Audio Hardware Suggestions

[Deusxmachina]

SPDIF out to a 5.1 receiver. Nothing fancy. And then the receiver can convert audio to Prologic II when needed. I had some stumbles trying to get the PC to always convert to PLII correctly, but the receiver doesn't falter.

With broadcast TV shows often having 5.1, even regular TV shows are great to watch/hear.

Four speakers are better than two, five speakers are better than four, good speakers are better than bad speakers, and any speakers are generally better than TV speakers if for no other reason than you can put them further apart. YMMV, of course.

I've had 12s hooked up, but even without a subwoofer I find I don't miss a whole lot currently using 8s vs. the 12s.