5.1 vs stereo

[levenirv]

Hello, so I'm looking to upgrade my sound system. Currently I'm debating about using straight a stereo system, (PC-DAC-AMP-mordaunt short Mezzo2) or a dedicated 5.1 system (PC-Dedicated sound card-AMP-Kef eggs). I'd mainly be gaming, but I'm struggling to find actual numbers around games on PC which fully support 5.1 systems. Would a 5.1 system actually be worth investing in against a proper stereo setup. Thanks in advance. 

[Enderman]

there are settings that you can change to have audio play out of 5.1 speakers even if the course is only stereo

I like it
You dont get that surround positional audio effect though

[ShearMe]

How large is the room you're putting this in going to be? 

[KaminKevCrew]

How large is the room you're putting this in going to be? 

^^^This is very important^^^ If it's a small room, you would be MUCH better off with a nice 2.1 system. 5.1 takes up a lot of room, and running the cables can be a massive pain in the ass. As far as support goes, most games support it over HDMI, but many games (Notably, the bioshock series) won't support surround over optical. Honestly, for a computer, 2.0/2.1 makes the most sense, surround sound is really only good to have in a home theater setup. It's just too much of a hassle for a PC... (in my opinion anyway) Besides, if you're going to be gaming with headphones predominantly, then you'll be stuck with stereo anyway, so...