Looking for New Pair of Sattalite Speakers

[Buddybot111]

Hi,
I'm looking to replace my 2 pairs of Bose Companion 2 speakers for my computer. There nice and all, but just dont provide enough bass and it gets scratchy at the really low tones. Also the highs seem distorted, though that could be the cd sometimes, I'm not sure. Eitherway I got the X-fi XtremeMusic soundcard for my computer, supposidly its the best card on the market right now. I listen to a wide range of music from rap to classical to pop to rock to some country to movie soundtracks. This means I need a speaker system that can give me great highs, paired with great lows, and a nice detailed middle. My price range has no minimum, but remember I'm looking for nice quality. The highest I want to go is 400 and thats high already. I'm currently looking at the Logitech Z-5500. It's a nice price of around 250 shipped and has a great bass I here, which is what I like the most out of my music. There were some other systems, but the bass just from reviews seemed to be lacking in that true window shattering style I'm looking for. So, finnaly, I'm requesting some advice on what system would fit my needs. Oh also as far as position goes in my room, I'll try to describe it. My room is abot 15feet by 10feet and thats just from looks. It has an indent that use to be a closet, but I installed a desk there. To the far right, is where my computer is located, and my desk char, so I'll want my speakers to surround me. The wall infront of me is around 3 feet infront. The wall behind is around 5 feet behind me. I have a wall around 10 feet to my left, and a window around 2-3 feet to my right. Please give me the best advice on what speaker system to get, thanks.

P.S. This is my first time post, so, I apologize if I broke some kind of custom that goes with this forum.

 

[jaxvon]

Welcome!

For your purposes, I think either the Logitech system or the Klipsch Promedia Ultra system would fit you best. If you like the nice, sparkling highs, I think you might be better off with the Klispch system.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16836119106

 

[Buddybot111]

Those seem a tad better than the logitech, but is it a good enough difference to really be noticed. I mean its a significant price difference, and I'm looking for a good deal here. Also is the bass as strong as the logitechs, I want a really nice bass, not distored, tight, but extremely strong to really feel it in your bones. Oh and also what about the lack of THX certification on the Klipsch?

 

[Buddybot111]

How do I go from getting a reply from a person fast, and then no reply for over 12 hours? Someone please, I still need help.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Klipsch ProMedia probably makes the best sounding PC setup, followed by the Logitech Z5500. I wouldn't get caught up in the THX certification. Go with what sounds best to you.

 

[Buddybot111]

Ok, it sounds like there isn't a huge difference in quality, at least not a big enough difference to compinsate(sp?) for the price difference. Which brings me to conclude, that I'm going to get the Logitech Z-5500. If this is a horrible decision please reply as soon as possible with reasons why.

Thanks for helping out!

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

I think you'll be very happy with the Z5500. What pricing have you found on it? Buy.com has a decent price right now - unless you have have found it for less.

http://www.buy.com/retail/Product.asp?sku=10380059&SearchEngine=NexTag&SearchTerm=10380059&Type=PE&Category=Comp&Gad=0&dcaid=15894

 

[Buddybot111]

Thanks for the great deal at buy.com, I'll definitly use them when I order the system. I have another question though as far as placement goes. The wall behind is is around 5 feet away, is that too far to mount the rear speakers. Also how well do they mount onto the walls? For the front speakers should I put them on my desk putting them around 1 foot infront of me. Or should I put them on the wall infront of putting them around 4 feet infront of me. As far as the center speaker I assume it will go right infront of me as close as possible dead center. The subwoofer I'm thinking of putting to the left of me touching the back wall, it will also be near a wall cabinet and bed and I think that's a good thing. Also it will be far away from electronics, also a plus. If you need I could possibly draw a rough sketch of my room to show you instead of describing it. Thanks again for your guys help.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

You should mount them on the wall, and "fish" the speaker wires behind the drywall with a "fish tape".

