Logitech Z-5500 - Anyone have/used these speakers?

[Necrosaro420]

My sub just blanked out this morning while streaming some radio, and now they all sound like crap. I may purchase the Logictech Z-5500 ( SPECS )

Anyone have any experience with these? How are they for gaming and louder sounds? Thanks!

 

[nbowman]

I have a set of them: they are plenty loud enough to piss off my neighbors and still sound good if I turn em up (I live in a townhome) and they aren't set up directly against the wall :v the multiple inputs are nice if you have a console and PC that you wanna hook up. good speakers, recd if you don't wanna buy a full system.

 

[CKent]

I think they have digital input, which is nice. But they have one-way satellites, typical Logitech build quality (bad) and I've heard the sub is boomy and sloppy. Personally I'd try to find used Klipsch on ebay or CL.

 

[chorb]

I have them, the satellites are decent for 1 way; sub is boomy with no option to change the cross over freq. They get loud if you want them to.

 

[sswingle]

I use them for the tv computer and movies. Analog, optical, and digital input. DD and DTS decoding. I like them. Get plenty loud and still sound great. Subwoofer is a huge mofo, make sure you have room for it. Everyone who comes over to watch a movie is impressed with the sound, so I guess that says something.

 

[yhelothar]

if all you care is about loudness, and possibly gaming positional audio... these definitely fit the bill.
if you care about musical quality, there are a few other great options i would explore.

 

[Necrosaro420]

I found these...how do they compare to the z-5500? These on Ebay Klipsch I will be using for gaming mainly



EDIT: I looked around, and these were made in 2003, so not sure how they wouldc ompare to things today ?? Also, do they still even make Klipsch? Seems like I couldnt find any 5.1 except for on ebay, and places like newegg, bestbuy, compusa only sell klipsch in 2.1? Thanks!

 

[yhelothar]

the klipsch 5.1 ultra used to sell for $100 more than the Z-5500 before it was discontinued, so they're a notch higher in quality.
but both sets would be pretty dang close for your gaming audio experience.

 

[Absolution75]

if your looking for a solid gaming experience for a decent price, the logitech z-5500s will do you just fine. music sounds pretty good too.


if your an music audiophile, then you may want to step it up if you can afford it.

I'm happy with em.

 

[acegazda]

Originally posted by: astroidea
if all you care is about loudness, and possibly gaming positional audio... these definitely fit the bill.
if you care about musical quality, there are a few other great options i would explore.

such as?

 

[semisonic9]

I'm not wild about the z-5500s, myself. A lot of guys on the Hardforums recommend against them. When i went into Bestbuy today, looking at monitors, I saw the z5500s on display and demo'd them for a bit. They were pretty unimpressive, imo, and I'm hardly an audiophile.

For $200, I'd put together a nice 2.1 desktop system or buy some powered speakers. If you need to get out cheaper, or you're concerned about positional audio, then that's a different story. When I game, I'm usually using headphones + mic, so positional audio isn't that important to me in a desktop. I think setting up "surround sound" for a computer is pretty silly anyways.

Check the Hardforums audio section here (http://www.hardforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=33) for threads on this subject. It's a good place to do your research. You can also google "headfi" for another good forum, if you're looking for more places to read up.

Off-hand, I'd look at the Audioengine A2s or even A5s. Swan M10s are a great choice, but are not currently being sold. There are rumors they're bringing them back. Might look around for some used. They're sexy little speakers for the money.

-S

 

[TidusZ]

I've used the Z5500's for about a year now, they're a very good deal, particularly if you get them cheap as the price fluctuates wildly. At this kind of pricepoint you can't do better as it has its own proprietary receiver and 5.1 sound.

The sound quality is very good for almost anyone, you certainly aren't going to turn them up and say "these sound bad." Mind you, I also have two bookshelf speakers from the 70's (would have to ask parents exactly what they are) that several audiophiles have gone crazy about (one repairman offered $1000 on the spot) and they definitely sound better than the z5500's, but its not something your really going to notice unless you got the two setups side by side, because nitpickyness aside the Z5500's sound good, go loud, and still sound good.

Edit: and dont worry if the speakers were made in 2003, older speakers for whatever reason seem to be some of the best anyways. The Z5500's have been around for a while, likely since 2003ish.

 

[Stiganator]

I have the Z-680s and I'm quite happy with them. I'd assume these are similar.

 

[Waylay00]

Originally posted by: TidusZ
I've used the Z5500's for about a year now, they're a very good deal, particularly if you get them cheap as the price fluctuates wildly. At this kind of pricepoint you can't do better as it has its own proprietary receiver and 5.1 sound.

The sound quality is very good for almost anyone, you certainly aren't going to turn them up and say "these sound bad." Mind you, I also have two bookshelf speakers from the 70's (would have to ask parents exactly what they are) that several audiophiles have gone crazy about (one repairman offered $1000 on the spot) and they definitely sound better than the z5500's, but its not something your really going to notice unless you got the two setups side by side, because nitpickyness aside the Z5500's sound good, go loud, and still sound good.

