Computer speakers or Stereo receiver for computer sound out

[maxpower2078]

I know this may not be the best website for this but I know people here will know.

I am debating which route to take. I have a sound blaster live 5.1 and would like to get that sound out of it. A couple of questions.

1. what does it take to get DTS or AC3 sound working coming out of my sound card into a 5.1 pc speaker system?

2. If I backup my movies preserving the AC3 sound with xvid video, is there a specific codec I have to use to get the sound right to output all channels correctly.

3. Is it any different if I were to use a receiver with AC3 5.1 to get the sound?

Basically I am wondering if I should get a home stereo reciver or just some cheap PC speakers.

[louthewiz]

One of the most important things is is your sound card have an optical or coaxial Digital output and if it is then you will be half way home.Now you need to consider what type of home theater set up you want,will you be using your computer monitor as a video source or another type of display like a projection tv,tube tv,lcd tv etc. Another thing to consider is do you want bone shaking teeth rattling setup or just a small setup to use on your computer,I mean you can buy a 5.1 computer speaker setup for ok sound but if you want a major system the go with a good home theater receiver (I have the Yamaha htr 5790 and a 7.2 setup)which will give you best bang for the buck ,because if you spend good money on a good receiver and speaker setyp you will get good performance. And if spend a little you wont get much it all depends on your budget and tastes. So you can also get a good 5.1 computer speaker setup like the klipsch thx system which is one of the best small systems around and it has a built in decoder for 5.1 ,so all in all it depends how much you are willing to invest and the quality will depend on the budget and taste and needs.

[maxpower2078]

That is a really nice receiver and I would like to have it but probably overkill and high price for what I am thinking, but someday. I am just pondering right now maybe I will go for the gusto when I move and setup a new place.

[thecoalman]

Standalone, I even hooked a walkman up to them. It will vibrate the china....

http://www.klipsch.com/product/product.aspx?cid=712

FREQUENCY RESPONSE:
25Hz-20kHz +/- 5dB
SENSITIVITY:
Closed loop system
MAX ACOUSTIC OUTPUT:
115dB at listening position
COVERAGE ANGLE:
Near field design
DISPERSION ANGLE:
90 ° x 40 ° Microtractrix ™ Horn
OVERLOAD PROTECTION:
Limiter circuit
ENCLOSURE TYPE:
Satellites and center—sealed; Subwoofer—6th order bass reflex
AMPLIFIER:
BASH ®, dual supply, switching/linear hybrid
AMPLIFIER POWER:
FTC Rated per Satellite: 60 watts/channel @ ≤ 1% THD, 100Hz - 1KHz (Note: all channels driven)
FTC Rated Subwoofer: 170 watts @ ≤ 3% THD, 40 - 100Hz
Maximum Burst Power*: 500 watts @ ≤
INPUTS:
Six analog discrete channels (three stereo miniplugs), Auxiliary stereo miniplug music input
OUTPUTS:
Five speaker level outputs (spring clips)
TWEETER:
25mm metalized polymer
HIGH FREQUENCY HORN:
MicroTractrix ™ horn
HF CROSSOVER:
3000Hz
MIDRANGE:
3" fiber composite
LOW FREQUENCY CROSSOVER:
120Hz
INPUT CONNECTIONS:
DIN cable to control module
SUBWOOFER:
Dual 8" side-firing fiber composite drivers
WIRE GAUGE ACCOMMODATED:
18 gauge supplied
WEIGHT:
52.5 lbs
ENCLOSURE MATERIAL:
MDF
VOLTAGE:
120 volt
MOUNTING:
Wall brackets (wb-1) and telescopic floor stands (rb-1) available at Klipsch web store
FEATURES:
Center channel has rear post angle adjustment for optimum positioning; SWS link for easy connection to ProMedia add-on subwoofer