Logitech Z-5500 THX-Certified 505-Watt 5.1 Digital Surround Sound Speaker System by Logitech
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List Price: Category: CE See more digital camera details and other models |
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Digital camera reviews of Logitech Z-5500 THX-Certified 505-Watt 5.1 Digital Surround Sound Speaker System
Digital camera Review: Very impressive but Mac users please read
Summary: 5 Stars
This speaker system recently replaced a Klipsch Promedia GMX 5.1 set that I've had for years. I thought my Klipsch set was good until it developed a bad hum, but I was wrong. The Z-5500's are in another league.
The sound quality is amazing, the build quality is sturdy and the main controller is attractive and very easy to use. As another reviewer pointed out, this system could easily replace an audio receiver for a home theater on a budget.
One thing that impressed me was the volume range. If you don't have neighbors you'll be just fine. These things are LOUD. I rarely dial my volume control beyond the quarter point and the clarity is brilliant whether you have them whisper soft or cranked to the "Boost" mode. I haven't turned my set all of the way up out of a small fear that my home would explode.
There are a few Easter Eggs included in the set, one being the boost mode. Once you go past the maximum volume, you go into a series of boost modes. Another hidden surprise is the Second Skin mode. If you hold down Input, Effect, Settings and Mute for six seconds (in that order) when the system is on standby, you can activate it. It just provides a different menu design and more vivid colors for the bottom right button. It's a fun feature for a few minutes.
I have nothing to complain about with the Z-5500's aside from the moderately ugly Logitech logo that adorns each speaker.
Now for the downer for Mac users. While the optical connection that's include on Mac Pro's and even Mac Mini's will give you excellent audio output and connects just fine with these speakers, Mac's don't have native support for Dolby Surround or DTS. That means that the speakers will have to decode the signal -- which thankfully they do just fine. But if you expect the "DTS" letters to appear on the control receiver, it's not likely. Your system will be stuck between Dolby ProLogic II Music and Movie modes. You can also use stereo and stereo 2 of course. Regardless, you'll still get surround sound decoded by ProLogic II so don't get frustrated in trying to figure it out. You can however send a clean 96/24 signal to the system so unless you're an extreme audiophile, you're not going to notice. The trick to sending the 96/24 settings is opening up "Audio Midi Setup" in your utilities and changing the settings for the digital signal to 96/24.
Now, Mac users smarter than me can and probably have figured out how to activate DTS and Dolby on these speakers but it's not easy. I had it activated for a bit on a DTS DVD through Plex and supposedly you can do it using VLC but that's just too much troubleshooting for most folks. I gave up when I realized that the sound is already amazing and I'm wasting time trying to get some letters to appear on the control pod. Silly, I know.
I would recommend the Z-5500's to anyone who appreciates excellent sound in music and movies. I'm not a gamer but I'm sure it would provide a rich gaming experience if arranged correctly. And as for the price, I think it's a heck of a deal.
Finally, do yourself a favor and pick of a spool of decent speaker wire. Those who complain about the cables being too long or too short should splice them to fit and that's easiest with a nice fresh spool. Save the stock wires with the box to eBay down the road when Logitech releases a better set -- which I doubt will be anytime soon.
Digital camera Review: Great for anything but music listening
Summary: 4 Stars
These speakers were easy to set up and sound fine. The center speaker is especially good for spoken voices. Gaming and 3D effects are all great. At higher volumes, however, there is noticeable distortion in music. There is ringing, echoing, booming, and instruments don't sound the way they should (harmonics are missing or altered in volume). The speakers are fine for playing songs etc. in the background, but I can't use them for seriously listening and concentrating on any music. I'm sure these speakers create distortion in any kind of sound, but it's only a problem for music.Digital camera Review: Super Power Sound Experience
Summary: 4 Stars
This is an excellent high power product.
I use the system in a virtual sound suite and it rocks. I can simulate any environment providing I have a good source recording.
The remote control makes for easy adjustments.
Digital camera Review: Truly Amazing
Summary: 5 Stars
This sound system has brought my computer to life. Games, movies, youtube music videos, I do it all on my computer now and the experience is amazing. The built-in feature is also a great bonus. The price isn't cheap, but you are really getting the bang for your buck. Digital camera Review: Loud
Summary: 5 Stars
These speakers blew me away, by far the best computer speakers one can own. My neighbors more than likely but they'll get over it. These speakers definitely thump so be prepared.