Logitech z5500 5.1 recommended?

[Corpsepyre]

Hello. I have been using my Logitech x540 5.1 surround sound system with my PC for sometime now, and even though it sounds excellent, I have problems connecting it with my PS3, and getting true surround sound.

I decided to get a new system, and have been recommended the speaker system mentioned in the topic as the one to look out for. Is it worth spending so much on? My main pieces of entertainment are mainly movies, though I listen to a lot of music as well, and play games on the PS3. It has an optical out, which is why I was recommended it by a friend. Again, is the system worthwhile and it would be appreciated if some details were given by someone who has used it on how the movies sound.

Thank you.

 

[its phillip]

No. If you absolutely want 5.1 and are only looking to spend that much money, I'd recommend an onkyo htib like the HT-S3300 or something, or trying to get a bunch of really good deals on craigslist.

I'd actually rather recommend getting a nice pair of bookshelf speakers or whatever and a used receiver.

-words of a former z-5500 owner

 

[Corpsepyre]

Can you go into details as to why you won't recommend z5500? The few reviews I have read have pretty much praised it left, right and center.

 

[its phillip]

They just didn't sound all that great to me. Of course, others may disagree.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

My coz had z-5500 and I wasn't impressed ether - loud - yes, but probably good only for video games

 

[Corpsepyre]

So, this Onkyo system you have recommended, will I have any trouble connecting it with my PC? My motherboard does not have HDMI inputs. I'm using the regular three-pinned cable for my current speakers.

 

[Seth=L]

I'd like to add that the Z5500 has no expandability. The Onkyo can be connected to several sources, including your PC, and the Onkyo receiver can be used with other speakers should you decide to get better speakers for your system or you happen to find/have some speakers you think sound better than what's provided with the Onkyo system.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

So, this Onkyo system you have recommended, will I have any trouble connecting it with my PC? My motherboard does not have HDMI inputs. I'm using the regular three-pinned cable for my current speakers.

Option 1:
Rare PC has HDMI on the motherboard - however HDMI on the video card is very common nowadays and you could one with it very cheap.

Option 2: look for digital audio out- not super common, but not rare ether. doesn't matter if it's coax sdp/if or optical.

Option 3: Ether you have a laptop or a desktop, one think I can guarantee you - you have usb port or two . then you could get adapter like this one to connect your pc with onkyo sound system using digital sound interface.
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=103&cp_id=10311&cs_id=1031105&p_id=1614&seq=1&format=4#feedback

 

[Corpsepyre]

Ok, thanks. Looked the system up, and it seems decent. Not too expensive either.

 

[BMXTRIX]

The Logitech Z-5500 is computer speakers - it's all it is. It isn't designed for home theater, it isn't using decent speakers, drivers, or much else. It is a bottom of the line HTiB system which is really overpriced for what you actually are getting.

I think this thread is a must read for anyone looking at an entry level home theater system...

http://forums.highdefdigest.com/home-theater-gear/79806-build-your-own-htib-400-800-a.html

It gives you a lot of options for about any budget and while the Z-5500 is a GOOD computer setup, it is still a fixed resource computer setup instead of a true home theater system. A home theater system plays nicely enough with computers, but computer systems won't play quite so nicely with those looking for home theater.

I try to find decent specification lists for these types of systems, but usually they are hard to find (as in this case)... About 300 watts is what is listed for the 5 channels but no THD numbers or much else.

Something like this, by comparison, is set to deliver 550 watts (also a fake number!) by the specs...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882117339&Tpk=vsx-520-k

Then add the subwoofer separately.

You definitely have full 5.1 choices for about the same cash which will truly do a remarkably good job.

 

[GranteedEV]

my recommendation is to buy five hi vi b3s drivers, plop each of them into a cabinet and you've got five speakers that are better than the logitechs.