Electronics : Logitech Z-5500 THX-Certified 505-Watt 5.1 Digital Surround Sound Speaker System

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from: Logitech

: Logitech Z-5500 THX-Certified 505-Watt 5.1 Digital Surround Sound Speaker System
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List Price: $413.97
Amazon.com's Price: $227.54
You Save: $186.43 (45%)
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Binding: Electronics
Brand: Logitech
EAN: 0097855021755
Label: Logitech
Manufacturer: Logitech
Model: 970115-0403
Platform: Windows XP
Publisher: Logitech
Release Date: March 17, 2008
Sales Rank: 171
Special Features: nv:Speaker Type^Surround Sound|Speaker Setup^5.1 Speakers
Studio: Logitech
Warranty: 2 years warranty

Features:

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Editorial Review:

Product Description:
Logutech Z-5500 Digital 5.1 Speaker System 970115 - Considering all the MP3 audio and MP4 video tracks, game software, and web vocals you listen to, you deserve a great speaker system on your PC. This is it. Experience home-theater surround sound with over 500 Watts of RMS total power. From crisp highs to heart-pounding lows, this system adds a true dimension to the virtual reality world that you enjoy. Revolutionary driver technology - Polished aluminum phase plug satellites combine two drivers into one - the clarity of a tweeter with the richness and fullness of a separate mid-range. Dolby Pro Logic II creates realistic 5.1 surround sound from stereo music, movies & games Connect to multiple sources - Simultaneously connect 6 audio sources including PCs, video game consoles, and DVD, CD & portable music players. 6 channel direct input can be used as 3 separate stereo inputs. Digital equalization actively adjusts frequency response in real time for the cleanest, most accurate sound reproduction POWER- Total RMS - 505 watts Logitech 2-Year Warranty

Amazon.com Product Description:
We've taken the award-winning Logitech Z-680 speaker system and made it even better. How? By improving everything from the subwoofer to the satellites and adding new innovations like real-time digital sound equalization.

The result is the Logitech Z-5500 Digital, a THX-certified, 500-watt 5.1 surround sound speaker system that offers everything you could possibly want… and some things you didn't even know you needed. And once you plug in your PC, DVD or music player, or video game console, you'll never want to listen to anything else.
  • Powerful, distortion-free bass: The new, larger 10-inch long-throw subwoofer driver with flared bass port delivers 188 watts of thunderous bass.
  • Innovative driver technology: Polished aluminum phase-plug satellites combine two drivers into one--the clarity of a tweeter with the richness and fullness of a separate mid-range.
  • Digital equalization: The Z-5500 Digital actively adjusts frequency response in real time for the cleanest, most accurate sound reproduction.
  • DTS® 96/24 support: Enjoy studio-quality sound thanks to the Z-5500's support for 96 kHz / 24-bit digital audio streams
  • Amazingly powerful controls: The Digital SoundTouch™ Control Center lets you control volume to all speakers, set inputs, and much more. And the separate wireless remote is great for home theaters and video game consoles.
  • Innovative satellite design: Cloth grilles are removable for a pro-audio look. Pedestals rotate for easy wall mounting or desk placement. Center channel can be mounted on wall, above or below monitor.
  • Connect to multiple sources: Simultaneously connect 6 audio sources including PCs, video game consoles, and DVD, CD & portable music players… and control it all from the Digital SoundTouch™ Control Center.


Digital SoundTouch™ Control Center

  • Digital LCD: Clear, crisp high contrast display
  • Input: Select audio source (optical, coax, or direct)
  • Effect: Select digital surround sound effect
  • Settings: Adjust parameters of digital surround sound effects
  • Mute: Mute the entire system
  • Level: Adjust volume, subwoofer, center, and fader levels
  • Pro-audio style knob: Oversized, weighted control knob with digital precision
  • System Power
  • Auxiliary input jack: For convenient connection to portable audio devices (CD, MP3, MiniDisc®, etc.)
Dolby® Digital is the universal standard for 5.1 digital sound. DVDs, PlayStation®2, Xbox®, digital cable, satellite TV, and HDTV all use Dolby Digital. The Z-5500 Digital includes a hardware Dolby Digital decoder for full, rich 5.1 sound.
THX® certification is the "seal of approval" for speaker quality. It is an absolute assurance that these speakers accurately recreate the full sonic experience of a movie theater. The Z-5500 Digital is one of a select few speaker systems that meets the rigid standards for unparalleled THX-quality sound.
DTS® Digital Surround delivers 5.1 digital sound that rivals master soundtracks. DTS soundtracks are included in many DVD videos, DVD Audio discs, and PlayStation®2 games. The Z-5500 Digital includes a hardware DTS decoder for master-quality sound. The Z-5500 Digital also includes support for DTS 96/24, an enhanced, higher-resolution, studio-quality format available on many DVD video and DVD Audio discs.


