Need help picking between systems for a computer setup.

[AngelusNexx]

Hi guys. I am currently going through college and living at home in a room thats only 13X11. I recently picked up a corner desk that pretty much takes up two of my walls completely, with me sitting in the corner in the middle. I am looking at the following surrounds and was hoping to get some input. I am using them for mostly music and gaming. I have a Sony xbr960 so i dont think I will be watching too many movies at the computer.

Logitech Z-5500 - I can get these for $200. Cheapest option.
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/US/EN,CRID=2177,CONTENTID=9486


Polk RM20 - I can get these for $450 + $300 for HK avr335

http://www.polkaudio.com/home/products.php?category=1&speaker=400

Is there anything else from polk, infinity, hk that you guys would recommend? I want to stay with these brands because I am getting a retailer 60% discount.

Would I be better off getting the crappy logitech and saving the extra money for a nicer Infinity/Polk system to go with my xbr960? I heard that sound from sound cards/computers kinda suck anyway?

Thanks.

 

[Monkey Me]

Maybe Infinity or Harman Kardan.

 

[AngelusNexx]

What an informative post. Thanks for that great input.

 

[Mega2000]

I have the Logitech z680s (the predecessor to the 5500) and it is an awesome system for the price, especially for a smaller room. The great thing is that you don't need a receiver because they come with a little control box that has a optical, digital coax, the 3 11/8" computer inputs and a 1/8" stereo input. It has a DTS decoder, just in case you want to watch movies. It is the best system you can get for a computer for games.

for what you need the 5500 is more than enough. I would even think about getting the z680 for cheaper online, I have seen it on eBay for $120ish. It just has a smaller sub than the 5500 but the 5500 has attached speaker wire and the z680s will accept banana clips (which is nice) so you can use your own speaker wire and make it any length you want.

I used the 680s in a pretty big room while i didnt have a a surround systems. now that i got a yamaha 2500 and an OK set of yamaha fronts and center, I moved the logitch system to my room and use it for movies before i go to bed.


that being said, it is hard to pass up the deal you are getting on those polks.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Zach,

That's a huge discount. The processors are pretty darn good now in the better sound cards, but you can end up paying as much as a mid priced receiver for one. I was just watching Toy Story II with THX on my 20" LCD running through my PowerSpec computer and Labtec flat panel speakers and a 5" sub. It doesn't compare to my Denon 3805 and Polk RTi10's/7.1 setup, but it's killer in the bedroom. When shopping for the smaller speaker setups, pay close attention to the tweeters. You'll notice the Altec Lansing and Klipsch have the best highs. The Polks will blow away the Logitech and Labtech speakers for highs, thus the reason they are more. I'd spend the extra cash and get the Polks. I think you'll be happier in the long run. It's only money, and you'll make plenty of that in your lifetime. Plus, with that discount, buy the best system you can. If you don't like it, you can always make a pretty penny on ebay!

 

[AngelusNexx]

Hey thanks guys. Im horrible with making decisions so im gonna sleep on it a few days. I am leaning towards the polk but I am just afraid it wont sound right in such a small area. I hate being restricted to desktop sapce but floor standing is not gonna work well for a computer setup.

It kills me to be so young and not have a house! You better believe I would be getting a pair of Polk Rti12 and a hk 2005 right about now. I just wish we carried B&W and brands that are just a little more elite.

Thanks again.