*&* General Questions *&*

[sbeast64]

Why are speakers called 5.1. What does this number represent, and why the
.1 . Also does the sound card and speakers both have to have the same number to be compatible with eachother.
Thanks

 

[elmarcorulz]

Why are speakers called 5.1. What does this number represent, and why the
.1 . Also does the sound card both have to have the same number to be compatible with eachother.
Thanks

The 5 is the number of sattelite (smaller) speakers, and the 1 represents the amount of subwoofers

 

[shupola]

The 5 is the number of sattelite (smaller) speakers, and the 1 represents the amount of subwoofers

ok, so in know that in a 5.1 system there are two front channels, two rear channels, and a front center channel, and of course a sub.......but what about 7.1? where do the two extra speakers go?

 

[diduknowthat]

ok, so in know that in a 5.1 system there are two front channels, two rear channels, and a front center channel, and of course a sub.......but what about 7.1? where do the two extra speakers go?

i think its complete surround, like in a theature, 2 in the front (right and left), 2 in the middle (right and left) and 2 in the back (right and left) plus a subwoofer.

 

[elmarcorulz]

ok, so in know that in a 5.1 system there are two front channels, two rear channels, and a front center channel, and of course a sub.......but what about 7.1? where do the two extra speakers go?

To the side.

 

[vortmax]

there is also 6.1 which is 3 front and 3 rear, so it's like adding a center surround channel to 5.1 and there is 8.1 coming out which is 7.1 plus a center rear channel.

THX offers 7.2 which is like 7.1 but with left and right subs.

sound cards are backwards compatible with speakers. Aka you can run 5.1 speakers on a card that supports 7.1, but can't run 7.1 speakers on a sound card that is limited to 5.1.

 

[sbeast64]

Ok thanks for the replies, it's much clearer now. Nice picture elmar it makes it easier to understand.
So in other words, the sound card should be as good as or better than the speakers.

 

[vortmax]

Ok thanks for the replies, it's much clearer now. Nice picture elmar it makes it easier to understand.
So in other words, the sound card should be as good as or better than the speakers.

indeed. If you plan on upgrading your system later, I highly recomend steering clear of creative and towards turtlebeach