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Customer Reviews
Average Rating: out of 5 stars

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars - nice Surround
so far is working reall y nice. I think is one of the best i ever used. 10 out of 10. the shipping was really fast it got here in 3 days exactly shipping 10 of 10.


Rating: 1 out of 5 stars - Product good service terrible
If you buy a Logitech product you had better hope it does not break. Mine failed after the warranty ran out. Only then did I discover that there are no repair options and no parts are sold. The only option is the trash can no matter which of the many parts breaks. I tried talking to Logitech but to no avail. They would sell me a replacement unit for 50% off their website list price which is about the same as Amazon pricing. I recommend doing business with a better manufacturer


Rating: 3 out of 5 stars - Good, but you get what you pay for...
I just got my Z5500 speakers about a week ago, and here are my first impressions...

Sound: Overall, for the price, the sound is good. Like other reviews have said, the midrange is weak, and they are not the best speakers for listening to music. Movies sound great so far. I've watched both Fellowship of the Ring DVD up-converted on a Blu-Ray player, and Batman Begins blu-ray, both sounded wonderful. Cable length is probably enough for most applications, but you can always use regular speaker wire if you need longer wire runs. It's probably a good idea to upgrade the wires anyway, but I haven't yet. Despite the subwoofer's huge size, I was a bit disappointed in the bass it puts out. I have it set up in a corner against two walls, and it still doesn't really impress me. It's ok for movies, but some music sounds a bit flat.

Appearance: The Z-5500 system looks good, blending in with most black/silver A/V equipment. Take note though, the sub is HUGE! Read the specifications for it and imagine where you will put it. It's not a small PC speaker set sub like you may be used to. The receiver thingy is also pretty large, although it doesn't really look like it in the picture.

Cons: There are several things about this system that have annoyed me so far, with no realistic fix, which is why I'm only giving it three stars. First, the stands on the surround speakers are a bit tricky to remove. I wanted to mount them to speaker stands, and they look silly having a stand on top of a stand. At a glance, you just have to remove a Philips head screw, but they have filled the groove with epoxy to prevent you from doing this. I couldn't figure out why, so I used some needle nose pliers to get the screw loose, then I realized why they don't want you taking it off. I heard this rattle inside the speaker once the stand was free... There is a hex nut that comes loose after the screw is removed! What a poor design. To get the hex nut out, (and you will want to or hear it bouncing around during playback), take the grill off, take the needle nose pliers and remove the rubber grill holders, and remove the four screws to take the speaker apart. You may have to also loosen the two screws in back that secure the wire holders. Get the nut out, and reassemble. Now you have an extra hole in your speaker!

The other nuances are that there is no auto standby feature. I have a 14 year old set of Sony speakers that can detect when there is an active source hooked up to it to save power. These new ones don't. Also, there is no way to dim the display that I can find, and it's too bright in a dark room while watching a movie. Another annoying thing is that when I listen to digital music from my cable provider, it often hiccups every time I change the music channel, and the rear speakers turn off. Changing the source and changing it back fixes it, but it happens about every time. If you are going to hook up an Ipod or PC to it with the 1/8" mini jack, be ready to hear a LOT of hum coming from all speakers, especially the center. The remote is also a pain; most universal remotes I've tried cannot control the volume on this, so you have to use the small, unlit remote. It may also be a challenge for some to remember which Input each device is on. For example, if your cable DVR is on coax and your blu-ray is on optical, you just have to remember that. I taped some small labels to the remote so that the electronically challenged member of my family can switch between devices with some clarity.

Other thoughts: This is not any fault of Logitech by any means, just a big hiccup in technology that I discovered the hard way. My plan was to hook up both my cable HD-DVR and Blu-Ray player to my TV using HDMI cables, and output the audio to the Z-5500 using an optical digital out cable. Easy enough, and I would never have to change the input on the speakers. The Cable DVR worked great; however, the Blu-Ray has absolutely no sound delivered to the Z5500, regardless of setting. Some Google research has taught me that while you would think any new HDTV would pass along any audio coming in from HDMI out through the optical, it's just not true. Usually only Cable 5.1 gets passed on, but others don't. So if you are planning on hooking up your PS3, Xbox, and DVR to the TV via HDMI and outputting the sound to the Z5500 via one optical cable, get ready to be disappointed. It just doesn't work. Some TVs may support this, but my new Sharp 52" LCD doesn't. To fix it, I had to use optical for the blu-ray, and coax for the DVR, which now means I must change the input not only on my TV, but also on the receiver every time I change between them. Again no fault of Logitech, but you may quickly run out of inputs on this system. I don't have any other devices yet, but if I do get even one more, I'll have nowhere to hook up the sound cable, unless it's a PC using the three mini plugs.

