Surround Sound with Vista
Since about 2002, I have used the on board sound of mother boards. As they have improved considerably since they have first been install on the mother board. Also in the last few years Surround Sound has been added that rival sound card's made for computers. They are able to output the full range of frequencies and channels that cards do with very little impact on the cpu performance.
The mother board (MSI K9N NEO V3) has outputs for Center/Subwoofer-Right/Left Front-Right/Left Rear plus Right/Left sides. In other words Full 7.1/5.1 Suround Sound capabilities with the right drivers/software.
Selecting the Suround System
This month I had allowed myself upto $80 for the selection. As usual I went to the Tiger Direct website to hunt for my new hardware. I looked at several and looked at reviews for them. I decided on buying the Logictech X-530 Suround Sound system. On Wed. 23 of January 2008, I talked to the sales rep-gave the information on my debit card-ordered the system, then as usual the next day I recieved it.
Packaging
It came in a box 12 3/4"x12"x17 weighing in at nearly 18lbs. Next are specifications from TigerDirect dot com where I bought this system.
Specifications
Speaker Type: Surround Sound
Speaker Setup: 5.1 Speakers
Connectivity: 3.5 mm Stereo Jack(s)
Detailed Features
Features
Frequency Directed Dual Driver (FDD2) satellite technology produces a uniform sound field for full, rich sound
Matching front & rear satellites deliver balanced surround sound
Dedicated center channel makes dialogue clear and intelligible.
Dynamic, real-time bass equalization maximizes bass response while minimizing distortion
Ported subwoofer design displaces more air for deeper bass
Headphone jack enables private listening
Master volume and subwoofer level controls placed for quick, convenient access
Satellite speaker stands rotate for easy wall mounting
Additional Specifiactions
Total RMS power: 70 watts RMS
- Satellites: 45 watts RMS
- Subwoofer: 25 watts RMS
Total peak power: 140 watts
Frequency response: 40Hz - 20kHz
Drivers:
Satellites: (2) 2" drivers per satellite
Subwoofer: 5.25" ported driver
Speaker dimensions (H x W x D):
Satellites: 8" x 2.5" x 3"
Subwoofer: 9" x 6" x 9.25"
Signal-to-noise ratio: >96dB
Installing
The Right front speaker hooks in to the computer outputs and the sub woofer. The Center/Left and Right rear hooks into the subwoofer with color coded RCA plugs. I had thought that Vista Home Premium/Ultimate working with HD TV, that native support for 7.1 sound would be there. IT IS.
Using-Trouble shooting
Watching analog TV or listening to music only the Front Left/Right and sub woofer has any sound. Watching a DVD movie with suround sound works. But here is where I had problems. Watching a DVD Movie I did have suround sound but for some known reason there was no voice/sound out of the center speaker. For the next 3 hours I worked to get this to work. I checked the output off the subwoofer-still no sound os for that matter voices. I checked the center speakers, tested OK. I checked the input of the sound system, still OK. Finally I thought of the drivers and software for the mother board.
I went to the MSI website and down loaded the latest drivers/software. After installing I now had Real Souround Sound as the writers/director wanted. Watching a DVD movie makes it as if your in a theater. If some thing is coming from the Left rear to Front right, it sounds very good. Music sounds as if your right in the middle of the group.
Bass sounds great,clear, no booming. Even with the onboard sound system, you hear all the highs/mids/ lows with no problems. I think Gamers will love this system.
Systeym Used on
I did it again and built a new PC
AMD Athlon x64/X2 5200 AM2
Ultra ULT40049 DDR2 Dual Channel 667 2048 meg memory(can install upto 4 gigs)
Seagate 320 gig harddrive sata 300 OEM
Seagate 160GB Harddrive sata 300 OEM
2 MicroAdvantage DVD - RW Dual-L drives
Now I can recomend this video card(plus more added)
AverMedia UltraTV 1500
Avermedia Combo Analog/High Def TV Tuner
Ultra 500 watt Power Supply
Acer AL2016W 20" Widescreen LCD
Acer AL1717BBM LCD 17"monitor
What is in Ultimate for you? You decide.(Partition Magic not needed)
Ultra Max Dashboard 5.25 (ULT30155) Card Reader
Best Wireless Keyboard/mouse I have used NEW
