Computer 5.1 set up. Recommendations. (System Recommendations)

[Darkdemise]

I am in the process of building a new gaming rig, and instead of a old vizio soundbar from about 7 or 8 years ago, im looking to run a little 5.1 surround set up for it. I was looking under the "Recommended Systems" under the AV Research section and was considering an option or two there. However, The last recommendations in the 750-2000 price range were posted 5 years ago in 2019. Is that section still monitored or any updates available for those set ups. I know technology increases exponentially in just a short time, and wondering if those systems are even still relevant? I'm certain that the technology has greatly improved in the last 5 years, but not sure if I could still get the value at the same price points any longer. Some of those items are no longer for sale at the links, ect.

Any new suggestions for roughly the same price points that would be equal to or better than the current recommended systems listed? Thank you in advance for your help and time.

 

[TLS Guy]

I am in the process of building a new gaming rig, and instead of a old vizio soundbar from about 7 or 8 years ago, im looking to run a little 5.1 surround set up for it. I was looking under the "Recommended Systems" under the AV Research section and was considering an option or two there. However, The last recommendations in the 750-2000 price range were posted 5 years ago in 2019. Is that section still monitored or any updates available for those set ups. I know technology increases exponentially in just a short time, and wondering if those systems are even still relevant? I'm certain that the technology has greatly improved in the last 5 years, but not sure if I could still get the value at the same price points any longer. Some of those items are no longer for sale at the links, ect.

Any new suggestions for roughly the same price points that would be equal to or better than the current recommended systems listed? Thank you in advance for your help and time.

5.1 setups are now 5.2, and at the lower end of the market, as the number of channels has exploded.

Here is one if you are interested.

We would need to know more about your room and needs before discussing speakers.

 

[Darkdemise]

Here is a picture of the upstairs game room. The room is roughly 16 Feet wide and 24 feet long. (It is a frog, basically a room built over the garage). Its a wreck right now as the pictures show, I can easily move the computers to the left or right side of the room, but currently have them located at the far end. I am thinking about just moving them to one of the sides, which would allow me to mount some small speakers on the wall behind me for 5.1 set up. This will not be my main theater set up, since I have that downstairs, with 9.4.4 setup on a Marantz Cinema 40. Currently running 2 svs pb1000 pro as 2 of the 4 subs downstairs, other two are a Klipsch 10 and another 8 from a few years back. I could move one of the subs up here to use on the computer.

This is just looking to add a little something for the gaming computer upstairs, for youtube video and random stuff of that nature. Looking to add a 5.1 setup for gaming and of course Youtube videos and maybe some movies if the wise is downstairs in the living room watching tv.

 

[lovinthehd]

5.1 setups are now 5.2, and at the lower end of the market, as the number of channels has exploded.

Here is one if you are interested.

We would need to know more about your room and needs before discussing speakers.

They're still 5.1 for the most part, and the ".2" only refers to an internal splitter (or you can provide your own), but the ".2" referring to being able to separately set delay/level isn't how its generally used either, and generally only comes on the upper end of avr model ranges.

 

[Eppie]

What's the preferred connection method in this case? Typically you connect your monitor directly to the graphics card for the lowest latency for gaming. For digital audio you would connect the USB port to a DAC. AVRs usually do not have USB inputs. Would you connect the HDMI out of the graphics card to the AVR and connect the monitor to the AVR like in a typical TV configuration and would that introduce any latency?

Is the op looking for 5.1 audio for his computer monitor, or is he looking to connect the TV screen to the computer and have 5.1 gaming on the TV? I see a sound bar under the computer monitor, so looks like 5.1 audio for the computer, which makes speaker placement a challenge for rear surrounds. Headphones and spacial audio can be a good option.

 

[Darkdemise]

Yes, Epping the way that it is currently set up is I have my monitor connected directly to my video card via display port on the gpu. I also have my crappy sound bar connected directly to my graphic card via hdmi.

On my theater setup downstairs I have all of my console systems hooked directly into my marantz receiver and then one hdmi connected from receiver to the TV. I have zero input latency so assumed that would be the best way to do this. I do want this for the computer monitor as no real place to set up the computers downstairs in the theater room to the TV.

As far as rear surround, this is something im unsure of in regard to placement. I am able to move the computers to either of the side walls and then just mount some little bookshelf speakers on the wall behind me. I can rearrange that room as needed.

