Time for some new surround speakers!

[chilled]

Speakers last me much longer than any of my other components - my last speakers being 3 sets of 2.1 Labtec speakers to provide custom 5.1 sound and 75W RMS of power. I'm going to be using them with an Audigy 2...

My requirements:
5.1 is a must, anything more is not a major factor.
About 75W RMS or more...
Available in the UK!

I've found a few sets, please bear in mind prices must be for UK (unfortunately):

Creative Inspire T5900
£65
5.1 system: 8 Watts RMS per channel (4 channels), 20 Watts RMS center speaker, 24 Watts RMS subwoofer
Total power: 76W RMS
The front speakers are two-way and have tweeters so should be better than the Logitech Z-640 which retails for £45 here anyway (I hear logitech have new ones out soon to replace these). It's the newer range compared to the T5400 and the sub has a bit more power now.

Creative Inspire T7700
£70
7.1 System: 8 Watts RMS per channel (6 channels), 20 Watts RMS center speaker, 24 Watts RMS subwoofer
Total Power: 92W RMS
Tempted as its not much more than the T5900, but it is the older range now and I do not want to pay £83 for the newer T7900. Power is better than the T5900. The audigy 2 does 6.1 though since it's not a ZS so will need to upmix.

Logitech Z-5300
£117 (Not in stock)
5.1 system: Satellites: 2x 35.25 W front; 2x 35.25 W rear; 39 W centre, Subwoofer: 100 watts RMS
Total Power: 280W RMS
Nice power. I don't know if I'll use all of it in a fairly small room (let's say about 12 feet x 12 feet). THX certified! Like the heavy bass, but a bit of a chore to convince parents (even though I'm buying it with my money) since I sold my old ones for only £30...

The Z-5300 is also not in stock at my supplier (costs £150 elsewhere!) and I think it could be replaced by a newer model soon as it seems out of stock at Newegg in US as well. Does anyone have any ideas/opinions on this?

So guys what should I do? My head (and wallet) tells me to get the T7700's for value for money, but my heart tells me the Z-5300 is what I need...I'm speakerless at the moment so any help is greatly appreciated...

 

[Connoisseur]

Hey are Logitech Z-640's available in your area? They're damn cheap and they still have great power. I'd consider them a nice middle ground (more powerful that the t5900's but less so than the 5300's). If you're ONLY considering these three, you have to think how long you're going to keep them. If you're gonna live in your small room for a few more years then the Inspires should do you fine. if you think you're gonna be moving or your parents don't mind the big noise, then the 5300's the way to go. Either way, all these systems should sound fine at low to medium volumes. Only the 5300's should have a lot less distortion at the higher levels.

 

[UK Frost]

I have an Audigy 2 which is 6.1 and i use the 6700 Inspire in quite a large room and iam very happy with them.Look at this price-

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer...&product_uid=49368

Just for comparison of course.

 

[chilled]

Originally posted by: Connoisseur
Hey are Logitech Z-640's available in your area? They're damn cheap and they still have great power. I'd consider them a nice middle ground (more powerful that the t5900's but less so than the 5300's).

The Z-640's are shown to have only 51W RMS on Logitch's website.

Their replacement, the X-530 should have 70W RMS though, but I don't know if and when it'll get to the UK though!

Originally posted by: UK Frost
I have an Audigy 2 which is 6.1 and i use the 6700 Inspire in quite a large room and iam very happy with them.Look at this price-

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer...&product_uid=49368

Just for comparison of course.

Yeh, I saw those and was quite tempted TBH, but they don't have 2 way front speakers (hoping this makes a difference) but with 82W RMS power they seem to be a bargain for only £45! That's £25 less than the next-gen T7700....!

 

[phray]

i own the z5300's and i love them. they've got great sound for the price, and i've never read a bad review of them. in fact, two of my friends went out and bought some after they heard mine.

but i'm no where near the uk, so im no help there.

 

[chilled]

Yup, they seem to be a steal in the US ~$120, but in the UK they seem to be a hell of a lot more expensive ~ £120 and out of stock everywhere!

 

[UK Frost]

Have you thought about these two chilled...............

http://www.aria.co.uk/Products...amp;Page=2&SortBy=

ZXR550 and the ZXR750 The price is £62 and £69 respectively.

The output is around or above what you are looking for and the price looks very good.
I remember PCZone saying good things about the videologics some time ago.
Good luck on your quest........

 

[MegaWorks]

Logitech® Z-5300 for the price and the performence. My friend owns one of these babies and they fly!
Try to find one if you can.