Sound Bar vs 2.1 vs 5.1 Speakers for Gaming?

I have a decent gaming setup. I m not trying to spend a lot of money, but I would like to have a decent sound system. Right now, I have a dying 2.1 setup. I ve never used a sound bar. At one point, I had a decent 5.1 system. I m trying to figure out what would work best for my setup. The room is: 12x6, but the couch to screen is 6ft Drop tile ceiling My budget is $80. Thoughts as to the best route to go?
Answers

ANDRE L

Your budget is laughably way too small to buy anything other than a cheap and crappy sound bar, or a cheap set of computer speakers were don't give much sound if you sit more than two feet away from them. The really sad part is that good audio gear has never been more affordable than it is now. But, you still cannot get a Toyota for the budget of a scooter.

inconsolate61

The room is basically a small bedroom. If you need to go beyond what the tv provides, I have to assume sound quality is the driving need, not loudness. You really are not going to find that in the sub 100 dollar market. Just barely okay sound is going to be the rule. On the other hand you do not need giant speakers or lots of wattage to present excellently in such a small space. A fairly small system of quality will do, even if power is limited. A GOOD twenty watt receiver and a pair of smaller bookshelf speakers will fill the room just fine. Dayton audio (parts Express online) has a few small bookshelf speakers that sort of match your budget, likely good enough for such a small space, but powering them would be your problem. Screen distance will change the amount of distance you want to separate the speakers, and possibly the amount you want to tow them in. but this is just positioning, and will vary from one small room to another.

Eddi

I can recommend these powered speakers. I have two sets of them. They sound great. Right now, there are new sets on Amazon for $89.90 with 10% off at checkout which exactly matches your budget. They are not bluetooth. They have 50W of power, and are made of wood and have classic sound. Don't buy the cheaper Genius ones. Note - I paid $50 or so for a return set from Amazon warehouse last year. Genius SP-HF1800A 50 W Three-way Hi-Fi Wood Speakers There speakers are big. If you want something smaller I would look at the Edifier Powered Studio Monitors. Edifier R980T 4" Active Bookshelf Speakers - 2.0 Computer Speaker - Powered Studio Monitor (Pair)

Lance

Probably a bluetooth speaker.