Good 5.1 speakers

[Gautama2]

Whats some good 5.1 speaker setups, best bang for buck and also high-end solution. budget for bang for buck is 150$-250$ish, highend doesnt matter.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Logitech z-5300s are right above the $100 mark usually.
You're almost in z-5500 range with that budget.

I'm confused about your meaning for highend.

You want to know some highend solutions but highend doesn't matter?

 

[Gautama2]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
Logitech z-5300s are right above the $100 mark usually.
You're almost in z-5500 range with that budget.

I'm confused about your meaning for highend.

You want to know some highend solutions but highend doesn't matter?

I want to know the high end solutions to decide if i should spring for them.

I might try to find some used z5500's. I was looking at the z5500s before, but was wondering if there was anything else that was good. And whats the diffrence between the 5300s and 5500s?

 

[Gautama2]

THESE http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?p=SP-Z54...fdea87075e35f11a35bef08ea429ab689c1aef look nice. Wireless rears to boot!

Random 5.1 question, where is the horizontally oriented speaker supposed to go?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Gautama2
THESE http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?p=SP-Z54...fdea87075e35f11a35bef08ea429ab689c1aef look nice. Wireless rears to boot!

Random 5.1 question, where is the horizontally oriented speaker supposed to go?

Those are pretty much like z-5300s with some more inputs and rear speakers that need to be plugged into outlets rather than have speaker wire run to them.

If you really want those,
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=40&threadid=1968659&enterthread=y

The horizontal speaker is the center channel. That does right in front of you.

For a more "highend" solution, the Klipsch Promedias would be another consideration.

Next step up in budget you get into HTIB range.

Then you can get into real speakers + sub + receiver

Then the fun starts

 

[Thetech]

Originally posted by: Gautama2
THESE http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?p=SP-Z54...fdea87075e35f11a35bef08ea429ab689c1aef look nice. Wireless rears to boot!

Random 5.1 question, where is the horizontally oriented speaker supposed to go?

The speaker your talking about is the center channel, you place that in front of you(on top of your monitor or in front if it's shielded, which I can make a good guess and say it is.)

When watching dvd's you hear dialog from the center channel, and also for gameing etc, it ties the sound together. I have a 4.1 Logitech speaker set that I've been using for about 3 years (I can't remember the model # ATM) .

Edit: I don't know about a Home Theater in a box setup, the speakers can be pretty "cheap" if you go that route I'd advise you to just get a speaker set(no dvd player included) Why? because say a HTIAB cost 300 and includes a DVD player, get one that cost around the same but doesn't included a DVD player and you'll know all of your money is going toward the speakers. Oh and avoid buying anything Bose makes, also avoid Monster Cables.

 

[Gautama2]

Is their any sound difference between 5300s, 5450s, and 5500s?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Gautama2
Is their any sound difference between 5300s, 5450s, and 5500s?

yes

 

[Gautama2]

So im assuming 5300>5450>or equal to 5500?

Is their enough of a audible difference to justify the extra $100 for the 5450s or 5500s over the 5300s in your opinion?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

I have not used these sets for more than a short period of time. I've used some of the older models for extended periods of time, but I can't give you anything very specific about what differences you would hear.

The z-5300s and z-5450s should be similar in quality. There may be issues with the wireless rear speakers though.

The z-5500s would be the next step up.

 

[John]

The next question that you should ask yourself is if you really need 5.1 What kind of source are you using?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Thetech

Edit: I don't know about a Home Theater in a box setup, the speakers can be pretty "cheap" if you go that route I'd advise you to just get a speaker set(no dvd player included) Why? because say a HTIAB cost 300 and includes a DVD player, get one that cost around the same but doesn't included a DVD player and you'll know all of your money is going toward the speakers. Oh and avoid buying anything Bose makes, also avoid Monster Cables.

Yeah, when I mentioned HTIB I ment something along the lines of an Onkyo set with 5.1 (or higher) direct input so as to hook up to a computer easily.

Gautama2, are you going to be able to set up these speakers so that the surrounds are to the side / behind you?

 

[SpeedZealot369]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
I have not used these sets for more than a short period of time. I've used some of the older models for extended periods of time, but I can't give you anything very specific about what differences you would hear.

The z-5300s and z-5450s should be similar in quality. There may be issues with the wireless rear speakers though.

The z-5500s would be the next step up.

Nah, the z-5500 and the z-5450 are similar in quality, except the latter has wireless rear speakers. Most people find this a plus, some report minor issues/interference with other wireless products.

the 5300e's don't even have digital input so that's a step down from the above mentioned speakers.

I would suggest avioding the 5300e's, I was dissapointed with them. Bass was to overpowering even when it was all the way turned down. I'm trying to get z-5500/5450 myself right now for the better quality/rms and digital input for my xbox 360.

 

[Gautama2]

Rears will be around 4-5 strides behind me. Source will most likely be a x-fi xtreme music.

Anyone know of the audible differences between these models?

And how widespread are the wireless intereference problems on the z5450s? I use linksys wireless 802.11g, do you think it would interfere?

Really want those wireless rears because if I had wired versions the wires would go right in front of my door, which I know would cause me to trip and fall multiple times.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: SpeedZealot369

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
I have not used these sets for more than a short period of time. I've used some of the older models for extended periods of time, but I can't give you anything very specific about what differences you would hear.

The z-5300s and z-5450s should be similar in quality. There may be issues with the wireless rear speakers though.

The z-5500s would be the next step up.

Nah, the z-5500 and the z-5450 are similar in quality, except the latter has wireless rear speakers. Most people find this a plus, some report minor issues/interference with other wireless products.

the 5300e's don't even have digital input so that's a step down from the above mentioned speakers.

