Creating a 5.1 sound system

[SureshT]

Is it possible to build a 5.1 audio system ourselves ? Please assist.

 

[BobK]

Please clarify what you want to do.

Do you want to build your own amplifiers? If yes, from discrete components, ICs, or modules? How much power?

And, do you want to build the speakers as well?

Bob

 

[Gryd3]

Is it possible to build a 5.1 audio system ourselves ? Please assist.

What will your audio source be?

You will need 6 channels.
Fr.L , Fr.R
Back.L , Back.R
Center, Sub

If you do not have these 6 channels, then you will need to rely on some kind of encoding scheme to send the appropriate audio to the appropriate speaker. This will be much harder.
Dolby Pro Logic II for example does this.

If you do indeed have these 6 channels... ie, from a computer sound card then by all means. You can progress relatively easily.

 

[SureshT]

I have a pretty decent desktop with a 3.5 mm audio jack ( green ). I guess that is 2.0 . I currently use Creative 2.1 speaker set. If possible, I would like to build everything myself. So I will be needing a speaker set as mentioned by @Gryd3 and I guess amplifier as well as suggested by @BobK .

I will be using it in a medium sized room. I guess that will give some idea about wattage.

 

[SureshT]

Should I start buying a PCI card for PC that supports 5.1 sound output ?

 

[Gryd3]

Should I start buying a PCI card for PC that supports 5.1 sound output ?

That would be the easiest way to get the surround signals.
You just need the speakers and amplifier.
This is entirely up to you how to proceed.

You can buy a 5.1 system, or you can buy speakers and amplifiers to do it yourself.

 

[SureshT]

Thanks @Gryd3

A 5.1 system will be like a PCI card, amplifiers and speakers ? I would need to use audio with 5.1 track as well, right ?

 

[Gryd3]

Thanks @Gryd3

A 5.1 system will be like a PCI card, amplifiers and speakers ? I would need to use audio with 5.1 track as well, right ?

After you install a 5.1 or 7.1 capable card into the PC, you will be given the option to 'mimic' surround sound. Of course, you will have much better quality from an audio track that actually has the channels encoded. That and video games that support it.

As far as the card is concerned, most will simply give you more 3.5mm jacks which are commonly paired up as:
- Center + Sub
- Front Left/Right
- Back Left/Right
- Mid Left/Right (Only on 7.1 systems)

That, or they offer a digital coax, which is an orange or black RCA plug. This will carry digital audio to the amplifier which will decode and pass the appropriate streams to the proper speakers.