 

[lovinthehd]

Yes, Epping the way that it is currently set up is I have my monitor connected directly to my video card via display port on the gpu. I also have my crappy sound bar connected directly to my graphic card via hdmi.

On my theater setup downstairs I have all of my console systems hooked directly into my marantz receiver and then one hdmi connected from receiver to the TV. I have zero input latency so assumed that would be the best way to do this. I do want this for the computer monitor as no real place to set up the computers downstairs in the theater room to the TV.

As far as rear surround, this is something im unsure of in regard to placement. I am able to move the computers to either of the side walls and then just mount some little bookshelf speakers on the wall behind me. I can rearrange that room as needed.

FWIW placement of surrounds in a 5.1 system is more to the sides (90-110 degrees from center), rear surrounds would go on the wall behind in a 7.1 setup....

 

[Eppie]

Denon and Marantz are owned by the same company, so if you are happy with the Cinema 40 then a lower end Denon like what TLS Guy linked to would be fine. If in the U.S., some deals can be found on Accessories For Less.

Proper speaker placement requires equal distances to left and right, so the computer monitor needs to be central to one of the walls or placed on the long wall so that the rear/surrounds can be equidistant. You can rearrange the room to try and accommodate a 5.1 setup but I would still consider a good set of headphones.

 

[Darkdemise]

I do have a fairly good set of earphones but after a period of time they start to hurt my ears and give me a headache. I have the over the ear where the entire earnings covered. Noise counseling and all of that jazz. However after years if drumming as well as years of rolling in wrestling and bjj my ears are a bit cauliflowered now so that may be the issue.

 

[Darkdemise]

I could easily rearrange the room though and put the computer desk on a long wall and just mount the rear on the other Long wall behind me. Which personally I think that would be the best option but I regularly doubt my own opinion, hince why seeking advice from exponentially more knowledgeable minds than myself.

 

[KellanHarrington]

I am in the process of building a new gaming rig, and instead of a old vizio soundbar from about 7 or 8 years ago, im looking to run a little 5.1 surround set up for it. I was looking under the "Recommended Systems" under the AV Research section and was considering an option or two there. However, The last recommendations in the 750-2000 price range were posted 5 years ago in 2019. Is that section still monitored or any updates available for those set ups. I know technology increases exponentially in just a short time, and wondering if those systems are even still relevant? I'm certain that the technology has greatly improved in the last 5 years, but not sure if I could still get the value at the same price points any longer. Some of those items are no longer for sale at the links, ect.

Any new suggestions for roughly the same price points that would be equal to or better than the current recommended systems listed? Thank you in advance for your help and time.

Is your PC build complete? I recently upgraded my PC but it was very costly, and at the time of upgrade my budget was out of limit. so I decided to take a loan. after some research about the apps, I got my money in advance these Instant Cash Advance app is like a safety blanket for unexpected expenses. Now I am very happy with my PC build. If you're looking for a financial safety net, this app has you covered.

Any update?

 

[Darkdemise]

No new progress to report at this time. Ive been holding off on the actual building of the new computer temporary until i can get a bit more info on those new boards that are coming out where all of the connections on the motherboard are on the back instead of the front. Making it essentially visible wires show. Asus has a version called BTF (Back to the future) MSI is Project Zero and Gigabyte i believe has one called Stealth (however its currently only in prebuilt form). Waiting a bit longer to determine the availability and pricing of those new boards to determine the path forward.

 

[Eppie]

No new progress to report at this time. Ive been holding off on the actual building of the new computer temporary until i can get a bit more info on those new boards that are coming out where all of the connections on the motherboard are on the back instead of the front. Making it essentially visible wires show. Asus has a version called BTF (Back to the future) MSI is Project Zero and Gigabyte i believe has one called Stealth (however its currently only in prebuilt form). Waiting a bit longer to determine the availability and pricing of those new boards to determine the path forward.

You have to very careful choosing your case with those new boards. Not many manufacturers have the cut outs in the metal to accommodate the back facing connections. Did see JaysTwoCents do a build with one recently. Pretty nice.

 

[Darkdemise]

You have to very careful choosing your case with those new boards. Not many manufacturers have the cut outs in the metal to accommodate the back facing connections. Did see JaysTwoCents do a build with one recently. Pretty nice.

