Today most of the new computers come with some default speakers. Usually they are some small and not so powerful stereo speakers. And that’s why many people are choosing to buy some new speakers for their computer. There are many possibilities that you can choose from. For example you can buy some other stereo speakers, but those that are more powerful and sound better.



Or you can buy a 2.1 audio system, that beside the two little stereo speakers it also has a subwoofer. This component will bring the deep and low sound frequencies (the bass) so it will make the sound much better. Or if you are looking for a complete audio experience, with all of the sound frequencies and also a surround sound, then you can buy a 5.1 system.



But if you don’t wish to have a lot of speakers and wires all around your room, then you buy some floor standing speakers. These are big and heavy devices, that also bring a very rich and powerful sound. And if you don’t want any cables at all then you can choose some wireless speakers. Not only that you can place them anywhere in the room, but you can take them in other rooms too.

And you can even put them outside, as long as you are in the specified range from the transmitter. Also if you want some sound for your garden, you can choose some outdoor speakers. And there are other choices that you can make, and there are also many audio producers that you can choose from. Here are just examples of big brands from the audio market: JBL, Harman Kardon, Altec Lansing, Creative, Logitech, Bose, Boston Acoustics, Klipsch and others.

So today we are going to discuss about how to switch between 2.0 stereo and 5.1 speakers. When you will unpack your new 5.1 audio system, you will notice that it has 6 or 7 components. These are: 4 small satellite speakers, a subwoofer, and also a larger speaker that sits horizontally, which is the center channel. We said 7 components, because some 5.1 systems may also come with a control pod unit, that needs to be placed on the table next to you, and with it you will be able to control the overall volume, the bass volume and other features, depending on the model. So after unpacking all of the components, it is time to place them in the room.

You must be very careful on how you place the satellite speakers. You must have one in each corner of the room, and you should respect their role in the system. The Rear Left speaker must be behind you, in your left side, the Front Right must be in front of you on your right side and so on. The center channel has  to stay in front of you (preferably on the desk) and the subwoofer must be placed in a corner under the desk. This way you will be able to enjoy the best surround sound possible. After putting each speaker in its place, come with each of the cables to the subwoofer, and introduce each one into the appropriate port.

Then you must connect the three colored wires that go out from the subwoofer, to your computer. This is really simple, especially if you are using the appropriate sound card  (a 5.1 card). You will just have to match each of the colored connectors with the colored ports on the sound card.  If you have a simple sound card you can still connect the system, but it won’t sound so good, so that’s why it is best to use a 5.1 sound card.



So after connecting the system, go into your audio software (that usually came with the sound card or with the speakers). Or if you don’t have any software just go into the “Volume control” from Windows and into the “Sounds and Audio Devices Proprieties” from the Control Panel. Here you will have to switch from “stereo speakers” to “5.1 surround sound speakers”. And also make sure that all of the volumes are turned all the way up, and that none of the channels is muted. Good luck and enjoy your new system!