Hardware & Technical Surround sound: is it worth it for ED?

[CMDR MAIN SEQUENCE]

I currently have a standard Logitech 2.1 speaker package and am wondering whether to start saving for a 5.1 surround setup. Looking at a couple of old threads opinions seem to be mixed with some people saying that the sounds coming from the rear channels are too quiet.

Options seem to be quite limited:
Logitech Z906 - quite expensive but reviews are good. Not sure I can justify the cost unless it drops to a decent price on Black Friday like it did last year.

Trust Gaming 22004 GXT 658 Tytan(seriously?) - fairly good reviews and a decent price.

Logitech Z506 - low price but mixed reviews.

Alternatively I just upgrade to a better 2.1 system such as Logitech Z533.

So, is it worth upgrading to 5.1 just for ED? Anyone got any experience of the above systems? Are there other systems I have missed? Would be driven by the in-built audio chipset on ASUS Maximus VIII Hero motherboard.

Worth mentioning that I probably only spend about 60% of my play time using the speakers, the other 40% I'm wearing headphones because the kids are in bed, so if 5.1 is not worth it would it be better to spend the money on better headphones instead (first world problems eh?) even though I'm quite happy with my lower-end Sennheisers?

 

[Rob At Work]

I have 5.1 cant remember which one.

It's brilliant when a T-9 rumbles overhead from behind you, like that Star Wars scene. Thing is, it's a bit like great visuals, it very quickly becomes the norm and you hardly notice it after a while. Whether its worth the money you pay for it is very subjective.

 

[trauts1]

Yep, do it - Z506 here and no complaints! I can't imagine playing without the main thruster sounds coming from behind me.

 

[Para Handy]

Elite is absolutely amazing in surround sound.

I have the Logitech Z906 and it is brilliant. [up]

 

[Nagual]

I have to ask, when is surround sound not worth investing in? Love my Hyper Cloud X2 or whatever it is...

 

[Bill Clement]

Totally worth it, my dude.

Elite even has a 'night time' profile in settings, so you might just get away with it when the wee yins are in bed. Stick the rear speakers close to your chair and turn the volume way down, simples!

 

[Zeeman]

I'm an integrator of high end AV systems.

I set up a Yamaha RX-A1020 and Bostons Acoustics bookshelf speakers and sub in my bedroom - specifically to get 5.1 for ED.

That ought to answer the question.

Also, don't buy that Logitech rubbish brand new, you are better off buying good second hand gear. I regularly see 5.1 speaker set ups from reputable speaker brands in the low hundreds of dollars (Kef was the last one, for about $200), a good old 5.1ch receiver should be another $100, and it will wipe the floor with anything Logitech produce.

Z...

 

[Globusdiablo]

I currently have a standard Logitech 2.1 speaker package and am wondering whether to start saving for a 5.1 surround setup. Looking at a couple of old threads opinions seem to be mixed with some people saying that the sounds coming from the rear channels are too quiet.

Options seem to be quite limited:
Logitech Z906 - quite expensive but reviews are good. Not sure I can justify the cost unless it drops to a decent price on Black Friday like it did last year.

Trust Gaming 22004 GXT 658 Tytan(seriously?) - fairly good reviews and a decent price.

Logitech Z506 - low price but mixed reviews.

Alternatively I just upgrade to a better 2.1 system such as Logitech Z533.

So, is it worth upgrading to 5.1 just for ED? Anyone got any experience of the above systems? Are there other systems I have missed? Would be driven by the in-built audio chipset on ASUS Maximus VIII Hero motherboard.

Worth mentioning that I probably only spend about 60% of my play time using the speakers, the other 40% I'm wearing headphones because the kids are in bed, so if 5.1 is not worth it would it be better to spend the money on better headphones instead (first world problems eh?) even though I'm quite happy with my lower-end Sennheisers?