Oh yessir absolutely. They are already working with a few companies to make compatible cases learning toward asus btf build IF I can snag one of the 4090 btf cards since the new motherboard will have the High powered gpu slot on it. Basically supplies up to 600w of power to the card through the motherboard so no power cords will be plugged into the got either.
The case I will go with is probably going to be the

ROG Hyperion GR701 BTF Edition | Gaming cases｜ROG - Republic of Gamers｜ROG Global

ROG Hyperion GR701 BTF Edition E-ATX computer case, motherboard hidden connectors design support, 420 mm dual radiator support, four 140 mm fans, metal GPU holder, component storage, ARGB fan hub, 60W fast charging

rog.asus.com

If I can find it. I know it's overkill but 1. I normally only build a new gaming computer every 6-8 years so I build them to still be relevant 8 years later. 2. I don't normally try to build for what I have now but compatible for what I may get in the future. For example I currently use a 34in alienware ultra wide screen oled monitor. It is NOT a 4k monitor. The 4090 gpu is ridiculously overkill for not having a 4k monitor but down the road if 4k oled gaming monitors get cheaper I will invest in one. Don't want to have a 4070 card that won't even play poop at max settings.

I do look very much forward to hooking the finished computer up to my LG G3 83in TV in the living room to see how it goes though. Lol

 

[Eppie]

Oh yessir absolutely. They are already working with a few companies to make compatible cases learning toward asus btf build IF I can snag one of the 4090 btf cards since the new motherboard will have the High powered gpu slot on it. Basically supplies up to 600w of power to the card through the motherboard so no power cords will be plugged into the got either.
The case I will go with is probably going to be the

ROG Hyperion GR701 BTF Edition | Gaming cases｜ROG - Republic of Gamers｜ROG Global

ROG Hyperion GR701 BTF Edition E-ATX computer case, motherboard hidden connectors design support, 420 mm dual radiator support, four 140 mm fans, metal GPU holder, component storage, ARGB fan hub, 60W fast charging

rog.asus.com

If I can find it. I know it's overkill but 1. I normally only build a new gaming computer every 6-8 years so I build them to still be relevant 8 years later. 2. I don't normally try to build for what I have now but compatible for what I may get in the future. For example I currently use a 34in alienware ultra wide screen oled monitor. It is NOT a 4k monitor. The 4090 gpu is ridiculously overkill for not having a 4k monitor but down the road if 4k oled gaming monitors get cheaper I will invest in one. Don't want to have a 4070 card that won't even play poop at max settings.

I do look very much forward to hooking the finished computer up to my LG G3 83in TV in the living room to see how it goes though. Lol

Should be very nice. I'm the same. Build towards the higher end and keep my systems for a long time. Upgrade-itis is bad enough with audio. Don't need to add computers into the mix.

 

[Fansalino]

Oh yessir absolutely. They are already working with a few companies to make compatible cases learning toward asus btf build IF I can snag one of the 4090 btf cards since the new motherboard will have the High powered gpu slot on it. Basically supplies up to 600w of power to the card through the motherboard so no power cords will be plugged into the got either.
The case I will go with is probably going to be the

ROG Hyperion GR701 BTF Edition | Gaming cases｜ROG - Republic of Gamers｜ROG Global

ROG Hyperion GR701 BTF Edition E-ATX computer case, motherboard hidden connectors design support, 420 mm dual radiator support, four 140 mm fans, metal GPU holder, component storage, ARGB fan hub, 60W fast charging

rog.asus.com

If I can find it. I know it's overkill but 1. I normally only build a new gaming computer every 6-8 years so I build them to still be relevant 8 years later. 2. I don't normally try to build for what I have now but compatible for what I may get in the future. For example I currently use a 34in alienware ultra wide screen oled monitor. It is NOT a 4k monitor. The 4090 gpu is ridiculously overkill for not having a 4k monitor but down the road if 4k oled gaming monitors get cheaper I will invest in one. Don't want to have a 4070 card that won't even play poop at max settings. Now I'm playing mega moolah online because I heard there are huge jackpots and this could be a good chance. I saw a review on https://playsafecasino.ca/online-slots/mega-moolah/ and am now trying my luck. In addition, there is a free spins bonus to start with, and I love it when I get something free. I do look very much forward to hooking the finished computer up to my LG G3 83in TV in the living room to see how it goes though. Lol

I also upgrade my system about once every 6-8 years, but I still don't go for top-tier graphics cards. They just ask for way too much money for those. Plus, the sizes are starting to annoy me a bit. Right now I have an asus 3070 and it's already 10.51 inches long, which forced me to change the case. And it seems like the 4090 is a whopping 14 inches. You practically need a separate case just for them.