Best PC 5.1 speaker set: Logitech Z-680's or the Klipsh ProMedia Ultra 5.1?

pg22

Platinum Member
Feb 9, 2000
2,644
0
76
Hey guys,

I'm about to unload my Logitech z-560's and buy either the Logitech Z-680 or the Klipsch ProMedia ultra 5.1 speaker set. The Klipsch are a bit more expensive, so there needs to be a really good reason for me to purchase that system over the Logitech's. What do you guys think?

Thanks!
 

butch84

Golden Member
Jan 26, 2001
1,202
0
76
back in the day i heard the z-680s had a problem with hissing in the center channel, dont know if it has been resolved since then or not .....
 

newb54

Senior member
Dec 25, 2003
216
0
0
Quality wise there is no comparison between Z-680s and Klipsch, Klipsch wins hands down. However Klipsch are a little over priced in my opinion.
 

Nebor

Lifer
Jun 24, 2003
29,582
12
76
I myself never considered Logitech for speakers. Nor did I consider NEC for my mouse, or Klipsch for my keyboard, if you get my drift.

Between the Klipsch 5.1 Ultras and the Gigaworks, I chose the Gigaworks. I'm happy with my decision. The subwoofer is a monster though, and has to be turned WAY down for music to sound ok (to me.) Although the Gigaworks are even more expensive than the Klipsch.
 

Ronin

Diamond Member
Mar 3, 2001
4,563
1
0
server.counter-strike.net
Originally posted by: Nebor
I myself never considered Logitech for speakers. Nor did I consider NEC for my mouse, or Klipsch for my keyboard, if you get my drift.

Between the Klipsch 5.1 Ultras and the Gigaworks, I chose the Gigaworks. I'm happy with my decision. The subwoofer is a monster though, and has to be turned WAY down for music to sound ok (to me.) Although the Gigaworks are even more expensive than the Klipsch.

I've got a set of the S750's, and I love em. 7.1 THX Certified 700W sound, and they're crisp and clean, and you can get them for under $400. If you want to buy the best 7.1's out there, these are the ones I'd go with. The Megaworks 6.1's aren't a bad buy, either.
 

Nebor

Lifer
Jun 24, 2003
29,582
12
76
You got your gigaworks for less than $400? Jeez, I got screwed....
 

Ronin

Diamond Member
Mar 3, 2001
4,563
1
0
server.counter-strike.net
Actually, you probably didn't. I have contacts all over, and when I actually have to buy something, I make sure that I get the best deal I possibly can for the money, that's all. When the S750's first came out, they showed retail at $499. That was about 3 months ago. The price has dropped a bit since, though.
 

Nebor

Lifer
Jun 24, 2003
29,582
12
76
I didn't look at your name. Heh, I know you, the guy with a lamborghini's worth of computer hardware. :p
 
May 2, 2003
187
0
0
" I'm about to unload my Logitech z-560's and buy either the Logitech Z-680 or the Klipsch ProMedia ultra 5.1 speaker set. The Klipsch are a bit more expensive, so there needs to be a really good reason for me to purchase that system over the Logitech's. What do you guys think?"

umm why, honestly your not going to hear a difference between the 560's and the 680's. UNLESS UNLESS you have your speakers set up in a pretty big room (where a DISCREET center channel is needed) you really dont need to upgrade to 4.1. The 560 and 680 have the exact same subwoofer and satellites.

When I was finally going to upgrade from my 2.1 system I did a bit of research, and honesly its not woth paying 100 more for the 680's just for one more speaker. If you have a 5.1 capable soundcard then you really dont need the 680's external processing power.


IF You still have a need to upgrade ( ie your serious about your music) then go for the New gigaworks speakers, they have a really crisp sound that cant be beat ( but helllla expensive)
 

Tab

Lifer
Sep 15, 2002
12,145
0
76
Originally posted by: ndee
computer speakers just suck. Get some real speakers.

Yea, I'd bet they'd like to spend $500+ :p


I've got a set of the S750's, and I love em. 7.1 THX certified 700W sound....

Wow, your speakers are THX certified!
rolleye.gif


I'd personally go with the Logitechs, you get a decoder. The older models caused the nosie, but those arent in production anymore :)
 

ndee

Lifer
Jul 18, 2000
12,680
1
0
Originally posted by: Tabb
Originally posted by: ndee
computer speakers just suck. Get some real speakers.

Yea, I'd bet they'd like to spend $500+ :p


I've got a set of the S750's, and I love em. 7.1 THX certified 700W sound....

