Hi, I'm looking for help in choosing a new 5.1 surround system, with at least one optical input. I'm not too knowledgeable on the status and qualities of various brands where audio is concerned (I'm more of a PC hardware guy), so I'm worried about spending my budget on what looks like a great seat but ends up being underpowered or having an overpowering bass, and so on.
I'll be using it for the usual PC+360 gaming/music listening/movie watching. I plan on having both my PC and 360 plugged in via optical, so I'll need at least one input, since AFAIK I can just use a splitter.
My current setup is a Cambridge Soundworks 4.1 set from the 90s - they're not bad, I've always enjoyed them but it's usually a lot of work getting things to sound good on them, since the vast majority of games/music/video are either stereo, or 5.1. So either I'm wasting two speakers (I can have stereo on all four speakers but it doesn't make much difference) and thus doesn't sound as 'full', or I'm missing the centre channel from 5.1. I've tried emulation of one to the other via the Realtek and Windows audio settings but it's never really been that good.
Since this set is the only one I've ever owned, I don't really have the experience I'd like to when buying new audio equipment.
So yeah, any recommendations would be great I have a budget of £150 ($250). I know I'm not going to get anything amazing, but I would like to get the most for my money. I could maybe go a little higher (£180/$300) if it's worth it. I'm currently using the integrated sound on my mobo (Asus P8P67 Deluxe) but if it's worth it I'll get a dedicated sound card sometime down the line.
Thanks,
Yami
Edit: I have of course been looking and found this set. Look good?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pioneer-Compact-Speaker-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B003UTRUMO/ref=pd_sim_sbs_ce_4
