4.1 or 5.1 Computer Speaker Recommendations

LiquidSound

Unfortunately Polk doesn't make a computer system to the caliber I want..so I was looking at the Altec Lansing 641 or the Klipsch Promedia Digital Dream System (you won't be linked directly to that system. It's under promedia) I like the idea of two drivers on a sub or just one if it would preform as well. My budget is 400ish (little higher if justified) and I'm open to several ideas.

Thanks in advance folks.

GuitarheadCA

liquid,
My brother has a klipsch 5.1 comp. speaker system, I actually think it's the dream one you're considering. I've heard it and it sound great, definately gets the job done. We also had a klipsch 5.1 system on display at CC, it performed great as well. Then again, looking at the price that's too be expected. But I'd reccommend it, good system.

STUFFMD

Liquid,
I have the Altec Lansing and they are outstanding speakers. You can crank the hell out of those units if you want to. My friends always comment how they can't believe these are computer speakers and how they sound, and how my computer setup sounds better than their home setup.Great sound for music and gaming, but we really get a kick out of them on DVD and online movie clips. Altec still makes their sub boxes out of wood which I think is a big plus, much better sounding bass.
My 2 Good Luck Stuff

LiquidSound

I can vouch for the Altec's. I own the 621's right now and you can TURN those puppies up. I'm wanting more control, more speakers and more bass..which leads me to the 641's or the Klipsch. I'm willing to sacrifice loudness *and wallet size* for clarity and cleaner bass. Klipsch is looking like the winner but... I'm still open for ideas. I don't have to go with the above mentioned setups. If I bump the budget to 600, does that raise any possibilities?? Possibly a 2 channel starter system that absolutely stomps and can do four channel for later upgrade?
Thanks for the help guys.

STUFFMD

Yea ..Liquid if you want to go into that range you can go with the external card like the Sound Blaster Extigy and hook up an inexpensive reciever and speakers.....Get one hell of a sound, hook up an old pair of Polks and hang them on a wall.
Good Luck Stuff.

dylan

I've had the 641's since last summer, and they are absolutely outstanding. I was helping my friend buy speakers for his, and we listened to the Klipsch and Polk 130's before we both bought the Altec's. I wasn't looking to upgrade my old Altec's, but once I heard these I was done for.

The sub is about the size of a computer tower, and it pounds. The sat's are strong and clear with excellent highs. The system reeks of power, which was my main complaint against the Polks. Also all 4 of the 641 sats are the same, as a lot of systems I saw had smaller drivers for the rears.

For the $160'ish price tag, it's a steal of a deal. Check out these reviews Amazon

One small complaint is although it has a remote, it's wired with a not very long cord. Short of that, I couldn't recommend them enough.

Shizelbs

Check out bensbargains.net

They have lots of good deals for speakers roll through there pretty often. Stay off the forums though, they are all idiots. Not nearly as classy as us folk.

LiquidSound

Hey Dylan, what do you have running the 641's and how do you have it hooked up?

dylan

I've used them on SoundBlaster Live and Turtle Beach Santa Cruz cards. It's hooked with with the normal line out... which is a good point, as it does not have a digital input. This was not a big deal for me, as I was sold after hearing them.
On a side note, I bought some outdoor speakers for my deck, which I'm going to use on the 'rear' output of the speaker level connection of the sub. I'll do that this weekend. It has a 'stereo x2' option, which works great for the inside room and the deck.

Did I read in another post you have the 621's? What is lacking for you? I'll see if that's fixed with the 41's.

LiquidSound

The 621's are amazing speakers for the cash..but I'm not happy with the control options. There is no bass adjustment on the remote but on the back of the sub..it's just power and volume. I'm also wanting more bass and more speakers.

My dilemma now is should I go for the 641's or jump on the RM6000's for 299 @ Crutchfield.com. That's quite a bargain.

dylan

Ok, makes sense. You can control the bass, treble, and volume of the rear speakers from the remote. If you went with the 6000's, wouldn't you still need an amp? For the 621 to 641 sub, looks like you go from a single 6 1/2 inch sub driver to two, while approximately doubling the wattage.

Based on my suggestion (and referral :rolleyes: ), my mother picked up those 6000's from Crutchfield last Christmas... that is quite a deal. To help you understand what I'm basing this on for useage, I 95% listen to music. I've played the Matrix lobby shooting spree for kicks, and was still impressed for movie playback.
Well, if it were me, and I've heard both of those systems, I'd go with the AL's and save the money. My 2 cents.