The full Monty is a dedicated digital surround receiver and speakers. Remember that it must be hdmi ready for true digital surround from E: D, as the game doesn't support compressed audio formats like Dolby Digital or DTS.

It's worth it.

 

[CMDR MAIN SEQUENCE]

SOLD! to the man at the back with no money Thanks to all that replied. Looks like I'll be putting aside Xmas and Birthday money for a decent surround system then. Have a "big" Birthday next year so have already started dropping hints to the wife.

Also, don't buy that Logitech rubbish brand new, you are better off buying good second hand gear. I regularly see 5.1 speaker set ups from reputable speaker brands in the low hundreds of dollars (Kef was the last one, for about $200), a good old 5.1ch receiver should be another $100, and it will wipe the floor with anything Logitech produce.

The full Monty is a dedicated digital surround receiver and speakers.

Good shout. I'm not sure I feel comfortable spending more than about £180 but I will check prices on fleabay etc. and keep an eye out for any deals on Richer Sounds and the like.

Question - is the position, including height, of the rear speakers critical? Due to room layout it might not be possible to have them both the same height (for example there is a light switch where one would ideally go) and/or they would both be slightly higher than ear height. Also I would not be sitting quite in the centre line. They would be about 5 feet behind me.

 

[Globusdiablo]

...Question - is the position, including height, of the rear speakers critical? Due to room layout it might not be possible to have them both the same height (for example there is a light switch where one would ideally go) and/or they would both be slightly higher than ear height. Also I would not be sitting quite in the centre line. They would be about 5 feet behind me.

If you buy a half decent hdmi capable digital surround receiver, it should come with an audyssey calibration microphone. Place it at ear level where you sit and run the calibration. Side note. Never skip on the initial calibration of a surround receiver. It really does wonders for the surround processing.

Positioning of the speakers isn't key, as the audyssey calibration should equalize this.

If you buy a respected brand you shouldn't worry about getting it second hand (bought my Denon second hand). If you can get your hands on some Kef HTS-2001 you are golden. They play outrageously well for their size, and people are practically giving them away now. Kind of old, but top quality sound and build. Be wary that the subwoofer is usually toasted, so you'll probably have to find a replacement. I bought a Dali. Perfect fit.

Rereading your initial post, I notice you were asking regarding speakers for direct plugnplay from the motherboard, so I can't help feeling that I'm leading you down a slippery path. Dedicated digital surround can get pretty space/time/money consuming. So on that note I would have to say that any Logitech 5.1 system would probably be better than what you have now, and could probably be mounted on your chair? Just saying...

Btw; if memory serves me, E: D actually supports 7.1 digital surround, if you're feeling feisty.

Good luck Commander.

 

[CMDR MAIN SEQUENCE]

Thanks GD this has been very helpful.

Rereading your initial post, I notice you were asking regarding speakers for direct plugnplay from the motherboard

Not necessarily, I only mentioned that to indicate that I was not using a dedicated sound card. I could run the receiver off a spare HDMI port on my 1080, right? (monitor is on DisplayPort). Although I consider myself fairly clued up on PC stuff, I have not delved deep into audio related matters.

Btw; if memory serves me, E: D actually supports 7.1 digital surround, if you're feeling feisty.

Yes I believe so but I think the "middle" speakers would be more of a hindrance/eyesore in my small home office to be honest.

 

[Globusdiablo]

Thanks GD this has been very helpful.

Not necessarily, I only mentioned that to indicate that I was not using a dedicated sound card. I could run the receiver off a spare HDMI port on my 1080, right? (monitor is on DisplayPort)...

You could definitely do that.

I would recommend running the entire signal (hdmi to hdmi) through the receiver, and using the hdmi out from the receiver to a monitor. But there are pros and cons, so in the end you'll set it up how it suits you.

 

[Zeeman]

SOLD! to the man at the back with no money Thanks to all that replied. Looks like I'll be putting aside Xmas and Birthday money for a decent surround system then. Have a "big" Birthday next year so have already started dropping hints to the wife.





