Logitech’s Z-5500s or Klipsch’s ProMedia Ultra 5.1s? Help me please!

[Electric Rain]

Hello, I’m in the market for some nice 5.1 multimedia speakers for my small, 250 square feet, 2000 cubed feet, living room. The speakers will be used for DVDs, games (console and PC), and some music. I’ve done my research, and I’m down to either Logitech’s Z-5500s or Klipsch’s ProMedia Ultra 5.1s. However, I am having a very hard time deciding which set I should go with.

I do not consider myself to be an Audiophile, nor am I extraordinarily picky about my audio. But I know that I want a top-of-the-line system for a good price. At the moment, my PC speaker system consists of Altec Lansing’s VS4121 2.1 speaker system, and (minus the fact that it’s not a surround sound system) I couldn’t be happier with it.. My point is, they aren’t a “top-of-the-line” system, but I still love ‘em so I can’t be THAT picky. However, I don’t have much to go on. I haven’t really heard any top-notch speaker systems, but as I said, I HAVE done my research.

If I went with the Logitechs, I wouldn’t have to buy a separate decoder like I’d have to with the Klipschs, bringing my cost down about $120, (not including the added cost of the Klipschs over the Logitechs) assuming I used Creative’s DDTS-100 decoder (which I probably would). I also wouldn’t have to get up to change the volume, thanks to the wireless remote control.

On the other hand, if I went with the Klipschs, I would have much cleaner highs according to many reviewers. Are the Klipschs really worth all of that extra money for cleaner highs and the absence of a remote and decoder? I need opinions, can someone help me out? Thanks.

Rain

P.S. I’m not much for bass, so everything I keep hearing about the subwoofers of whatever systems knocking pictures off the wall and what not, means little to me. I care about the clarity of the lows, but I don’t care very much about their power.

 

[nm2285]

well...the klipsch have a separate tweeter whereas the logitech uses only one driver - of course the highs are going to be cleaner. Go to circuit city or best buy or something and try them out. my preference is the klipsch due to the added clarity. they seem more for music whereas the logitechs more for gaming and rap.

 

[jaxvon]

In your living room, I would second the Klipsch speakers. The fact that they are a two-way design means you're going to get better clarity. From the times I've toyed around with them, the Klipsch sub has always been clearner to me than the Logitech.

But you know, if you ever wanna "step up", lemme know so I can plug my favorite budget system

 

[newfmp3]

I have the Logitech 680's in my office. Very similar to the 5500's. Outside of the lack of tone controls, I love them. Luckily a PC has tone controls, but a console does not. Keep that in mind if you like to tweak sound a little.

I actually had these setup around my front projection screen in a small room for storage while waiting for the media room to be done. The room was about 11x14, but was open to another 8x10 room as well. Trust me, the logitech's will be loud enough unless you want ear bleeding volumes.

I love the ease of the built in decoder, and a remote. The way you can mount the stands is great as well. I am very happy with the logitech's but you should go see if the klipsch's suit your ear better and if they are worth the extra $$$ to you.

 

[anamorphic96]

IMO. Klipsch multimedia speakers just flat out kick serious butt. Especially at there price points. Im using the Pro Media Ultra 2.0's and they flat out rock for 99.00.

That new Klipsch iFI system looks incredible. I know its not 5.1 but it goes to show you what Klispch is capable of and where they might be going with ther multimedia products.

I have heard Logitech but have always found there sound to be thin with bass thats way to boomy and poorly defined.

 

[Duffinator]

IMO. Klipsch multimedia speakers just flat out kick serious butt. Especially at there price points. Im using the Pro Media Ultra 2.0's and they flat out rock for 99.00.

I have the same speakers and they are unbelieveable for $99. After listening to the Pro Media Ultra 5.1's I added a Yamaha SW215 sub (8") for $99 and now I have the bass that was missing. Klipsch seems to have a good handle on how to make good sounding multimedia speakers and the 5.1's you are looking at sound terrific.

 

[anamorphic96]

I have the same speakers and they are unbelieveable for $99. After listening to the Pro Media Ultra 5.1's I added a Yamaha SW215 sub (8") for $99 and now I have the bass that was missing. Klipsch seems to have a good handle on how to make good sounding multimedia speakers and the 5.1's you are looking at sound terrific.

How did you wire the sub in ? Or are you using a sound card with a sub output. Sounds interesting I might have to try it if I can.

 

[Duffinator]

How did you wire the sub in ? Or are you using a sound card with a sub output. Sounds interesting I might have to try it if I can.

Start Hijack:
I split the audio out of my soundcard and run the sub crossover at around 80hz. My sound card does not have a sub out. You have to match the volume level but I keep it pretty much the same and it's not a problem. Ideally you would use a sub out. I got the splitter cable at RS for $6. Pick up the sub at BB and if you don't like it take it back. They have them on sale all the time for $99. It really sounds good and can play very loud with little distortion. End Hijack.

