Audio 5.1 :: and :: Acoustics 2.1/5.1

A

Apollo1020

Geek Trainee
My question is about acoustics now.

I wonder, if I'll have motherboard with integrated audio 5.1, will I hear a proper sound from speakers 2.1? ...or it will have a lower quality sound?

And should I really have speakers 5.1 to hear audio 5.1 at it's best?

Also, what manufacturer(s) you would suggest?

Thanks.

P.S. Does all motherboards on Intel P35 chipset have integrated audio 5.1? I guess, that ASUS and Gigabyte should.

Edite: Should I concider 7.1 sound cards from Creative? Will I need 7.1 speakers for best results? What type of Sound Blaster card to choose for overal best sound including sound it self, music/movies and games?
 
5.1 is the maximum number of speakers. The software included allows you to configure the card to run a 2.1 configuration. The HD Audio solutions offered on motherboards are largely indistinguishable to most people. Some software may allow for imitation 5.1 with a 2.1 set, but if you want/need 5.1, it's better to have 5.1. Even 4.1 adds something, but that depends on what your mostly using it for. If mostly music, 5.1/4.1/7.1 is nice, but largely wasted unless the source is in 5.1.
Creative is alright, but I tend to find them over priced and with crappy support. However, to each their own. The VIA Envy 24 line is an excellent alternative to Creative's products. VIA doesn't put out any particular card, but several manufacturers have a card out with one. The Chaintech AV-710 runs around $25 USD, so if you run across that, it could be worth picking up.
 
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