I think I might have asked something like this here before but I'm not sure. I really would like to purchase a speaker system that I can use with both my computer and my TV and I would like the surround sound to work on both of them. I'm looking for a 5.1 system preferably in the $200-300 range. Heck, if you know a really good deal for less, I'll look into it. I appreciate any help anyone can give. I really just don't know much about what to look for in speakers.

In that price range, your best bet is a powered PC speaker system. Logitech's are pretty good for the price. I can't recommend specific models, though.

Your only other option (outside of PC speakers that is) would be to get something like the Athena Micra 6 system for $300. But that'll only work if you happen to have an existing 5.1 reciever or feel like spending another hundred dollars. Actual home theater speakers will get you MUCH better sound for the money. Unfortunately, in many scenarios, such as yours, you don't hit that line until another 200 dollars. Unless you want to settle with 2.1, that is.

Ok, so what if I got a system just for the comp....Is there a 5.1 sound card that you would recommend?

And yeah, I saw the Logitech's. They do look nice for the price. They have lot's of good reviews on newegg as well.

Soundcards from Creative are the way to go. They're reasonably cheap, and considered the standard.

I have Logitech Z-680s, and they are INCREDIBLY nice. They are cheaper now that the Z-5500s are out. They are around 280 I think online. and they have one optical, one Coax optical, and then the basic standard inputs for 5.1 speakers on a computer.

The Z-5500s are around teh same price online, if I remember correctly. They made the bass a bit less muddy, so I'd recommend those. They are basically the same as the Z-680s though.They have Dobly Digital and DTS support, and THX certified, if that's important to you.

I just watched War of the Worlds last nigiht on them, and they shook the house!

My only qualm is the lack of inputs. I have a computer, an Xbox, and a PS2 all hooked up. The Xbox and PS2 only have optical out, not SPDIF (coax) out, so I had to buy a splitter for the optical inputs.

For gaming, yes. For anything else there are much better alternatives, often for cheaper.

I have this:

http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=HT-S580&class=Systems&p=i

I got it for around $250 and it works great for me.

NoEsc, do you know if that system is PC compatible?

Actually, I just found the Z-5500s for $205.

I have the Z-5500's, and they're freakin own

I got a Sony 5.1 1200w system for Christmas... but I think it was more in the $1500 range...

[QUOTE=IRG SithLord]NoEsc, do you know if that system is PC compatible?[/QUOTE]

Yeah, it is. I'm using the digital coax out on my card but you could do it analog as well.

Onkyo makes excellent recievers, but I can't say anything about their speakers, let alone budget home-theater-in-a-boxes like that one. Often times the best electronics manufacturers make some of the worst speakers. Or at least they don't try. Sony makes fantastic displays, for example, but often horrid audio electronics, speakers and headphones (with the exception of a few pairs and the very high end which are arguably the best in the world).

All I can suggest is that you look up reviews on REAL audio review sites, like AVSForum, Ars Technica, etc. AVSForum and Ars Technica are two places you should really be asking. If you made a post on Ars you'd probably have a half dozen solid choices within the hour.