Home-Theatre or PC Speakers - Advice??

Archived from groups: rec.audio.tech (More info?)

"NIALLBRUCE" <niallbruce@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20041214084042.05904.00001268@mb-m19.aol.com...
>I would like to get my mum a good speaker system for the computer
>(xmas
> present). However, I don't know what to buy. I'd be extremely
> grateful for any
> assistance!
>
> I've got an audigy 2 sound card and 7.1 creative speakers. The sound
> is amazing
> but I'd like to get something different for my mum - primarily
> because I can't
> afford to buy this setup again and also because she probably
> wouldn't like the
> look of the speakers.
>
> Ebuyer are offering a "Miyo 5.1 Channel Subwoofer Speaker System -
> Home
> Theater" for £100 ($190). This seems to be really good value as it
> looks quite
> good. However, I can't find any information about it online!! It
> seems to be
> unique to ebuyer ...and I'm suspicious about its quality.
>
> I've read some of the articles on this newsgroup and note that most
> people are
> using 'PC' speakers (e.g. creative). Are they better than the
> aforementioned
> home-theatre versions??
>
> If the home-theatre (Miyo) speakers are worth buying, what sound
> card do I
> need. The sub has 6 inputs - but my audigy card only has 3! Is there
> a
> reasonably priced sound card with 6 outputs?? My budget is £50
> ($95).
>
> Should I try the home-theatre speaker route or are traditional (5.1)
> PC
> speakers the best option??
>
> Thanks in advance for any advice!!!
> Niall

Niall, I'll give it a try but I may be a bit contrary to some
opinions. I hate PC speakers, "overrated junk" comes to mind. For
stereo only, not surround sound, my PC sound card goes to a vintage
20+20 watt receiver (use hi-level O/Ps to AUX inputs) and a pair of
decent bookshelf speakers. You may not want to give your mum used
stuff for Christmas but it's better than new junk and may cost less.
Of course, time is running out for Christmas but I would buy a good
receiver on eBay for, say, US$50.00 and a pair of bookshelf speakers
for about the same price or slightly more (I'm out of touch with UK
prices - been away over 30 years!)

Others can advise on the sound card and PC surround sound options.

Cheers,

Roger