Audio help please

[PirateMan]

Basically.. I have four speakers attatched 2 my comp and a subwoofer. no surround sound.. so its basically sterio w/ 4 speakers..
So when I put in a DVD, do I leave the default 5.1 Surround sound on or shall i switch to 2.0 english..
I supose 2.0 seems more sensable but does it make much of a difference, I can hear a sound difference, but havent had time 2 analyse which 1 sounds best..
I was thinking if its on surround sound I might not have as good sound, or some of it might b lost, coz I don't have that many speakers..

NE help very welcome..

[Mirror_Image]

What's wrong with your ears? Can't you trust them? They are the best judge you have.

[PirateMan]

I have tested it, and I think 2.0 is better, but as I sed, i just havent had time 2 listen thoroughly, maybe only 1 bit sounded better, I dunno. I was just wanting some help from ppl who know what thr saying, 2 make sure i was right..
they both sound pretty good tho'.. so i dunno.
I supose it does make sence, 2.0 since its sterio, but I just wanted 2 make sure..
NE more views on this welcome.

[PirateMan]

I don't want 2 bump myself up.. But, some1 plz help.. I need 2 know.. NE help would b great.. I'll give u a smiley face in return

[CryptKeeper]

ummmmm
usually 4 speakers and a sub is surround sound
unless I'm getting My definitions mixed up

if you've got the SB LIVE 5.1 audio card
you should be able to hear the 5.1

that's what I've heard *LOL*

[PirateMan]

hmmmmmm. cool. well ive got a "Creative Sound Blaster Live 5.1". So, maybe it'll sound better w/ surround then.. Thanks for the info. If any 1 else would like to add a comment, plz do, I need 2 b sure... Thanks Again.

(Oh yeh, the speakers aren't seperate, thr r six outputs, but two speakers and a subwoofer come out of 1 of them, and another 2 speakers out of another 1, which is pretty much sterio aint it, hmmmmm)

[fantomlord]

What's wrong with your ears? Can't you trust them? They are the best judge you have.

I agree 100%!!
and if you're not sure if it's actually stereo, or just a bunch of speakers...did you check the manual that came with your sound card?

[PirateMan]

lol.. just got this comp, and the shop guy forgot 2 put all my manuals and cds in box, so next time im down thr i'll pick them up.
The soundcard is surround sound..but the speakers are set up in a sterio sort of way..
Ok, then, I think I'll just listen 2 the sound and compare them then.. I just thaught if some1 new the answer it would b easier, quicker and more accurate..
Add more posts if you want. I'll just go along w/ my ears unless I hear something else from this board.
Thx doods

[PirateMan]

Ok, conclusion is, 2.0 is better, its pretty hard 2 tell, its louder, but clearer aswell. I think. lol.

[CryptKeeper]

(Oh yeh, the speakers aren't seperate, thr r six outputs, but two speakers and a subwoofer come out of 1 of them, and another 2 speakers out of another 1, which is pretty much sterio aint it, hmmmmm)

umm actually NO.....

2 speakers and a sub come out of one output so you get the FRONT Audio

the other output is for REAR speakers

hence making it surround sound :)

[PirateMan]

Oh, cool. Thx for that..
But it still does sound kinda better on 2.0. Hmmm, 1 day I'll get real surround, but that can b pricey.. *wonders if thrs a webpage w/ some info bout this*

[PirateMan]

Fuk it, im sticking w/ 5.1. lol, im so indecisive.

[PirateMan]

Wait a minute. back 2 my original point.. if its 5.1 (meaning five different tracks, and 1 for subwoofa), does that not mean i'll lose out on some sound? or will it just b shoved somewhr else.. thats really what my main point is... If im losing out on sound, then i'll have 2 stick 2 2.0.. but if im not then thats fine..
Does NE1 know a website whr this is explained in detail?

[ck_blk]

Unless you have 6 speakers, do not use 5.1 as the setting. Otherwise, the system will assume you have a sub and divert low frequencies to a speaker that's not there. Also, if the speakers aren't in the proper surround configuration, then you may lose some sound altogether or it will be more "faint" as you put it.

Of course, playing CD Audio on a surround 5.1 surround system is pointless since it's only a stereo source. Some surround systems will attempt to "simulate" a surround experience, but it wasn't meant to be heard that way.

Bottom line is use 2.0 or possibly look for 4.1 support...

[ck_blk]

Forgot to add:
For DVD Audio, you want 4.1 or 5.1 if possible. Since you have 4 speakers, I would look on ebay or somewhere for a cheap sub. Once you have one, you should be able to force the card to use 4.1 instead of 5.1.

Why not visit creative's site for proper configuration procedures??

[PirateMan]

Thx for the info.. But if u read my post carefully I do have a sub.. so i basically have 4.1 sound I take it..
but the DVD plays in 5.1 so I supose I will lose some stuff. How do u force the card to use 4.1 instead of 5.1 that sounds cool?
Would that make 5.1 from a DVD work tho?
thr is an option in the windows sound set up called "surround sound", the picture has four speakers and a sub, but that don't work, coz 2 of my speakers get cancelled for some reason...