Edit: and dont worry if the speakers were made in 2003, older speakers for whatever reason seem to be some of the best anyways. The Z5500's have been around for a while, likely since 2003ish.

Agreed. People can get a little anal about this sometimes, and I consider myself a pretty discerning listener. For the money, they aren't bad at all.

 

[yhelothar]

Originally posted by: acegazda

Originally posted by: astroidea
if all you care is about loudness, and possibly gaming positional audio... these definitely fit the bill.
if you care about musical quality, there are a few other great options i would explore.

such as?

BTW, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying these speakers are anywhere bad for music. In fact, you might even prefer them compared to other speakers for music. But in terms of accuracy and natural sound response, there are many options in this price range for that. The klipsch is one example.
However, these speakers are made to sound very loud and powerful, and give you an impression of a very powerful sound. This is ideal for gaming and movies, and many genres of music.

 

[soccerballtux]

Originally posted by: astroidea

Originally posted by: acegazda

Originally posted by: astroidea
if all you care is about loudness, and possibly gaming positional audio... these definitely fit the bill.
if you care about musical quality, there are a few other great options i would explore.

such as?

BTW, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying these speakers are anywhere bad for music. In fact, you might even prefer them compared to other speakers for music. But in terms of accuracy and natural sound response, there are many options in this price range for that. The klipsch is one example.
However, these speakers are made to sound very loud and powerful, and give you an impression of a very powerful sound. This is ideal for gaming and movies, and many genres of music.

But they are bad for music. They're good for Rap, tons of bass. If you equalize them (they're weak in the upper range) they turn out ok. But the sats have terrible kick. The kick of a drum sounds like a pop, not a beat. So, they're horrible for Rock, and ok for Trance & Progressive. The z5500's ARE perfect for a gaming, movie 5.1 experience, though. Just not music.

I would definitely get the Klipsch 5.1's over these, or get the control unit and sub of the z5500's, and get your own sats for them (match impedance of course). But at that price you could just get something better.

 

[soccerballtux]

Originally posted by: Stiganator
I have the Z-680s and I'm quite happy with them. I'd assume these are similar.

Exact same system practically, but they changed the sub from an 8" woofer to 10" (but didn't increase the power). Your system sounds better than the z5500.

 

[seanp789]

I had the z5500s. I have since moved to home theater equipment for better(expensive) sound but the z5500 were an exceptional value. Heavy on the bass, easy to setup, very nice control center. Definitely on the upper end of PC speakers. I would pick them again if I had to start over. The only sets i've seen that might be comparable are the Klipsch

 

[TidusZ]

I think the consensus here is that if you're considering speakers at this price range in the first place, you probably aren't the sort of person who needs to leave the room when watching a 42" 720p lcd or ask for their money back at the theater because the audio was too boomy, too tinny, too poppy, too (add word here). For anyone else, and that is 99.9% of us, the Z5500's are really gonna do the job for you. If you have a lot of cash and you want to make an amazing audio setup for shits and giggles then go for it - you'll notice the difference, but after a day you'll probably wish you had of spent the money on some caviar or something.

On a sidenote, the Klipsch may very well be just as good or better for a similar price, I don't believe it will make a whole lot of difference though, and I'm quite certain they don't make the 5.1 klipsch new so you'll have to try used.

 

[Necrosaro420]

Originally posted by: soccerballtux

Originally posted by: astroidea

Originally posted by: acegazda

Originally posted by: astroidea
if all you care is about loudness, and possibly gaming positional audio... these definitely fit the bill.
if you care about musical quality, there are a few other great options i would explore.

such as?

BTW, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying these speakers are anywhere bad for music. In fact, you might even prefer them compared to other speakers for music. But in terms of accuracy and natural sound response, there are many options in this price range for that. The klipsch is one example.
However, these speakers are made to sound very loud and powerful, and give you an impression of a very powerful sound. This is ideal for gaming and movies, and many genres of music.

But they are bad for music. They're good for Rap, tons of bass. If you equalize them (they're weak in the upper range) they turn out ok. But the sats have terrible kick. The kick of a drum sounds like a pop, not a beat. So, they're horrible for Rock, and ok for Trance & Progressive. The z5500's ARE perfect for a gaming, movie 5.1 experience, though. Just not music.

I would definitely get the Klipsch 5.1's over these, or get the control unit and sub of the z5500's, and get your own sats for them (match impedance of course). But at that price you could just get something better.

Thats good to hear. As thats the main reason I started this thread, because all I do is game =) I could care less about how music sounds honestly.

 

[CKent]

Originally posted by: TidusZ
I've used the Z5500's for about a year now, they're a very good deal, particularly if you get them cheap as the price fluctuates wildly. At this kind of pricepoint you can't do better as it has its own proprietary receiver and 5.1 sound.

The sound quality is very good for almost anyone, you certainly aren't going to turn them up and say "these sound bad." Mind you, I also have two bookshelf speakers from the 70's (would have to ask parents exactly what they are) that several audiophiles have gone crazy about (one repairman offered $1000 on the spot) and they definitely sound better than the z5500's, but its not something your really going to notice unless you got the two setups side by side, because nitpickyness aside the Z5500's sound good, go loud, and still sound good.

