Few questions on 5.1 speakers and audigy 2

B

blown5.0

New Member
Hi Guys,
New here. I am planning to upgrade my audio in my computer and I have a few questions. First of all, I have the sound blaster audigy 2 Value sound card. I am looking to upgrade my speakers to either the z-5300e or the z-5500 now and have the following questions.

1)Will I be able to fully utilize the features of the z-5500 speakers with my current sound card? If I were to upgrade to the regular audigy 2, what would I gain?

2)If I go with the z-5300e, will it still play games and movies in 5.1 sound? I am a bit confused with the matrix mode offered with these speakers? Does the matrix mode mean it will mimic 5.1 sound when enabled and at all other times, it is actually a 2.1 sound system? Or does it mean that it is a 5.1 system at all times, but when matrix mode is enabled, the sound is mimicing a true 5.1 surround sound system? Im a little confused as to how this all works. Educate me!
 
2)If I go with the z-5300e, will it still play games and movies in 5.1 sound? I am a bit confused with the matrix mode offered with these speakers? Does the matrix mode mean it will mimic 5.1 sound when enabled and at all other times, it is actually a 2.1 sound system? Or does it mean that it is a 5.1 system at all times, but when matrix mode is enabled, the sound is mimicing a true 5.1 surround sound system? Im a little confused as to how this all works. Educate me!
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As far as I know all the Matrix mode does is change the balance a little bit (I have the 5300) to adjust for a more theater like sound. It has a switch on the back that allows for 2.1,4.1, or 5.1 channel inputs.
 
Yeti said:
As far as I know all the Matrix mode does is change the balance a little bit (I have the 5300) to adjust for a more theater like sound. It has a switch on the back that allows for 2.1,4.1, or 5.1 channel inputs.
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So I can just leave it on 5.1 on the back and set your SB card to 5.1 and thats it? (fine tuning as well of course). With that I will get 5.1 surround sound?
 
So I can just leave it on 5.1 on the back and set your SB card to 5.1 and thats it? (fine tuning as well of course). With that I will get 5.1 surround sound?
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Yes, as long as your source (ie DVD, game, music) is in 5.1.
 
I think the matrix mode splits 2.1 sources into 5.1, but im not sure. I have the logitech 5300E speakers and they are awesome. I have an Audigy ES and it sounds great. I think your audigy 2 value would be fine. Finally, as long as the source is in 5.1 (Game options) and your speaker system is set to 5.1 in the control panel, it will be in 5.1. It also will split music to all 5 speakers..
 
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