"Surround Sound"/"Home Theatre Systems"

[neoelectronaut]

Is it worth spending the $200+ on these suckers? I don't watch movies all that often, but the idea of a 5.1 system is very cool. I'm often tempted to get the $40 Duraband brand from wal-mart just "for the hell of it"...

Though it's probably not even real 5.1 surround.

 

[clayj]

Sure, it's worth it as long as your setup can actually drive the extra speakers. For PCs/Macs, I would assume that this means having a 5.1-capable sound card. Otherwise, you're just getting stereo from front and rear speakers. I'm sticking with a 2.1 setup for my PC/Mac setup, since I don't really use it to watch movies and I don't want to have to run wires (which are EVIL, especially if you can see them) for the rear speakers.

If I wanna watch movies, that's what I have a home theatre for.

P.S. Don't shop at Wal-Mart. They're evil, too.

 

[Phat_Pat]

Surround sound is a must with movies..... once you get it you'll crave it.

 

[Platform]

If you have the money for it and want it why not

 

[Lacero]

I won't watch a DVD movie unless it's in surround sound. Dolby 5.1 or DTS. The center channel speaker, bass, and rear speakers add so much to a movie, other than just the left and right speakers. In fact, you pay more attention in a movie with the right soundtrack.

 

[Chappers]

I have a usb sound adaptor to give virtual sorround sound - my headphones plug into it. I select the device in the sound system pref and its great.
Also good cus it cost very little.

http://shop.store.yahoo.com/insidecomputer/usbvi51chsus.html

but get headphones with an inline volume control

 

[Devie]

for your home theatre, its a definate must. I personally have a Denon 6.1Ch system in my bedroom, I love it and it was definatly worth the $1530 AUD I spent on it (inc. speakers).

If you're buying one for your tv, dont sped $200. Spend atleast $1200 AUD... err , so about $800 USD I guess... (including the tax bs we get here)

 

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

Once you had a surround sound hifi, you just cannot live without it...

When my old (regular stereo) amplifier needed replacement a couple of years ago, I got a Onkyo, re-used my old Pioneer front speakers and got some satelite speakers, also Pioneer, paying ~NOK3.500 ≈ $550 (now, remember buying electronics in Norway is way more expensive than in the US, so you probably get the same setup for ~$350). Compared to the money I spend (or the lack of money I spend, I should say) I got a very nice setup, more than good enough for most regular people.

I would say, don't go for the cheapest offer possible, but get a decent brand that's still relative cheap. That will give you most value for your money, and still good quality...

Edit: This Onkyo at Amazon seems like a good offer at $210, and even better refurbished at $150...

 

[neoelectronaut]

Sure, it's worth it as long as your setup can actually drive the extra speakers. For PCs/Macs, I would assume that this means having a 5.1-capable sound card. Otherwise, you're just getting stereo from front and rear speakers. I'm sticking with a 2.1 setup for my PC/Mac setup, since I don't really use it to watch movies and I don't want to have to run wires (which are EVIL, especially if you can see them) for the rear speakers.

If I wanna watch movies, that's what I have a home theatre for.

P.S. Don't shop at Wal-Mart. They're evil, too.

I meant more for my living room and DVD Player/TV than my computer...