Dethredic

Ok, remember this sound card is going to be used in Linux, so the drivers might not be the same.

No bed post, but I like the ceiling idea.

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There are 10 types of people in this world. Those who can read binary, and those who can't.

Math is like sex. Sure, it may give some practical results, but that is not why we do it.

triggerc

Both the Chainteck AV-710 and the b-Enspirer work under various extents with linux.

Keep in mind that you'll want the rear speakers to be about equidistant away from you, and the speakers have to be aimed at you.

Dethredic

I will just set them up like this. The 2 rear speakers will be mounted on the ceiling.

I can't find the sound cards you are recommending from Canadian shops, but how does this one look?
EDIT: According to some reviews, it is detected by alsa out of the box, so that is a bonus.

Ok, for speakers, here are my thoughts so far.
Z-5500- Great reviews, great sound, maybe better sound than I need, or will notice. Has a great dock station or controller with an aux input. EXPENSIVE!!!
Z-5300e- Good reviews, good sound, maybe I will notice the difference between these and the Z-5500s, maybe not. They will be noticeably better than my 2.1 speakers now. Docking station doesn't look as nice, and doesn't have an aux input. Reasonable price.
X-540- Same as above, but better price, but worse sound.

Aux input is sorta important cause I like to play my music via my iPod, cause I tend to switch operating systems a couple times per day, and I don't have my music library in Windows. Also, I do play WC3 in windows, and I like to listen to my own music while I play. This way I can just keep the music going.

__________________
There are 10 types of people in this world. Those who can read binary, and those who can't.

Math is like sex. Sure, it may give some practical results, but that is not why we do it.

triggerc

I tried looking for some more info on the Montego, but I was only able to find that it is based on an older C-Media chipset, and there was nothing on DAC and OPAMP.

I did find this though. It is in Canada.

The Z-5500 definitely wins in every department compared to the other 2. You could connect your iPod to the other 2 by plugging the iPod straight into the front speaker jack of the speakers, but that will require you to unplug the front speakers from your PC evertime.

Dethredic

Thanks for the link. I will see how much the Z-5500's are going for on e-bay. Maybe I can get lucky and snag one.

__________________
There are 10 types of people in this world. Those who can read binary, and those who can't.

Math is like sex. Sure, it may give some practical results, but that is not why we do it.

kennymester

Is it possible for you to use some ceiling mounts for the rear speakers? If you don't want some thing permanet you can also use some heavy duty double sided foam tape to attach them. I use some 3m branded stuff and my rear speakers have been hanging there for about 6 months. As long as you don't have huge humidity changes the tape should stay for a long time.

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triggerc

Shipping sucks on speakers. You'll probably save some money waiting for them to go on sale at your local future shop (AKA best buy).