Edit: and dont worry if the speakers were made in 2003, older speakers for whatever reason seem to be some of the best anyways. The Z5500's have been around for a while, likely since 2003ish.

It's very easy to adapt to something bad; we just use what we know to set the standard. That goes for just about anything you can think of. People who've never heard anything better than iBuds often think they sound great. They're still missing out, but ignorance is bliss.

 

[TidusZ]

I agree that people can become used to a poor product and it becomes acceptable to them, but I'd like to point out that I listen to music upstairs on speakers/receiver that most audiophiles would have to change their underpants for if they ever had them. I understand theres a difference, I can hear it in person. However, I don't think the difference is worth the money difference. I'm one of those typical middle to upper middle class citizens. I don't have ruby slippers, and I do have a crown but I rarely wear it. If audio is one of your top 3 hobbys than go for the better speakers, but imo doing so is like spending 6 hours and 15 dollars to sand your second computer's processor down to a mirror finish. Ya, I did that last week, but I'm not gonna tell my buddy to go buy some sandpaper and cancel his plans. Some people are crazy with computers, others with audio, others with cars. If he's not crazy about it but he's certainly interested and knowledgeable about it, he's gonna get by fine on the z5500 and it will be the right choice.

Edit: King Epeen

 

[CKent]

Originally posted by: TidusZ
I agree that people can become used to a poor product and it becomes acceptable to them, but I'd like to point out that I listen to music upstairs on speakers/receiver that most audiophiles would have to change their underpants for if they ever had them. I understand theres a difference, I can hear it in person. However, I don't think the difference is worth the money difference. I'm one of those typical middle to upper middle class citizens. I don't have ruby slippers, and I do have a crown but I rarely wear it. If audio is one of your top 3 hobbys than go for the better speakers, but imo doing so is like spending 6 hours and 15 dollars to sand your second computer's processor down to a mirror finish. Ya, I did that last week, but I'm not gonna tell my buddy to go buy some sandpaper and cancel his plans. Some people are crazy with computers, others with audio, others with cars. If he's not crazy about it but he's certainly interested and knowledgeable about it, he's gonna get by fine on the z5500 and it will be the right choice.

We're really not talking about saving money, many better options cost as much as or less than the Logitechs. The real hobbyist can always make his audio dollar go farther with headphones.

There's another thing I haven't brought up; Logitech's build quality has really gone down in the past few years. Their customer service quality has gone up, suggesting to me it's an intentional move, probably done at the recommendation of an efficiency expert. When it's something cheap like a mouse they might cover return shipping for you or even ship you a new one no questions asked, but speakers are more expensive, meaning they're unlikely to do either. Speakers are also bigger and heavier, so more expensive to ship to them for repair / replacement. And when the warranty runs out...

 

[Sacrilege]

Are there any HTIB systems in the Z-5500 price range that jump out as a good alternative?

My understanding is that you need a receiver with analog 5.1 channel input to get 5.1 gaming audio. If you use digital output from a computer sound card it will revert to 2.1?

I was eyeing a set of speakers such as this:

Newegg Link

And was thinking of pairing them with an old Sony 5.1 receiver I have setting around. The receiver has 5.1 channel analog input for DVD or AC-3 sources and I think it would fit the bill. My only question is how to wire the speakers. The Polk system has speaker input and output connections on the back of the sub (for front channel only?), and a reviewer on Newegg says receiver --> sub --> satellites is the recommended setup so the sub can handle crossover. So the rear and center channels connect directly to the receiver, and the sub connects with the "Line In L/R"? I would need a single RCA to L/R Y cable to connect it to my receiver.

Also, a quick Google search found some Klipsch ProMedia 5.1s for sale:

http://www.tamayatech.com/parts.php?i=090558071213
http://www.partstore.com/Part/...3869001.aspx?s=froogle
http://www.partstore.com/Part/...0694527.aspx?s=froogle
http://www.tamayatech.com/parts.php?i=DHPROMEDIAULTRA51
http://www.partstore.com/Part/...0694527.aspx?s=froogle'

Would you trust any of these?

 

[CoinOperatedBoy]

For my purposes, I demo'd the Z-5500s and couldn't stand them, but my goal was a nice, affordable setup for music. The Logitechs have horrible build quality, I have to say. As has been emphasized, they push loudness and ridiculously unnatural bass, in line with how most top 40 is mastered these days, and detail is poor. I did not, however, examine how the set sounded for gaming or movies. I'm firmly in the 2.1 camp for desktop audio, but surround is important for reproducing that theater effect. I'd be more inclined to slap my own 5.1 setup together from some Swans or even Insignias.

If you're wondering, I ended up sticking with headphones for my own system.

And Sacrilege, some cards are able to do 5.1 over a digital connection, but it has to be encoded into Dolby Digital Live or DTS Connect. Asus and Auzentech come to mind as having some offerings that can do this.