Overall the systems works great for the money, but be aware you may quickly run out of inputs on this system. The sound is enough to fill a fairly large room, but be aware of some shortcomings with this system.



Rating: 4 out of 5 stars - Love em
I got mine quick, everything works fine, botta boom botta bing. I do wish they came with mounting screws for the speakers. The main problems for me is that the dsub cord from the sub to the control station is too short. That and for the center speaker, when I mount it on the wall its so top heavy that it falls forward, leaning out about and inch from the wall. I'm trying to find some bigger screws to get it flush, but the screws attach at the bottom so there's no support for the top of the speaker which hangs. Thats pretty much it, the speakers rock, the control station and remote are nifty, and the sub is powerful. Great speakers overall.


Rating: 5 out of 5 stars - For the money, the Z-5500 exceeds expecations in every respect - Also Helpful HINTS!
Let me start by saying that this is my third speaker system that I have owned for my Gateway PC.

I started out using the speakers that came with the computer system itself which is actually a speaker bar that mounts under my 24" monitor. Those speakers are OK for basic use, but being the electronics geek that I am and appreciate great sounding music and movies, I quickly realized that 6 watt speakers mounted to a speaker bar was not going to cut it. The good thing about this speaker bar is that it does have simulated 3D sound which does sound kinda cool when watching movies.

OK, so it was time to upgrade and decided that I wanted to get a great sounding system with lots of bass and clean sound. I also decided that surround sound was not very important (at the time) and settled on the Logitech Z-2300 2.1 set up. I figured that when watching movies, since the set up had so mch power, It would be good enough for me. Purchased them, had them for a few months and let me tell you, LOVED these speakers.... for music! When I listened to music, it sounded almost flawless. Great pounding bass, mid and highs were clear for a PC set up at the price I paid. Was very happy with them until I started to watch movies... As far as the front of the soundstage and lows, the Z-2300 got the job done, however I really did have buyer's remorse only due to the fact that the spacial surround effects of the soundstage was missing. Could not totally enjoy watching movies so I then decided, I was going to make one last leap and purchase a REALLY GOOD 5.1 set up.

At this point, since space is an issue with my home, I decided to step up to a 2.1 set up with simulated surround, again from Logitech and decided on the Z-Cinema set up. Long story very short, I HATED them... they looked nice, had a nice remote but the sound quality was mediocre and the bass was almost non-existent, especially when watching movies. I literally had them hooked up all of about an hour; disconnected them, boxed everything up and back to Amazon they went... very disappointed.

This is where the Z-5500's come into play. Now, just like a consumer should, I did some research on the best set up to buy... I for one was looking for build quality, power ratings, and of-course, best bang for my hard earned buck! I decided that I was going to stick with Logitech and get a TRUE 5.1 set up. Altough space is an issue, I decided what they heck and made the purchase.

I received the box and without delay, I started to unpack everything. I have read reviews that Logitech does not do a good job of packing the system but let me tell you, I disagree as I thought that everything was well laid out, wrapped, strapped, and tight. They even label instructions to keep the Sub away from your electronics and even thought of wrapping plastic straps around the sub so you can easily lift it out of the box.. that was a nice touch... nice job Logitech!

FIRST IMPRESSIONS--
Satellite speakers are of very nice build quality. They are heavy, and the drivers are constructed of quality materials
The Subwoofer is big, but not too big that you cannot fit it in an average size room with furniture. If I can fit it in my small place, then most people should not have an issue with space. Again, build quality/fit and finish is exceptional for the price you pay. The heat sink takes up about 3/4 of the rear of the sub abd should keep it cool. Connections are well laid out.
The Control Pod is A LOT bigger than I expected. This was the biggest surprise when I was unpacking the box. Looks really nice on my desk, great build quality, and did I mention the thing is BIG!! It is about 4" wide, 8" tall, and 2" deep.. Nicely laid out overall.
It does come with a remote that is nothing special, just a simple remote to operate all functions that you would use the control pod for. All black and fits nicely into your hand.
Comes with speaker wire and cables needed to hook everything up

