speaker info (newb question)

[gbizzle]

I am currently shopping for a new set of speakers for my new computer. I've noticed these speakers have certain channels, anywhere from 2.0 to 6.1. What does the number of channels mean?

Thanks

[Fruss Tray Ted]

Stereo is 2 channel, surround sound is 4.0 and up.

A 5.1 system has:
1: A center speaker for mid freqs like voice
4: Satellite speakers to put in 4 corners of the room
They are high freq speakers mostly
1: The .1 part which is a subwoofer for low freq such as bass guitar and kick drum thump.

A 2.1 or 3.1 system can be very nice although not surround sound.

Others may suggest particular ones they like made for pc's, I just hook my onboard sound's line out to my Home Entertainment Center which is a 5.1 theater. Not true surround sound hooked that way but plenty powerful nonetheless!

[saphalline]

More info! Speaker quality run-down...

free, 2.0 - Cheap stereo speakers that come with a pre-built PC, like a Dell or HP, and usually attached to the sides of the monitor (or even implanted into the monitor). These things are horrible. While they're better than no speakers at all, they have very little audio fidelity and range.

$10-20, 2.0 - Also cheap stereo speakers, but these generally have much better sound quality and have a powered amp in each speaker. This is what I would consider to be the "minimum" for speakers.

$50-80, 2.1 - Good quality stereo and a subwoofer. These typically have a good range, but fidelity drops at max volume. My "minimum" for gaming speakers.

$100-200, 4.1 or 5.1 - Excellent quality stereo and a good subwoofer. Still some few volume problems, but mostly with the subwoofer, not the satellites. 3D surround-sound using 4 or 5 satellites is a must for any fan of multiplayer shooters.

$300+, 5.1 or more - Don't you have anything better to do with your money!? Best computer speakers that are authorized for civilian use. Loud enough to bug your neighbors three houses down (or an entire apartment building). Subwoofer powerful enough to shake an Oak tree. 3D audio codecs typically built into a base control unit.

So, what kind of speakers can YOU afford?? :p

[deddard]

One thing to know about speakers is that when you go to buy them, you can pretty much ignore any 'wattage' rating that they are given.
Many speaker manufacturers put stupid claims on the packaging, such as 200 Watts per channel etc. These figures are extremely misleading, and ultimately pointless - a 200 watt speaker? 4 of those = 800 watts ......mmm lovely room heater:D

The speakers you need (if they are for general computer use) don't need to be super powerful. Look for good quality shielded speakers, especially if they are going to be near your PC. Saphalline's overview is spot-on. It all depends on what you need, so choose carefully.