Good shout. I'm not sure I feel comfortable spending more than about £180 but I will check prices on fleabay etc. and keep an eye out for any deals on Richer Sounds and the like.

Question - is the position, including height, of the rear speakers critical? Due to room layout it might not be possible to have them both the same height (for example there is a light switch where one would ideally go) and/or they would both be slightly higher than ear height. Also I would not be sitting quite in the centre line. They would be about 5 feet behind me.

Yes, however, a good system will allow for some tweaking - this means you can adjust the distance to your seating position, as well as individual levels, this can help compensate for a lot of "real life situation" imperfections.

I actually like placing my surround speakers on the floor and firing them up at the ceiling, this produces a really nice surround affect (surround speakers should not really be aimed at you, unless they are dipoles, or you have a bucketload of speakers). I discovered this trick in the 90's, when I did a Lucasfilm THX course for my work, and was trained by the head audio guy at Lucasfilm at the time. He really knew his stuff, and I use everything he taught me nearly daily even now, he had incredibly brilliant ways of make non-ideal spaces work very well.

Z...

 

[Zeeman]

Thanks GD this has been very helpful.

Not necessarily, I only mentioned that to indicate that I was not using a dedicated sound card. I could run the receiver off a spare HDMI port on my 1080, right? (monitor is on DisplayPort). Although I consider myself fairly clued up on PC stuff, I have not delved deep into audio related matters.



Yes I believe so but I think the "middle" speakers would be more of a hindrance/eyesore in my small home office to be honest.

You can actually do very well without a centre speaker, so long as have good let/right speakers, and they are well placed. Seating position will be limited, but shouldn't be an issue in an office. This is called a phantom centre. I'm sure I'll have a million flame throwers aimed at me for this post, and yes, it is "better" to have a centre speaker, in the same way as it is better to have an extra scoop of ice cream, but when you live in the real world, a phantom centre that is will set up will get the job done well enough.

Z...

 

[Komemiute]

I currently have a standard Logitech 2.1 speaker package and am wondering whether to start saving for a 5.1 surround setup. Looking at a couple of old threads opinions seem to be mixed with some people saying that the sounds coming from the rear channels are too quiet.

Options seem to be quite limited:
Logitech Z906 - quite expensive but reviews are good. Not sure I can justify the cost unless it drops to a decent price on Black Friday like it did last year.

Trust Gaming 22004 GXT 658 Tytan(seriously?) - fairly good reviews and a decent price.

Logitech Z506 - low price but mixed reviews.

Alternatively I just upgrade to a better 2.1 system such as Logitech Z533.

So, is it worth upgrading to 5.1 just for ED? Anyone got any experience of the above systems? Are there other systems I have missed? Would be driven by the in-built audio chipset on ASUS Maximus VIII Hero motherboard.

Worth mentioning that I probably only spend about 60% of my play time using the speakers, the other 40% I'm wearing headphones because the kids are in bed, so if 5.1 is not worth it would it be better to spend the money on better headphones instead (first world problems eh?) even though I'm quite happy with my lower-end Sennheisers?

Hell yeah, it's awesome. ED Sound department is one of the finest in gaming, and I literally do the same- Surround when I can and headphones when the kids sleep.

 

[Para Handy]

........

Yes I believe so but I think the "middle" speakers would be more of a hindrance/eyesore in my small home office to be honest.

Depends on your "7" setup - the two I think you are referring to as "middle" - can eitehr be side or front-high or rear-high. My AV system uses rear-high but there is not a lot that seems to be produced to make use of the 3-D height - it is years since I paid it any attention.

I don't know what 7.1 channels E D produces, probably the bog standard front, rear, side, centre, sub - I only use 5.1 on my PC setup. (It is separate from my main AV suite.)

Hopefully our THX expert can give some accurate info on the various "7" choices.