Wow, your speakers are THX certified!
rolleye.gif


I'd personally go with the Logitechs, you get a decoder. The older models caused the nosie, but those arent in production anymore :)

I would go as far and say that I'd rather have an awesome(big ol' speakers, those real big ones) 2.1 system then that 7.1 crap with those tiny satelittes.
 

eviltoon

Senior member
Jun 22, 2001
336
0
0
I've got give my vote to what I purchased last summer the Creative MegaWorks THX 5.1 550. Pricewise they are smack in the middle of the two of your choices. I am extrememly happy with them, no known issues at all. Coupled with the Audigy 2 soundcard, it's an amazing experience. Movies, music, games...wow!
 

Pariah

Elite Member
Apr 16, 2000
7,357
20
81
The Megaworks are much cheaper than both the above options. The Gigaworks have replaced the Megaworks as the highend line from Creative and fall in between the above two sets in price. However the Gigaworks don't come standard with an external decoder, which shouldn't really matter for computer speakers. When buying speakers, I'd rather all the money go to the speakers, then have some of it go to a 2nd rate decoder that may or may not be useful. If you need one down the line, a quality one can be added.

For $350 you are not going to get an awesome(big ol' speakers, those real big ones) 2.1 system plus receiver. Not even close unless you stumble upon a once in a lifetime deal for used ones on ebay.
 

runzwithsizorz

Diamond Member
Jan 24, 2002
3,497
14
76
I cannot take anything away from the quality of Klipsh, BUT for me I bought a 600watt dolby digital,thx,dts,decoding reciever WITH speakers for $249.00 it is connected to the computer with digital in and out,as well as the tv,cassette,
dvd,and turntable,with room to plug in even more, i.e. voice recorder,phone,mp3,etc. There is the convenience of many
surround modes at your fingertips;(how ya gonna change modes in the middle of a game?)then there is mute,headphone jack,and gasp! am,fm.------BTW did I mention $249.00
Runz; out
 

erikistired

Diamond Member
Sep 27, 2000
9,739
0
0
i've used the klipsch promedia 2.1s and the logitech z2200 speakers, obviously both 2.1s but the same speakers in a lesser configuration. i'd say the klipsch have better sound quality hands down, but the logitech are obviously cheaper. i'm running the z2200s now simply because of cost (and i'm still kicking myself for selling my promedias). this ~should~ translate into each 5.1 setup, altho ymmv.

anyway, go with the klipsch if the best sound is worth the cost.
 

Nebor

Lifer
Jun 24, 2003
29,582
12
76
You'd think in the age of 3.4ghz p4s, people wouldn't think, "Hey the bigger ones must be better!"

Some of the most expensive speakers you can buy are very small little cubes, but they put out great sound.

As a gigaworks owner, I'd rate them average at best. They just aren't that powerful to me.
 

RGN

Diamond Member
Feb 24, 2000
6,623
6
81
I've had my fair share of Logitech speakers, and still own each set. (340, 540, 560, 640, and 680)

I've had the 680's for just over a year and I still have my old 560 set. The 680's are not near as powerful as the 560's, but the over all sound quality is better especially when loud. :D The 560's suffer because of the super bass subwoofer, but I have no other complaints.

With the 680's, though the list is long. Honestly, even though I love the 680's I wouldn't have replaced the 560's with them had I known that they were less powerfull. If you sit close (1.5 feet) to your speakers, you will hear the hiss. Logitech's response was that the speakers were designed to be 2-3 feet from the listener. The controller is digital instead of analog, and it is picky. Sometimes when you turn the knob quick, it doesn't do much. With speakers like these, quick volume adjustments are a big deal. It does have multiple inputs, which is nice. I use one for my other computer and xbox. The remote is mostly useless, the range sucks and it has to be pointed almost right at the controller. The headphone jack didn't last long, and I never got a chance to get it replaced under warranty.

If you have the cash, get the Klipsch. If not, keep the 560's.

 

RemisGodly

Member
Aug 26, 2002
105
0
0
Klipsh cannot be compared with Logitech speakers. I've had the experience to try out each and although Logitech makes good bargain speakers, if you are looking for something nice buy the Klipsh. It will definitely be worth the money.
 

NYHoustonman

Platinum Member
Dec 8, 2002
2,642
0
0
Originally posted by: RemisGodly
Klipsh cannot be compared with Logitech speakers. I've had the experience to try out each and although Logitech makes good bargain speakers, if you are looking for something nice buy the Klipsh. It will definitely be worth the money.

Actually, the Z-560's and Klpisch 4.1's HAVE been compared many times, and more often than not reviewers have said that the Z-560's sound at least as good as the Klipschs. Honestly, I think the Klipschs get a little edge with many people because of their name.

Yes, I love my Z-560's :).
 

Tab

Lifer
Sep 15, 2002
12,145
0
76
Originally posted by: Nebor
You'd think in the age of 3.4ghz p4s, people wouldn't think, "Hey the bigger ones must be better!"

Some of the most expensive speakers you can buy are very small little cubes, but they put out great sound.

As a gigaworks owner, I'd rate them average at best. They just aren't that powerful to me.

Mmmm, Boston Acoustics....