5.1 on a budget

[fmessier6]

Good evening folks,

I would like my composer studio to feature a 5.1 setup with the sole aim of using it for watching movies, but I currently have a headache for the myriad of options available and I was wondering how you would proceed if you were in my shoes.

My equipment:

• A windows based PC (W7)
• A pair of Quested V2108
• A spare pair of Yamaha HS8
• A Komplete audio 2
• A krk sub 8
• (missing, a central channel - i was thinking presonus eris)

As previously mentioned the main goal is to watch movies, so I am not concerned about matching speakers brands, I just want to have fun for a few hours a week and use my Quested V2108 for pretty much everything else work-related.

I am assuming I'll have to ditch the Komplete Audio 2 and switch to an audio interface with six outputs, and tell Windows 7 I'll be using a 5.1 setup from now on, as well as maybe buy a new controller? I'd like this to be as simple as possible but the information I've been getting is quite confusing.

Thanks for your help!

 

[twsecrest]

It would help to list a budget?
A Logitech Z906 5.1 computer speaker setup would be the easiest ($300-$400).
Me, I find it just easier to use headphones.
What source(s) will be the movies?
Blu-ray, Amazon Prime, Netflix, etc?

 

[fmessier6]

Thanks!

I am already using a pair of Quested V2108 in crossover with a KRK 8 inches sub, and I have a spare pair of Yamaha HS8, so I'll just need to buy a central speaker to complete the setup. Source mainly VLC media player.

My best bet so far is the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen, not many options for a budget 5.1 with studio monitors unfortunately. If you have any other suggestion I'm all ears.

 

[dasdoing]

this sounds like a single person setup? if so you could ditch the center and downmix to 4.1.
a 6 channel interface and Eqalizer-Apo is all you need.

 

[Chrispy]

If it's not for more than your own seat, a center may not be needed (and a center is not an ideal speaker as much as an identcal speaker to your L/R and 2-ways tend to be not as good as 3-ways among those already compromised "centers")