 

[furrycute]

Does Klipsch still make the 2.1 system? That sub is packs some serious punch for a multimedia package.

 

[Duffinator]

Does Klipsch still make the 2.1 system? That sub is packs some serious punch for a multimedia package.

Do you mean this one:

http://www.klipsch.com/product/product.aspx?cid=802

Nice price and a refurb directly from the manufacturer. And it sounds good, especially at that price.

 

[Spiffyfast]

I'll have to second the Klipsch, I've heard that 2.1 and the 5.1, they both rock and are extremely clear.

 

[Electric Rain]

Well, I could live with the added cost of the Klipschs, since I can split my payments over 6 months and also get the decoder separate. Then it's not all one large sum of money.

What really kills me, though it shouldn't because I'm not THAT lazy, is the lack of a remote. If someone can help me figure out how I could control the Klipschs remotely, then I'd probably go with them. That way I can also use a set of 5.1 headphones for night listening, because I can use a stand-alone decoder. Whereas the decoder in the Logitechs, can only be used with the Logitechs. Plus, Creative's decoder has a lot of extra features, including multipule inputs, cutting the cost of an A/V switcher. Only problem with that is, I’ll have to switch my video and my audio separately. What a pain!

I may have to just go to Circuit City or somewhere like that and try them out… but I haven’t been having that kind of time lately. The closest Circuit City is 20 miles from me, and the closest Best Buy is 35 miles. They’re not really “in town”.

Also, I know that the Klipschs have separate tweeters in them, and that that’s why they have cleaner highs. I pointed that out in my first post… before it got erased. I just finished writing up my post, and I was just about to copy and paste the whole thing into MS Word to check for grammatical errors, when my finger slipped and I hit CTRL V instead of CTRL C. That took my entire post, which was actually a little LONGER than the re-typed post I put through, and replaced it with one word that was on the clipboard. Oh well.

Anyway, what I need now are ways to be able to control the Klipschs from the seating area. Maybe a really long “extension” cord for the control center? Any ideas?

Rain

 

[Spiffyfast]

How about an ATI Remote Wonder? Works awesome can control winamp or windows media type applications. Can control mouse functions as well.

http://www.ati.com/products/remotewonderplus/index.html

 

[Electric Rain]

The problem with that is, I don't want to incorporate my PC in the remote controlling. I'm also going to be buying an SB Audigy 2 ZS Platinum, so if I were to use my PC, I could just use the Audigy for the decoding and its remote for the controlling. That would really cut costs!

Hmm... you've put the idea back into my mind though. Come to think of it, since I have to run the wires from the computer to my entertainment system anyway, I could just run another wire to the Audigy and use it for the decoding. But, that'll be my last resort.

I have another question though. I disregarded the feature before, because it didn’t make sense to me. But it might solve my problems. Creative’s DDTS-100 Decoder has a volume control on it, though this confuses me, because it’s not an amp. It’s simply a decoder. Is this REALLY an adequate volume control? One that I could actually use? If I were to leave my speakers at a preset volume level and leave them alone, could I use the DDTS-100 (with its remote ) to control the volume? Thanks again.

Rain

 

[skyxliner]

I've been considering these two systems and I've read TONS of reviews... But the thing that caused me to pick logitechz over klipsch is that there seems to be a high percentage of problems with the klipschs for some strange reasons. They both sound amazing but I didn't want to take the chance of having to send my speaker in cause of defects or problems...

 

[AVGoneToMyHead]

What u think about the Creative Gigawork speakers...anyone know the quality. Are they the only ppl who have 7.1 ch multimedia speakers. Anyone?

 

[Electric Rain]

Just Google for some reviews. Also, check www.newegg.com and read the reviews for it. I've disregarded them due to their price, and the fact that I think 8 speakers are overkill. There's not even a 7.1 encoding format, just 6.1 and under. Computer sound cards are the only things that can utilize 7.1 sound. Nevertheless, you didn't ask to hear my opinion on 5.1 VS. 7.1 sound. Reading up on them at Newegg should tell you everything you want to know. For thorough, expert opinions, Google them.

Rain

 

[Sounds Good]

you cant go wrong with the Klipsch i had the older v2 system for my pc kind of like this http://www.klipsch.com/product/product.aspx?cid=101 but with only 2 speakers an the sub.. anyhow makeing a long story short.. i was awoken one night by my sub.. not sure what happened but it sounded like it was playing a really low test tone.. brrrrrrr

i unplugged it and email klipsch.. they offered to fix it.. can remeber how much i never sent it in though...

but my point is.. the set up ROCKS ...

 

[Electric Rain]

... Maybe I should go with the Logitechs... Klipsch speakers are haunted!

 

[skyxliner]

its not haunted.. like i said in my previous post..

many users have found klipschs to be defective and this is a high rate...

klipsch has openly accepted exchanges if you send it in

but then its such a hassle, thats why i'm buying my logis today =D