Logitech Z-5500 Placement Help

[DrSunnysock]

I know the system isn't exactly audophile equpiment, but I feel it is a good choice considering the constraints my budget places and the fact that I watch movies, play games, and listen to music on my computer. I know I'm not going to get audiophile quality, but as an audio enthusiast, I'd like to get the best possible sound out of the system.

Anyways, nothing in the pictures is precise. I'm just sort of placing everything where I think might be a good spot.

The two front speakers are as far apart as my desk will allow (Roughly 4ft) and tilted towards me. The rear speakers are behind me and roughly the same distance apart. The center channel is ontop of my monitor stuck together on with tape.

I have the subwoofer on the floor, kind of centered between the speakers because the sub handles frequencies up to 130, and I heard only 80 and below are omnidirectional so I thought the spot might be good. The boost in volume by corner placement doesn't really seem needed, as the sub can go pretty loud.

So, I plan on using my sound card's surround feature which clones stereo sources to the rear speakers and I'm not sure where it get's the center channel from. (I know it's not upmixing anything, though.)
Is that bad? Should I not use that?

Alsooooo, is there a better way to place the speakers?
And also, I've come to the conclusion that I should leave all my volume knobs on the computer to 80 to avoid clipping? Am I correct in thinking this? When I need to adjust volume, I do it physically on the speaker's control pod. Is there a better way to have the volume setup, or does it not matter?

Uhhh...yeah. Sorry for so many stupid questions!
And umm.....if there's anything else I should know, please let me know.

Thank you!!

 

[Nemo128]

Never max your volumes in whatever Windows control panel app you're using for your sound card. Let the amp in the speakers do what it's meant for. I suggest 3/4 (75%) maximum.

Placement of the sub is nill, you'll be fine with it right there. Corner load it against masonry and it will hit much harder, but corner load it against drywall and framing and you'll just cause noise.

I recommend not using any matrix audio mode. Just pass through what's supposed to be used. Stereo as stereo, surround as surround. If you absolutely must have all your speakers going, use Windows to matrix the sound. Also, I strongly suggest using the discrete analog inputs if your sound card has them. Some onboard cards don't, all Creatives do, and just about anything made in the last couple of years does. Avoid the optical and coax inputs unless you're hooking up a game console that requires them.

Those speakers are pretty directional. Position them so they best cross at your listening position. If it's a desk, you'll probably be in the same position at all times, and that's ideal for these.

I loved those speakers for what they were. Great for games and movies with lots of effects. Enjoy.

 

[DrSunnysock]

Never max your volumes in whatever Windows control panel app you're using for your sound card. Let the amp in the speakers do what it's meant for. I suggest 3/4 (75%) maximum.

Placement of the sub is nill, you'll be fine with it right there. Corner load it against masonry and it will hit much harder, but corner load it against drywall and framing and you'll just cause noise.

I recommend not using any matrix audio mode. Just pass through what's supposed to be used. Stereo as stereo, surround as surround. If you absolutely must have all your speakers going, use Windows to matrix the sound. Also, I strongly suggest using the discrete analog inputs if your sound card has them. Some onboard cards don't, all Creatives do, and just about anything made in the last couple of years does. Avoid the optical and coax inputs unless you're hooking up a game console that requires them.

Those speakers are pretty directional. Position them so they best cross at your listening position. If it's a desk, you'll probably be in the same position at all times, and that's ideal for these.

I loved those speakers for what they were. Great for games and movies with lots of effects. Enjoy.

Okay, great...thank you. I think I have just a few last questions. Sorry!
The volume rule also includes

​

The volume nob on that thing right?

And how do I use windows to matrix sound?


Thanks again.

 

[Mtn. Steel]

I have an office system very similar with similar setup and I like it...for an office system. I hope that you do not important stuff in the top two drawers?

 

[Nemo128]

Creative control panel has the matrix options, and keep all volume settings in the Create control panel 75% or less. Hope that answers your question.

 

[lsiberian]

I personally avoid installing creative software due to it's buggy nature and setup issues. I prefer using Windows to run the sound card.

I do use CMSS though and love it. I think it works very well especially on iTunes movies.

We all start somewhere bro. Someday you'll probably build a dream system. Today enjoy your humble beginnings.

In fact sit back enjoy your favorite cool beverage and enjoy your new system.

 

[xrodney]

Avoid the optical and coax inputs unless you're hooking up a game console that requires them.

I am little lost on this one, why to use analog when can use digital connection ?
It have less cables and no disturbance in signal path.

 

[Nemo128]

Because a good sound card can decode and output to analog a lot better than the Logi control pod can decode and output.