Toying with the idea of an audio upgrade

Worstcaster · September 4, 2021

I'm currently running a 2.1 setup with the Creative A250 speakers. https://www.amazon.com/Creative-A250-Multimedia-Speaker-System/dp/B00CDJJZV6/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=creative+A250&qid=1630790266&sr=8-2

I've been thinking about upgrading, but I have some problems. I can't really set up a 5.1 system optimally in the living room. I have attached a rough floor plan of the room. The orange circles would be were speakers would wind up on a 5.1 system. The front side speakers will not be an equal distance from the center speaker. The front side speakers would also be mounted at the ceiling and on the right in a corner which I know is not the best. The rears speakers will also be in the corners, but can be placed on stands instead of at the ceiling or they could be placed at the ceiling to keep them at the same level as the front sides. I would probably need to splice in wire to get the rear speakers to the back of the room. My wife also like to sit on the sofa in the back and I'm worried a speaker placed there would annoy her. If I did go this route I would probably go with a Logitech Z906 https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Surround-Sound-Speaker-System/dp/B004M18O60/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2TVVB4GY1A2H8&dchild=1&keywords=logitech+z906&qid=1630790718&sprefix=logitech+z%2Caps%2C183&sr=8-2

Since I would have so many problems with a 5.1 system, I was thinking of going with a soundbar instead. I know they aren't as good as standalone speakers, but it would be much easier to work with. My monitor is 29" in width. I have 35" of desk space to work with. I would be looking for a system with a separate subwoofer. The subwoofer that comes with the Creative A250s was the first one I have owned and I was really impressed with the way it sounded. I don't want to go backwards there. The Creative Katana reviewed well and would fit great on the desk, but I an worried it would be more of a side grade than an upgrade. https://www.amazon.com/BlasterX-Multi-Channel-Surround-Entertainment-Soundbar/dp/B01M5G07KF/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3E234EF6SNHZ5&dchild=1&keywords=creative+katana&qid=1630791077&sprefix=creative+ka%2Caps%2C196&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=A286IZ33TR5AUQ&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzUVZCSDAxOEkxNkJMJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzUzMDU3M0pPMk5NT1BWMDBHUCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjIzMDQ4MkRMT0VaVDNHVDBXNSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Thoughts? Suggestions for other soundbar options? Go with a 5.1 setup sub optimally? Just keep my current setup?

geo3 · September 4, 2021

Get a quality pair of active speakers with digital inputs. Almost guaranteed to shit all over a sound bar of the same or even much greater price. Something like the Swan M200 MkII. I'd take quality 2.0 over fake virtual surround from a shitty sound bar any day.

BuzzingBee · September 5, 2021

I don't think setting up a discrete 5.1 speakers is a good idea when your desk is at the corner. Your front left and right speaker should always be equally distanced to you as they are the main player especially when listening with stereo contents. If you really want 5.1 speakers, you need to rearrange your desk so that it locates roughly middle of the room and I wouldn't recommend placing it at the ceiling for front speakers (surround speakers maybe OK)

Otherwise you should stick to high quality stereo speaker (not PC speaker) plus a subwoofer if you can, it would definitely improve your sound system without going surround. Go for quality over number of speakers.