[phiscobisco]

Hey,

So I have a macbook from september 2006 and recently purchased a logitech x540 speaker system, a 5.1 surround sound system. now, I wanted to know--there are cables that they tell me to connect to my computer, but i have only 1 jack-- the green one. there is orange and black too. That means I have a 2.1 sound card? if i want to listen to surround sound, do i have to buy an external sound card for 5.1 sound where I can connect all 3 cables into it and then connect it to my computer?

Recently, i have noticed a sound being emitted from one of the front speakers-- the left one. it sounds as if its stressing to produce the noise and is being blown out, even though its barely half the potential speaker volume. does this have anything to do with the 5.1 not being supported by my macbook?

And Logitech has a feature on the remote control that allows the 2 rear speakers, which makes up the 5.1 surround sound, to work and produce sound, by pushing a button called matrix mode. i think it basically puts all 3 cables into one green one, and so you have surround sound, even though you really should have 3 cables that make sound together.

I really need some help! I am trying to decide whether ti just buy a standard 2.1 set of speakers, or whether this sound problem can be fixed, since I'll return it otherwise. And are there 5.1 surround sound external sound cards?


Thanks

[brassplayersrock²]

ask yourself, do you REALLY want/need the 5.1 or would you be happy with 2.1? if you would be happy with 2.1, then return the 5.1 and get a realy nice 2.1 system, be easier on your wallet, and for teer down. if you're like, mmm i really enjoy the surround, then here's what you can do.

When i had 5.1 on my laptop I used this: Google Image Result for http://images.sudhian.com/review/audio/M-Audio%20Sonica%20Theater/top.jpg

and it worked great. don't use the usb cable that comes with it though, strange disconnect problems with it; switched to a better graded usb cable and no more disconnects.

for your speaker softness problem, we'll have to wait for someone with more knowledge than I to come around.

Good Luck

Alex

[sogbrightlight]

I have those speakers but I opted to go for a more high-end 2.1 System

The Harmon Kardon Soundsticks II which produce better crisper sound than the 5.1 Logitech system.

But yes you'd have to get an external card to use that system but I would suggest using those for a desktop if you have one.

[phiscobisco]

But is the sound being emitted, which is getting worse now as i continue to use them, is because of the 5.1 surround sound system being used on a laptop with a 2.1 sound card?

How much do the soundsticks by Harmon Kardon have in terms of power? more than the logitech x540? and would the 2.1 system work well on my macbook.

[sogbrightlight]

yes in the area of power the Soundsticks II are very good. They work EXTREMELY well with the macbook because the were designed mainly for Macs. There pretty cool looking to and I think I got mine for around 100 bucks. Browse around.

Yea using 5.1 on a 2.1 card is definitely the issue.

Just check around. There is a set of bose that are just 2 speakers that put out incredible bass through the two monitors but yea.

2.1 sounds good.

Hope this helps.

[phiscobisco]

Can you explain the difference in power between the Soundsticks II and the current system I have? and is the subwoofer for the soundsticks powerful and clear even when loud?

Are there any other 2.1 sound systems that you'd recommend, just because I am looking around before I commit to anything? Like Logitech Z2300?
I mean, I like surround sound, but for now I'd probably prefer a 2.1 sound system that would work well, have crisp quality, and would be comptabible with a macbook. I saw the Soundsticks II in the Apple Store in NY, but didn't really test them out because I heard they weren't so great.

I mean, I want to turn up my speakers to Pink Floyd and hear quality and clearly, without distortion when I turn up the bass. I am a newbie to computer speakers and am looking for a free online guide to teach me all the specifics, but would the Soundsticks II work well?

[sogbrightlight]

Well the bass is crisp. However I do notice that soundsticks are more suited for less hardcore music. They do put out crisp sound though regardless of what people might say. I'm not a fan of logitech because their bass overpowers the monitors.

I suggest the JBL Creature II set. I have a friend who has these and they sound INCREDIBLE.
You can get them for really cheap on amazon too. only about 40 bucks.

Mind you these are consumer grade. If you want a really great sounding set of speakers you're going to have to dish out some money.

For that I would suggest maybe something from Bose. The Bose Companion 2 Series is really nice even without the sub. I was blown away by how loud they got and the bass that was put out. If you want a sub pay a little more for the Companion 3 set. Both are good options imo.

You just need to find the speakers that work for you. You almost always have to make a sacrifice.

If you're an audiophile you'll want higher end. If you're just a midrange hey I want a decent set of speakers that sound good type guy then just go with those JBLs or the Soundsticks.

As far as power output.....I'd have to look at the specs.

but as far as the soundsticks being crappy CNET disagrees along with most users.
Harman Kardon SoundSticks II Reviews. PC Speakers Reviews by CNET.

[phiscobisco]

Hey,

So I basically got screwed because I lost the box I bought my speakers in and because there's a rebate, I can't return them EVER. So, for now I'm stuck with Logitech x540 speakers and I don't want that sound to emit from my front speaker. As I've been previously told, I need an external sound card for my macbook that will accept the orange, black and green. What are recommended external sound cards that are compatible with a macbook?