Sifus around.

I just bought Creative SB X-Fi sound card and using a Labtec brand 2.1 speaker. All along, I am only using mobo integrated sound card and that 2.1 speaker.

My friend (audio fan) asked me to put away the speakers and get a good 5.1 speaker. What are the better models?

Also, is HiFi speakers better than PC speakers?

Pricing aside, do you guys think Aego M is miles ahead of Edifier S330?

Razzd, are you looking to let go of your Aego M? Do let me know if you are considering.

I haven't went for demo testings yet but I know I'm a slow music listener.

Guys, be sure to let me know when T3 is available for demo in KL.

Did a round of speaker demo in Lowyat today. First off, AegoM in Tong Lee audio shop at ground floor. Disappointed with the shop (and sound) because one of the satelitte was dead and the speaker was right outside of the shop surrounded by all the noise. I actually went to HiWay Laser @ Pudu earlier to try AegoM but it is closed.

Went to Edifier top level for S330 demo. The shopkeeper there was very friendly. C3 was clearer than S330 to me, so out goes S330.

Went Hyper IT, Viewnet, Thundermatch, Sri Computers to try other models. The only that stood out was Creative Gigaworks t40. Looks are deceiving, like AE satellites. Big in size doesn't mean big in quality.

None of those shops knows if Creative Gigaworks T3 is coming or not. Just answered "Dunno supplier got bring in or not", which ticks me off a bit. How is the supplier going to justify bringing in a product if the shops don't bother to feedback to the supplier of that product's demand?

Anyways, brought my car audiophile pal along for his opinion comparing different speakers. Still haven't bought anything yet.

Sorry, I didn't specifically try 2.0 speakers this round (I am trying to look for a 2.1). Nearing the end where I was looking/asking for Creative Gigaworks T3, the Creative speaker section have Gigawork T40 and T20 which I tested out of curiousity.

I know Sonic Gear these days are pushing out lots of speakers. They have like 6-7 speaker series in the market right now. Anyhow, I would also say that sound quality is more important than cheap pricing when it comes to audio.

YTou have to tell us what kind of music you listen to.

Under RM400, maybe Edifier R501MK2?

Anywhere in KL to demo?

Games, probably those with heavier bass. Maybe Edifier S530 (forgot price) or Klipsch GMX 2.1?

If they bring in S330D, then maybe S330 be EOL.

Bro, not likely you can get anything extremely good with RM250 for a 5.1 speakers. Either you wait and save more for 5.1 or go for a 2.1

Few things to answer yourself first, before jumbling yourself with products choices
1. Will you mainly be using it for music, games, or movies?
(2.1 or 5.1)

2. What kind of music you listen to most of the time?
(Will nail down your preference for more emphasis on bass, midrange or treble reproduction). Opera lovers will buy very different models than rock music lovers.

3. Budget?
(which products realistically that is in your price range)

4. Test those 4 - 5 products with your own ears. Buy the one you like most.



Personally, I don't think much of Sonic Gear products, for now. But you don't get much quality choices in RM150 bracket...

My perception is 5.1 speakers (RM250-400) ones are meant for movie watching, not specially for instrumental music.

Since it's for laptop, I'll suggest Creative T40. You can demo it in All IT Hypermart in LYP.

I think for RM400 in the market, there's no 5.1 speakers which owns in midrange & treble. Even S330 (2.1 speaker) is already priced at RM409.

I fear, RM 250-400 range for 5.1 speakers would likely land you on some brands which is just loud but sacrifices on sound quality. If that's all right with you, then by all means.

RM400 can get you a new 2.1 speakers that will produce good instrumental music. If you want 5.1, you'll need to put in more.

Budget? And what music you listen to?

Creative T-Series has T20 (2.0), T40 (2.0) and T3 (2.1). I would go for T3 if I can wait and afford it (or go down to S'pore and get it). Because T20 and T40 are both 2.0; their advantage is space saving, but do you need that? How much space do you have on your table and how much space your speakers sound have to cover/how big is your room?

Does big size equates to durability? I believe quality components, regardless of size, equates to durability.

On external sound cards, sorry, can't help you there.

Easy. Your budget gives you a variety of good choices. Bring along your mp3 player and go test those RM400 above and let your own ears decide. At RM400 baseline, you have Klipsch Promedia 2.1 for bass & S330 for balanced sound. Those two should provide you with the sound stardard to compare your other choices.

Well, I hope the Edifier shop at Lowyat Plaza Level 3 has both M3300 and M3400 for you to test. I'm pretty sure they have both. I know I saw both M3300 and M3400 in Sri Computers but it is probably not easy to test the sound, given the amount of speakers being on at the same time.