HOOK UP--
As stated, I purchased my Z-5500 set up for my desktop PC. It is a Media Center Entertainment PC with a High Def sound card. So, I needed to hook them up to this PC.
I started with connecting the control Pod to the sub, then the 6 channel direct wires that come with the set up (your basic green, orange, and black analog wires) that connect to the back of your control pod to your PC's sound card. Then, the speaker wires were next... I started with the front left, right, then center.. you will know which speaker wires connect to the front since one of the bags in the box will have three shorter bundles of speaker wire (front left, center, and right) and a separate bag with two longer bundles for the rears. The only issue that I had with the installation process is that the rear speaker wires were not long enough. I rectified this problem by cutting and modifying the fronts since I had too much cable for the fronts. I cut off the excess from the fronts and spliced them into the rears and wahlah, problem solved.
At this point, plug the sub in, switch the sub on, along with the control pad and you are in business!!

LISTENING--
One word... WOW!! Even compared to the Z-2300 set up that I had, the Z-5500 are so much better in every sense.. Music sounds crystal clear... turn the volume up and you do not lose any of the sound fidelity at all. At higher levels, this set up actually sounds better and let me tell you, I have not heard a system that carries sound quite like this one. Today I was playing music and had to go outside, up the driveway and to the street to meet up with my son as the bus was dropping him off. I only had it turned up between ¼ and half way and could hear it outside. I can also hear the music throughout the house with no problem.
You will not be disappointed... for the money, I think that this set up exceeds expectations at this price range. Especially considering you can hook up several pieces of equipment at the same time, has 6 channel analog, digital fiber optical and digital coax connection for even higher quality audio. Not to mention that it has Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Digital and is THX certified. The best part about it is if you connect a digital cable to this set up, it will automatically switch to DIGITAL when the system detects media that was originally recorded in Digital (DTS etc)
This is the first system that I have owned where BOTH music AND movies sound perfect, with plenty of power to accurately and precisely recreate a soundstage that will leave you speechless! Plenty of bass, mids and highs sound incredible... the effects when watching movies is theater like... I actually find myself looking behind me at times during surround effects... I can go on and on about this system...

TIPS!--
1. If you are planning on buying this system and will be connecting it to something that has a fiber optic connection, PURCHASE A FIBER OPTIC CABLE! Let me tell you, it DOES make a world of difference compared to the analog cables. I listened to the set up with the analog cables the first day, then the second day I went out and purchased a FO cable and made a huge difference.. it's like the system "woke up".. satellites sound much better, cleaner, more depth... it is worth the extra money, believe me.
2. If you are going to buy the FO cable, MAKE SURE that you remove the plastic ends from each end of the cable... they will look like ends that belong there but they are not... they are just plastic ends used for shipping and to protect the ends from dirt and debris. You will just need to pull them straight off.
3. One more thing about connecting a fiber optic cable - it is not as easy as connecting the cable from the control pod to your PC, you will also need to change the default setting for your sound device or else you will not hear anything when you set the Z-5500 to the "Digital" setting. For VISTA, usually, you can go to the control panel, click on "Hardware and Sounds", then "sounds". This will bring up the window for your sound card settings. Be sure that you click on "Digital Output Device (S/PDIF)" and press the "Set Default" button as this will change your default to digital setting and will run the audio signal through your FO cable instead of the Analog cables.
4. This is a great investment for this 5.1 set up, but it is what it is, a surround sound set up. If you will be connecting this set up to your PC, you will get your monies worth and really appreciate the product if you have a High Def sound card. Look behind your PC tower and look for the audio ports.. this is your sound card and if it is 5.1, will have several ports with different colors. Typically, a good sound card will have a green, orange, back, and blue ports... also, if you see a square(ish) port that is lit up in red, that is an optical port which means that you are set up with a good quality 5.1 high def sound card and can take advantage of all of the z-500 features.
5. If you have a large room and you will be running length of speaker wire longer than 25' (and let me say that you will use that up in no time), you may want to go out and purchase better quality speaker wire (maybe 14 gauge) and get yourself about 100' of it to make sure you have enough. I myself will be doing that soon; I do think it's worth the investment.
6. When connecting the satellites, be sure to place them where they will rest before you run the speaker wire, this gives you an idea of what the set up will look like and a perspective on how you will run the wire.
7. If you can, place the sub near the corner of your room to maximize bass response, keep it about 2 feet away from electronics (is NOT magnetically shielded), especially your TV and DO NOT place the sub right against the wall... the sub will need to breathe as air passes through the heat sinks, front driver, and side bass port. They need to be away from a wall in order the avoid damage or potentially shorten the life of the sub.

That's it really... I really do recommend this product for anyone that enjoys music and movies. You cannot go wrong at this price range... Logitech has done a great job with this system..


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