» How To Run Great PC Audio

By Ryan B

For some people this area is the least important, for others it's everything. Whether you're a hardcore gamer, web surfer or general PC user you can usually get away with using a cheap set of speakers plugged into the motherboard. This provides adequate sound and media that is needed for day to day computing. If you wish to take your audio to the next level, there are a number of ways to go about it. Upgrading the sound from your computer doesn't have to cost a fortune, a simple set of $80 - $150 speakers will provide your with quality sound. You would be surprised with what you can get for that price. Speakers that we recommend in this price range are, the Creative I-Trigue® 3400 2.1 (2 speakers 1 sub woofer) with titanium speakers for $139.00. The Logitech X-530 5.1and X-540 5.1 surround sound at $129.00. As you can see $130.00 will get you a good set up.

If you wish to take it a little further, purchasing a sound card for your PC will boost its performance even further. Cards such as the Creative Sound Blaster Audigy Value at $59.00 and the X-Fi Xtreme Audio at $99.00 will get you great sound. Running these cards with a set of Logitech G51 5.1 for $219.00 or the Inspire T7900 7.1 system at $149.00 will get you the best sound you could ask for. If you have a little more cash to spend, around 600 dollars on audio equipment, we recommend the Logitech Z-5500 Digital 5.1 audio pack. At $469.00 this may be out of your price range, but provides you with fantastic sound, for games, TV, music and movies. Used with the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Gamer at $199.00 will allow you to run your speakers at there full potential.

If you wish to use your PC for a main entertainment unit, and have $1000+ to spend, you can choose to run your set up how i do. Running a sound card in your PC, hooked up to external AMP, i currently use a Pioneer mini system. Running the sound through this unit will provide you with awesome audio, and capable of using a CD player, DVD player, TAPE deck, VCR and Record player through the system. If you have the money to purchase a home theater system/mini system and a great set of speakers, this is truly the best way to go.