 

[Zeeman]

7.1 is the typical left/centre/right, surround left/right, rear left/right with LFE (Low Frequency effects). Once you get into Atmos, it will be noted as "5.1.2", or "7.1.4" refers to a the speakers in terms of standard surround first (5 or 7 channels), LFE channels next (this can be more than one, but one is fairly typical), and finally the Atmos speakers (can be two or four) which are generally overhead, or aimed to bounce off the ceiling.

Then there is DTS:X, which, whilst it competes with Atmos, actually works differently, but can also support up to 11 speakers + LFE channels. Basically, both systems add to existing surround sound by introducing the "height" element.

Z...

 

[CMDR MAIN SEQUENCE]

Thanks again guys. Definitely veering on the side of a used/refurbished/EOL 5.1 receiver at the moment, have only had chance to have a quick look at prices but Richer Sounds occasionally have some good clearance deals on receivers (not really a big fan but needs must and all that) and maybe look to fleabay/gumtree etc. for speakers. My only concern now is where the receiver would be located as space is already tight (and the centre speaker might be an issue also depending on size) - may mean a bigger desk which is more money or, if enough room, I rig a shelf underneath my existing desk. Or I get a shelving unit that can accommodate the receiver and my PC. The alternative is the more compact Z906 but some of the amazon reviews about reliability put me off plus I know that the Logitech speakers aren't going to compare well to the Hi-Fi manufacturers. Got plenty of time to research as any purchase is likely to be either Easter or Xmas next year.

 

[Globusdiablo]

Thanks again guys. Definitely veering on the side of a used/refurbished/EOL 5.1 receiver at the moment, have only had chance to have a quick look at prices but Richer Sounds occasionally have some good clearance deals on receivers (not really a big fan but needs must and all that) and maybe look to fleabay/gumtree etc. for speakers. My only concern now is where the receiver would be located as space is already tight (and the centre speaker might be an issue also depending on size) - may mean a bigger desk which is more money or, if enough room, I rig a shelf underneath my existing desk. Or I get a shelving unit that can accommodate the receiver and my PC. The alternative is the more compact Z906 but some of the amazon reviews about reliability put me off plus I know that the Logitech speakers aren't going to compare well to the Hi-Fi manufacturers. Got plenty of time to research as any purchase is likely to be either Easter or Xmas next year.

Take note. As Elite: Dangerous doesn't support compressed digital surround sound formats such as DTS or Dolby Digital, you HAVE to get a setup that supports uncompressed digital surround sound = hdmi. If you use tos link or coaxial or something else you will get a "mix" signal that may sound very nice, but it will not be "true" digital surround.

People live in blissful ignorance of this fact, as the audio can still be very captivating. I just thought you should know.

I haven't been able to find a 5.1 PC speaker setup that actually has hdmi input (not even Logitech Z906 *shame*), but you've got me triggered now, so I'll keep digging.

I had to replace my old receiver (tos link/coaxial) because I wanted true surround (via hdmi) from Elite: Dangerous, but I'm a nerd that way and have the entire thing hooked up to a HTPC system in my living room.

Edit: Nope. Couldn't find a single 5.1 PC speaker setup with hdmi input. Sooo... Either full monty or mix. (or happy with what you got - seems less of a headache right now...)

 

[Para Handy]

.......
I haven't been able to find a 5.1 PC speaker setup that actually has hdmi input (not even Logitech Z906 *shame*), but you've got me triggered now, so I'll keep digging.

.........

I have the Z906 direct connections to the 5.1 outputs from my MOBO - it has quite a good audio section (it is an ASUS Maximus VIII HERO - it has 7.1 out but I just use 5.1 obviously).


BTW - Re an earlier comment about the speakers - I thought these would be a bit underwhelming due to their size but I have to say that they perform really well. I doubt I'd use them in a AV setup (I use Missions) but for use on the PC they are well up to the job. The system is THX certified after all.