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=38156

That would look really nice. 5 feet is not far at all for surrounds. Put the fronts 4 feet from you, and the center below or above your monitor.

The website says:
Innovative satellite design: Cloth grilles are removable for a pro-audio look. Pedestals rotate for easy wall mounting or desk placement. Center channel can be mounted on wall, above or below monitor.

They also look cool on stands.

 

[Buddybot111]

I'm confused on how that fishtape works. I'm not too concerened about looks, I was thinking I would just use a large stapler to staple the wires to the wall. Also, is the subwoofer good where I described it, or should I move it somewhere else?

 

[Buddybot111]

Well I ordered the speakers using some nice coupons for dell so I got a much better shipping deal then buy.com for only 10 bucks more. Hopefully it'll get here before the end of the week, do they ship on saturdays? Also could someone answer my last post please on the setup of the subwoofer and sattalites.

 

[Buddybot111]

Please someone help me out, u have to go two posts back to see what I need help with. The speakers are coming tommorow so a fast reply is greatly apreciated, THANKS!

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

I'm confused on how that fishtape works. I'm not too concerened about looks, I was thinking I would just use a large stapler to staple the wires to the wall. Also, is the subwoofer good where I described it, or should I move it somewhere else?

The subwoofer will put out the most bass in a corner, but will also work close to a wall. Experiment with it. There's no wrong place as long as it sounds good to you. You'll double the bass if you can get it in a corner though.

A fish tape is simple. It's a metal coil (probably as stiff as a wire coat hanger) that allows you to easily run wires vertically through a wall. All you do is make two holes in your wall - one above the base board, and one where you are going to mount your speaker to the wall (usually at ear level). Make them about the size of a quarter or half dollar coin with a flared drill bit. Make sure you are between two studs. If it's drywall, you should be able to hear a hollow sound. Make sure you are near a stud, as you'll want to mount your speakers into a stud instead of the drywall. A studfinder is invaluable for handing pictures, etc... Another great purchase - just like the $10 fish tape.

Next, unwind the fish tape a little longer than the length of your two holes. Stick the fish tape with the loop end up through the bottom hole, until you can see it at the top hole. Pull it through the top hole in the wall. The curvature of the fish tape will hug the wall as you slide it up, and should come right out.

Finally, tie your speaker wire to the loop on the fish tape, and pull the fish tape back down the wall. Walaa, you've just wired your system without ugly staples in the wall.

Hint - if there is insulation in the wall, make sure to go in front of it, and not behind it. You'll never see the fish tape if you go behind the insulation.

 

[Buddybot111]

I can put it in a corner I'm just worried about how close it will be to my nearest computer(it will be in the 4 foot range). Also can all that fishtape and whatever the other thing was u said be bought at a local hardware store? Thanks for the fast reply!

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

I can put it in a corner I'm just worried about how close it will be to my nearest computer(it will be in the 4 foot range). Also can all that fishtape and whatever the other thing was u said be bought at a local hardware store? Thanks for the fast reply!

You don't need a sub close to you for maximum bass. But try it in both positions and see which you prefer.

Yes, fishtapes and stud finders can be found in any hardware store.

 

[Buddybot111]

No, no thats not what I ment. I ment its close to my computer and it's magnet could easily distort the hardrive and other hardware inside my computer. I'm not sure how close it has to be to do this, but I don't want to take the risk unless I know its a safe distance.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

No, no thats not what I ment. I ment its close to my computer and it's magnet could easily distort the hardrive and other hardware inside my computer. I'm not sure how close it has to be to do this, but I don't want to take the risk unless I know its a safe distance.

No doubt. The website doesn't say the sub is shielded, so you may want to call their 800# and find out. Better safe than sorry.

This site says shielded, but doesn't say if the sub is included. My pc sub is 18" from my hard drive and 2' from my monitor, and I've never had an issue. But it's not a huge 10" HT type sub, either.

http://www.atomicmpc.com.au/article.asp?SCID=15&CIID=22626