Topic: Surround Sound On My Xbox (Read 148 times)

spkstrp · « **on:** September 05, 2004, 08:12:00 AM »

Hi all.

Im trying to decide which system to go for.

The Creative gd580 looks nice. But I see one drawback : it seems weak.
Any1 tried this ? Any recomandations ? Im on a tight budget, as Im sure you understand (same price range as the gd580)

Some questions:

The system needs its own reciewer, right ? Is it possible to buy a small gadget reciewer and use a normal pc 5.1 system thats without a reciewer?

If I go for the creative system, do I need a optical wire ?

Thank you!

Joshua Wood · « **Reply #1 on:** September 22, 2004, 02:27:00 AM »

I too am looking at the GD580....Mostly for the decoder part of things. It's the same as the DDTS-100 except it has fewer inputs...I'm not sure if I'll need all the extra inputs, and for a few extra $$ u can get a starting set of speakers with the GD580.

I agree the sound appears weak..... wondering if I'm better off just getting the DDTS-100 and some other speakers.... (I love the idea of more inputs just incase).

Mr Ed · « **Reply #2 on:** September 22, 2004, 10:24:00 AM »

Wow, those are expensive for what you get. They go for about $160USD. For around $200 you should be able to get a real surround sound system.

J-Pak · « **Reply #3 on:** September 22, 2004, 10:41:00 AM »

Personally I think the Logitech Z-680's are pretty good. Cheapest I've seen is $200

Mr Ed · « **Reply #4 on:** September 22, 2004, 03:30:00 PM »

For $150 USD this is going to give you more for your money than either of those sets of speakers:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp...duct_id=2598472

originalself · « **Reply #5 on:** September 22, 2004, 03:46:00 PM »

mr ed has shown you the best option. I would also recomend checking buy.com Their are some packages that are as low as $130, just depends on the features you want.

XboxforU · « **Reply #6 on:** September 22, 2004, 04:14:00 PM »

Hahah u guys are boys buyig wmpy shit like that....I got a Sony receiver with Dts pro ogic 2 and the works.....An acquaintence I hired made me $1200 dollar speakers for 400 bucks....I got a subwoofer the size of a mini fridge lol Now thats a system...3 way front speakers...custom center speaker..and two way rears...I gotta say though I just got this system...Please fellas just go look at the ony receivers without speakers they sell a very good model with component video switching and the works for 200 bucks...buy some cheap speakers for now until u can afford better ones but at least ur receiver will be top notch and u can upgrade later...those kits dont have shit for power and there receivers dont have that great of processing power...

Mr Ed · « **Reply #7 on:** September 22, 2004, 05:20:00 PM »

fahrenheit · « **Reply #8 on:** September 22, 2004, 05:34:00 PM »

It sounds like XboxforU has a 'mix n' match' jumble of different components.

Its important to remember that as sounds pass from one speaker to the next in your system, you want to have continuity of that sounds quality. If a Ferrari passes from left to right through the front speakers, you don't want it to momentarily sound like a ride-on lawnmower as it goes through the centre speaker.

Match your speakers, whatever the budget.

Joshua Wood · « **Reply #9 on:** September 23, 2004, 12:07:00 AM »

That Walmart link isn't working for me atm, will try later. I'm not in the US however, am currently overseas doing an OE in Thailand... so product range will be different. I have had no luck tracking down Z-680s.... so I'm thinking a decoder with cheap speakers. I know it sounds wrong, but that way I can ditch the speakers if I move on, and still carry the decoder reasoanbly easily with me.

But I can't find any info on the max power outputs from the GD580 or DDTS-100 decoders.... which would be helpful. Anyone who own's one, does it say in the manuals? Probably not knowing Creative....

Oh, and spkstrp, I think u get an optical cable with both both Creative sets mentioned... (I *THINK*).

This post has been edited by Joshua Wood on Sep 23 2004, 07:11 AM

bubblewhosh · « **Reply #10 on:** September 23, 2004, 04:46:00 AM »

KLIPSCH ULTRA 5.1,,,, THE BEST!!!!

Mr Ed · « **Reply #11 on:** September 23, 2004, 11:28:00 AM »

spkstrp · « **Reply #12 on:** September 30, 2004, 03:12:00 AM »

I bought the gd580 and I am quite happy with it. Optical, coaxial and analog wires where all included. I can hook up my box, Tv (satelite reviever??), and dvd player using all three inputs.. The sound is okay. Me and my gf lives in a small ap. no need to scare the landlord

hehe.. The biggest drawback for me are the speaker wires. Creative says they want to move into the living room (e.g. xbox). The wires are fixed and cant be replaced. front speakers are only 2 meters long, and rear are 4 m... So it definitively needs some fixing if you dont intend to use it with your pc...

I had forgot all about this topic, sorry! :rolleyes: thanks for the replies :popcorn:

BTW: I also wanted the logitech, but with decoder were talking double price of the gd580 (at least in norway)-.. Besides my gf has M.E. (tired all the time, headache etc etc) so I only "crank it up" (if its even possible with the gd580) when Im home alone

playing games of course

This post has been edited by spkstrp on Sep 30 2004, 10:23 AM

prplehz · « **Reply #13 on:** October 09, 2004, 10:14:00 PM »

The best stereo setup is only as good as the speakers it is attached to. Plain and simple. If you are using the system in a small room you can get away with alot less then if your using a big room.

Joshua Wood · « **Reply #14 on:** October 13, 2004, 09:11:00 AM »

I think I am going to go for the creative DDTS-100, since I've at last found it here in Thailand. The only other decoders I've found are big full beasts, with full AV, for a LOT more money, and features I don't need.

I would just like to clarify a few points - if I need more volume, I can put the 3 outputs into a normal amp and then to the speakers correct, since the sound has already been decoded?

The only other thing a little different from pro decoders is that the ddts's speaker output jacks are the 3.5 mil stereo jacks - except one is a triple jack. Now if I'm using PC speakers this is no problem. But if in future I want good quality hifi speakers, these normally come with bare wires. These could go into an amp, but the amps inputs would be RCA most likely. So I need need 3.5 mil -> RCA wires. I know you can get stereo 3.5 -> 2xRCA, and I'm sure you can get triple 3.5 -> 3xRCA, but haven't seen them around here in Thailand... can I just confirm these triples exist, and that it would like as mentioned here?

Thanks all, been a great help and much apprecaited.

Author Topic: Surround Sound On My Xbox (Read 148 times)