Best System To Replace My Z-5500'?

[quickasult]

I bought a z-5500 system 3 years ago, and after going through the control pod failing, getting it to work without the control pod, then now having the fuse permanently blowing every time I try and replace it, I think it's about time to get a new system.

My question is, is there any way I can get a system of similar audio quality to the z-5500 without paying its full price? My 5 satellite speakers should still work fine, so all I would need is a new sub and a receiver for it all.

I was thinking maybe: http://www.qvusa.com/product_info.php?products_id=5158

and:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002KVQBA?m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=at055-20&ref=dynamitedata.com

Or is it better for me to just fully replace the system? Maybe get a new z-5500 or the Classic 5.1 system?

Thoughts?

 

[Aikouka]

Those should work fine given they use the clamp system, which the Z5500 also uses (I have a Z5450 myself... that's the one with wireless rear speakers). The AVR you chose doesn't have HDMI, but I assume you knew that as you plan on using it with a PC anyway.

EDIT:

Although I'm curious.. the default speaker wires for my Z5450 are very thin... I'm assuming that they're probably 28AWG or close to that. Will those hold up under the wattage that the Denon is listed as able to provide?

 

[quickasult]

Well I know that the speaker wires for the z-5500 are 18 AWG, but the satellites are rated for 62 watts and 8 Ohms and the Denon outputs 85 watts per channel x 7 (into 8 ohms at 20 to 20,000 Hz). Do you think this extra power would be a problem?

Also, does anyone have any experience with this receiver / sub? Do you think it would provide similar audio quality to the z-5500?

Thanks!

 

[kornphlake]

If you're intelligent you won't have any problem with an amp that has a higher rating than your speakers. You'll hear your speakers straining as they approach their limits, just back off the volume knob a bit and you'll be fine. The receiver may have it's output power over stated too, running 5 channels you probably won't get 85 watts per channel from the receiver.

I'm not at all certain, but I have a suspicion that the Logitech amp has some EQ built in, I wouldn't be surprised if the speakers didn't sound sound as good with a third party receiver. You should be able to tune the system a bit with a software EQ, but out of the box your results may be disappointing.

 

[jdjbuffalo]

Something similar happened with Klipsch Promedia 5.1 system. I ended up replacing the sub/controller with a 10" better sub and Yamaha RX-V363BL receiver. I kept the 5 satellite speakers. My system sounds a lot better now and it should last for several more years to come.

If you want to see what I went through and how I made my decision then look at this thread: http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2041794