I would suggest avioding the 5300e's, I was dissapointed with them. Bass was to overpowering even when it was all the way turned down. I'm trying to get z-5500/5450 myself right now for the better quality/rms and digital input for my xbox 360.

I meant in terms of the components used that actually produce the sound (drivers in the sats and sub), not the digital inputs and wireless capability.

The digital capability of these sets doesn't seem like a benefit to me unless you're hooking up something other than a computer to them (like the 360 in your case)

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=30&threadid=1940133&enterthread=y

 

[Gautama2]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: SpeedZealot369

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
I have not used these sets for more than a short period of time. I've used some of the older models for extended periods of time, but I can't give you anything very specific about what differences you would hear.

The z-5300s and z-5450s should be similar in quality. There may be issues with the wireless rear speakers though.

The z-5500s would be the next step up.

Nah, the z-5500 and the z-5450 are similar in quality, except the latter has wireless rear speakers. Most people find this a plus, some report minor issues/interference with other wireless products.

the 5300e's don't even have digital input so that's a step down from the above mentioned speakers.

I would suggest avioding the 5300e's, I was dissapointed with them. Bass was to overpowering even when it was all the way turned down. I'm trying to get z-5500/5450 myself right now for the better quality/rms and digital input for my xbox 360.

I meant in terms of the components used that actually produce the sound (drivers in the sats and sub), not the digital inputs and wireless capability.

The digital capability of these sets doesn't seem like a benefit to me unless you're hooking up something other than a computer to them (like the 360 in your case)

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=30&threadid=1940133&enterthread=y

Wait, so your saying I should with the 5300s then? I wish i could go somewhere and hear these in person....

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Gautama2

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: SpeedZealot369

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
I have not used these sets for more than a short period of time. I've used some of the older models for extended periods of time, but I can't give you anything very specific about what differences you would hear.

The z-5300s and z-5450s should be similar in quality. There may be issues with the wireless rear speakers though.

The z-5500s would be the next step up.

Nah, the z-5500 and the z-5450 are similar in quality, except the latter has wireless rear speakers. Most people find this a plus, some report minor issues/interference with other wireless products.

the 5300e's don't even have digital input so that's a step down from the above mentioned speakers.

I would suggest avioding the 5300e's, I was dissapointed with them. Bass was to overpowering even when it was all the way turned down. I'm trying to get z-5500/5450 myself right now for the better quality/rms and digital input for my xbox 360.

I meant in terms of the components used that actually produce the sound (drivers in the sats and sub), not the digital inputs and wireless capability.

The digital capability of these sets doesn't seem like a benefit to me unless you're hooking up something other than a computer to them (like the 360 in your case)

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=30&threadid=1940133&enterthread=y

Wait, so your saying I should with the 5300s then? I wish i could go somewhere and hear these in person....

I'm not telling you to get anything in particular, just saying that the actual components used for the 5450s have more in common with the 5300s than the 5500s.

With the current deal of ~$160 for the 5450s I have no problem with them as a set, but originally Logitech was selling them for more than the 5500s and people were buying them thinking they were superior in every way.

To me it seems like they took their 5300s, made a few tweaks, and then added digital connectivity and the "wireless" rear speakers.

As for hearing them in person - Places like Best Buy and Circuit City might have these out for you to try them.

 

[John]

My suggestion would be to purchase the Z-5450's from a place that doesn't charge a restock fee.

The Z-5450 uses a frequency-hopping 2.4GHz transmitter to wirelessly send audio to the surrounds, but this introduces hiss. Yes, it could cause issues with your 2.4GHz wireless network much like a 2.4GHz cordless phone or microwave. If you suspect problems try changing channels in your router config. In some cases you may not be able to use your 2.4GHz phone (if you have one) in the same room as the Z-5450's unless you turn off the speakers.

 

[Gautama2]

Originally posted by: John
My suggestion would be to purchase the Z-5450's from a place that doesn't charge a restock fee.

The Z-5450 uses a frequency-hopping 2.4GHz transmitter to wirelessly send audio to the surrounds, but this introduces hiss. Yes, it could cause issues with your 2.4GHz wireless network much like a 2.4GHz cordless phone or microwave. If you suspect problems try changing channels in your router config. In some cases you may not be able to use your 2.4GHz phone (if you have one) in the same room as the Z-5450's unless you turn off the speakers.

I saw somewhere that the z5450s used something to change its frequency to the cleanest one available to prevent intereference, and that it has good results with phones and networks generally.

 

[John]

Yea, I mentioned that it hops frequencies, but that doesn't exempt you from experiencing dropouts or other assorted problems. It's something that you should be concerned about, and that's why I also recommend that you purchase from a reputable vendor with a good return policy. In fact I'd recommend a local purchase to avoid shipping costs and a possible restock fee for non-defective equipment. Good luck :beer:

 

[Gautama2]

How long are the cord lengths for the rears on a z5500, just thought of an idea to route cables so that I wouldnt trip or see them.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Gautama2
How long are the cord lengths for the rears on a z5500, just thought of an idea to route cables so that I wouldnt trip or see them.

The new version uses speaker wire. If you need to get a long run, just buy some regular speaker wire.
https://www.cablesforless.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=475

 

[Gautama2]

Can you throw out a number so I can know wheter or not i need the wire?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Gautama2
Can you throw out a number so I can know wheter or not i need the wire?

I don't have the set so I don't know

 

[Gautama2]

I need roughly 30 ft, might be able to get by with 25.