[zenloof]

I'm still debating between a 5.1 and a 2.1 sound system for my new PowerBook (scheduled to be shipped out on 5-12). The only qualm I have with a 5.1 system is that I am not sure if I will have enough room for it in my dorm.

My question is what systems should I be looking at? I've noticed that the PowerBook 15" comes with only an analog output on it's soundcard. Should I invest in an external soundcard (Audigy NX 2)?

I was looking at the Z-5500 speakers, since I can get them for $199.99. I'm pretty sure that will be my best bet for 5.1 speakers.

I havent done any research on 2.1 speakers... any tips?

[iluvmymactoo]

I have the Harmon Kardon Soundsticks II, they plug straight into your phone jack and sound absolutely amazing. In fact I even use them most of the time to plug into my iPod dock.

Well worth purchasing

[Scooterboy]

It depends on what you want your speakers to do. If you plan on kicking back and watching DVD's then you probably would want a 5.1 system. The same goes for games. If you mostly will listen to music, then a 2.0 or 2.1 system will suffice. I went through this same dilemma and not only chose a 5.1 system, but I learned a lot about 5.1 surround as it applies to a PowerBook.

First, if you want 5.1 sound from your PowerBook, you will have to invest in an external soundcard, depending on the speaker system you choose. If your speaker system has digital sound in, then you need an audio card that does digital pass-through and has the optical or coaxial digital port that matches with your speaker system's input. If the speaker system has a built in decoder, you can pass through the encoded Dolby 5.1 or DTS from DVD Player on your PowerBook to your speaker system and enjoy real 5.1 Dolby Digital sound. Currently there are a couple of USB soundcards from M-Audio that can do this. I'd suggest the USB Transit if your speaker system has optical input.

If your speakers have a coaxial digital input, or if your speaker system has analog inputs, you could use the M-Audio Sonica Theater which has very high quality DAC's to deliver pristine sound, and can be used with up to a 7.1 system if you ever feel the need to have so many speakers around you.

The Audigy sound cards do not work with Macs. That's too bad, because they're the only external sound cards shipping that also support 3D sound in games.

One thing to keep in mind is that the M-Audio soundcards do not decode Dolby Digital or DTS multichannel sound, but instead use Circle Surround software which does a really amazing job of approximating 5.1 Dolby Digital or DTS. They will pass through the encoded digital streams to an external decoder, AV receiver, or a speaker system with built-in decoders.

The reason I've given you so much info so far is because there are better speakers you might want to consider over the Z-5500 which may not have onboard DD and DTS decoders. Also, there will soon be shipping a new player on the Mac surround scene: GriffinTechnology's FireWave

[Scooterboy]

The Z-5500 is feature rich, but I've heard the sound isn't as good as it could be coming from a $400 system. Most complaints I've read have been centered on the sub-woofer, which has been described as "boomy" and "loose". I've read many rave reviews about the Creative speakers.

Also, you can't beat a real speaker company at making speakers, and Klipcsh make some of the best speakers for anywhere, from THX movie theatres right down to speakers for computers and iPods. I bought the ProMedia 5.1 Ultra and I can't say enough about it. It's the best sounding computer speaker system I have yet heard.

[zenloof]

The reason I'm considering the Z-5500s is because I can get a discount on them, getting them for $199.99 instead of their list $399.99.

[zenloof]

And, if I were to buy these Z-5500s, would you reccomend the USB Transit?

[Scooterboy]

If the Z-5500's have an optical port, then yes, the Transit is all you'll need. You'll be in 5.1 heaven! $199 is where those speakers should be priced. The Klipsch are easy to buy as well as they allow purchase in 6 equal monthly payments instead of all at once. Pretty painless. They're not as flashy as the Logitechs, and lack a decoder, but man do they sound sweet ! For ease of setup and features, 'though, the Z-5500 is nice. I very nearly bought a set myself.

The USB Transit also has a high quality audio input, so if you use GarageBand or record sound with your PowerBook it will come in handy. It's small and you can take it anywhere, just like your PowerBook .