakers.

I also have the same problem, and as soon as I find buyer for my old Altec Lansing ASC-495 I will be buying a new set of speakers.
I like to play games, but first I don't really need 5.1 channels to get pseudo surround sound, technologies like EAX do their magic...
So I plan to get 3 speaker set: right now there are only two choices as far as I know: Altec Lansing 621 or Klipsch ProMedia 2.1... unfortunately I still can't find the place to listen to both of these speakers to select the one I like the most. I don't want to get very expensive speakers, since for quality sound I can always connect HD-600 and enjoy every little detail...

To be honest I'd be against computer speakers...

I have a 24/96 card and Klipsch Promedia 5.1 ($399). Everything was nice & well until last week, when I took my PC to a friends' place ... he has an Harman Kardon receiver AVR 110 (around $250) and a pair of Infinity Alpha 30 speakers (around $300-400). I hook my soundcard to his system & when it comes to music it blew my Klipsch out... now I gotta sell those and get a decent stereo system...

I'd recommend getting a good pair of headphones for listening to music, and possibly a Creative Soundworks setup for the gaming, usually despite them being Creative (poo!), they're up to the job.

Ruairi

I'm watching movies in 2.0, but with the speakers at both sides, not in front of me (180° setup). The experience is cool. I don't feel the need to upgrade to 4 or 5.1, even comparing with theatres.
However, I was used to headphones listening since my youth, so the "central hole" phenomenon doesn't disturb me at all, while other people may be annoyed by the fact that no sound comes from the picture.

I'd put in another vote for a 2.1 setup (and/or quality headphones). Why needlessly complicate things with 4.1 or 5.1 (not to mention finding desk & other space for those speakers)... and I think the ".1" is helpful with the frequency range of most reasonably inexpensive PC speakers if you don't want a somewhat tinny sound (really expensive ones are likely a different story).

If you plan to greatly increase your movie watching anytime soon (particularly DVD's) then 5.1 might be worth considering.

Edit -- you did specify *for the money*, and that's hard to say... but it makes sense logically that 2 speakers and a subwoofer would be cheaper than 4 or 5 speakers + subwoofer at the same quality level.

My current PC speakers are Altec Lansing ACS 45.1's (purchased for ~$75 in 1999[?] and no longer widely sold, but recent 2.1 incarnations with similar model numbers/prices are probably available). To put it directly, they sound like hell without the subwoofer, but are very listenable with it (bass is surprisingly tight & has some serious oomph, enough so that the police were called while watching movies late at night at the small condo I live in ).