Logitech Z-5300e Question

[rohizz]

Hey guys, I was thinking about purchasing the Logitech Z-5300e 5.1 system...for those who have them, does using the Game Console Adapter utilize all 6 pieces of the system, or does it turn it into a 2.1 system with just 2 satellites and the sub? I want to use the speakers for my 360, tv, and laptop (I have a headphone>red/white adapter). Thanks in advance!

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Those would just get you "surround stereo".

If you want to get a computer speaker system, this one would work a lot better for what you're planning.
http://accessories.us.dell.com...dhs&cs=19&sku=A0405790
(z-5500 $220 free shipping last I checked)

Alternatively, a HTIB set might be better suited for what you need.

Computer speaker sets are generally geared toward having a multichannel analog input on them. The sources you're talking about don't have that, so you'd want to have digital inputs as well as some stereo analog ones. The z-5500s or a HTIB set would take care of that.

 

[rohizz]

Well, I know the Z-5500 are much better, but I don't think I can shell out the extra $100. I'm very limited money-wise and the Z-5300e look like they can give me sort of what I want for a good price. For $130-ish, are the Z5300e's at least good enough? or am I better off getting something else?

also, what exactly is Surround Stereo?

 

[montypythizzle]

Surround Stereo=Stereo split into 6 channels.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: rohizz
Well, I know the Z-5500 are much better, but I don't think I can shell out the extra $100. I'm very limited money-wise and the Z-5300e look like they can give me sort of what I want for a good price. For $130-ish, are the Z5300e's at least good enough? or am I better off getting something else?

also, what exactly is Surround Stereo?

All your sources would basically be outputting stereo (just front right / front left).

Sometimes (like with music), it would tend to be a good idea to just have those play back on the front two speakers and sub without surround stereo or other processing.

The game adapter would take those two channels and split them up.

Front Right signal would be played on the Front Right and Surround Right speakers.
Front Left signal would be played on the Front Left and Surround Left speakers.
The Center speaker would get a mix of Front Right and Front Left signals.

You'd also have to unplug things and connect things up when you wanted to switch sources.



With the z-5500 or HTIB set, you'd be in a similar situation with the laptop and the TV (unless you have a cable box or TV with digital audio output). You'd just have the two channels of sound info so those could be played back on the front two speakers, through surround stereo, or with something a little more advanced, a Prologic II surround processing mode.

For digital sources like the 360, you'd be able to get true surround sound. You'd have signals for each of the speakers and sub to give you true surround (things behind you would play out the surround speakers, etc.)

This would be a lot better for the 360 and for watching movies.

 

[Quasmo]

I am using the Z-680s (Z-5500's older brother) and I love hearing the digital sound of the 360 in surround. It is awesome.