which new soundcard or which 4.1 speakers kits ?

[amiens80]

hi,

i have an old configuration with good soundcard ( creative soundblaster xifi titanium ) which delivers 4.1 sound (4 speakers + boomer) on a very good kit (altec Lansing acs 54).
i can't find any new 4.1 speaker (with 2 jacks plug), neither find a new soundcard with 4.1 output !
what should i do ?
do you have a 4.1 speaker kit to advice me ? or a 4.1 soundcart ?

As my soundcard only have two 3.5 jack to connect the 4.1 kits, i think about to pourchase a 2.0 kit + a 2.1 kits and plug them on my soundcard.

what do you think of this idea ?

 

[TheLostSwede]

Any soundcard that can output 5.1 or more channels will also output 4.1, also known as quadrophonic.
Another option would be to configure for 5.1 and disable the centre speaker.

 

[Ferather]

As above, do it both in the Software app and in Windows sound panel (just to make sure).

 

[amiens80]

no the problème is, "if i buy a new 5.1 speaker kit", there is no two 3.5 jack on it to plug it to my soundcard !

and the reverse problem : if i buy a new soundcard, there will be no two 3.5 jack to plug my old 4.1 kits !

 

[Keullo-e]

no the problème is, "if i buy a new 5.1 speaker kit", there is no two 3.5 jack on it to plug it to my soundcard !

and the reverse problem : if i buy a new soundcard, there will be no two 3.5 jack to plug my old 4.1 kits !

What motherboard do you have? Practically all motherboards from the last 20 years supports up to a 5.1 configuration.

 

[TheLostSwede]

no the problème is, "if i buy a new 5.1 speaker kit", there is no two 3.5 jack on it to plug it to my soundcard !

and the reverse problem : if i buy a new soundcard, there will be no two 3.5 jack to plug my old 4.1 kits !

Sorry what?
You're aware that most ports on modern PC audio can be used as inputs and outputs, no?
So even a basic motherboard with only three 3.5 mm jacks, can do 5.1-channel audio, you just need to set it up in the configuration software.
Usually you get a pop-up asking you what you just plugged in for convenience.

 

[LabRat 891]

You don't "NEED" a soundcard. Most Realtek HD Audio on motherboards has been 5.1-7.1 for ages.
As TheLostSwede mentioned, the Control Panel software will 'reconfigure' the 3.5mm jacks.

If you do want a sound card (as I did/do), I *highly recommend* an Asus Xonar over an X-fi. -and, used. Seems like everything on the market today, is overpriced and junk (regarding pure audio quality)

Personally, I used to adore the mid-tier and higher X-Fi cards (and genuinely liked the Crystallizer). After "collecting" several X-Fis (included a Titanium w/ OPAMP upgrades), I can solidly say even the 'baseline' Xonar cards 'sound cleaner and better'. NtM besides the 'clarity', the Xonars are better-supported.

In my experience, the "Essence" ST(X) models are 'king' between the 2 brands' offerings.


Creative X-Fi Drivers by Daniel_K:

Final updates for my Support Packs and farewell

Hi everyone. It's been almost 15 years since my first pack, now it's time to say goodbye. This is my last round of updates for my Support Pa...

danielkawakami.blogspot.com

UNi Asus Xonar (+C-Media CMI8786, CMI8787 and CMI8788) drivers:

UNi Xonar Drivers official page

UNi Xonar drivers main page (information, release notes, driver downloads).

maxedtech.com

 

[Screamy]

If you do want a sound card, I highly recommend the Creative AE-9. Mine has been a massive upgrade over my previous creative ZxR

 

[Double-Click]

+1 shouldn't need one just to get 5.1 setup going.

If you do want one anyway though, I'd recommend getting an external DAC over an internal card.
Zero drivers, doesn't take up any real estate inside the PC, and that's the segment you will find higher end stuff as well if you're into that.

Not saying there's anything wrong with an internal one to be clear, it's just a less versatile option really.

 

[amiens80]

i think you do not understand my need :
i don't want 5.1
i want 4.1 (4 four speaker + 1 subwoofer)

If i purchase a new 5.1 speaker kit, i can't plug only 4 of the 5 !
If u purchase a new 5.1 soundcard (or use a motherboard soundcard), they do not have the compatibility to pplug 2 jack !
am i wrong ?

 

[nicegirl05]

i think you do not understand my need :
i don't want 5.1
i want 4.1 (4 four speaker + 1 subwoofer)

If i purchase a new 5.1 speaker kit, i can't plug only 4 of the 5 !
If u purchase a new 5.1 soundcard (or use a motherboard soundcard), they do not have the compatibility to pplug 2 jack !
am i wrong ?

yes u are wrong anythang from dolby digital to dts well see u only have 4.1 and it well downmix 5.1 content to 4.1 u can just choose to leave the center channel unplugged and still use 5.1 software and content