Logitech Z-5500 THX-Certified 5.1 Digital Surround Sound Speaker System
by Logitech
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Our Price: $962.00 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $260.00 (click here) Category: CE See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Logitech Z-5500 THX-Certified 5.1 Digital Surround Sound Speaker System
Customer Review: Still the best PC speakers money can buy
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased my Logitech Z-5500 speakers probably 6 years ago on sale for $290 - I'm happy to report that my great deal would still make a great one today. At the time, Klipsch still produced the ProMedia Ultra 5.1 system which comparing to the $290 Logitechs was $340. Given the phenomenal reviews the Z-5500's garnered I went with them - the Logitech's also had a larger subwoofer than the Klipsch (10" on the Logitech, 8" on the Klipsch). In all the years I have had these speakers I have loved them the entire time.
Bass response from the subwoofer is fantastic and you can easily rattle your house and pictures off the wall with it. At a true 188 watts RMS power this little 10" subwoofer is easily able to outperform most HTIB subwoofers and is easily able to compete with entry level stand alone home audio grade subwoofers. I purchased my Z-5500's before becoming an audiophile but I am still amazed and pleased with these speakers. Those of a critical ear will be able to hear a bit of lack in the midrange as should be expected from a satellite system, but the crossover that Logitech has set on these speakers is fantastic. I have heard $1,000 HTIB systems that don't even sound as good and discrete as these speakers do.
You have inputs for Digital Coax, Optical, as well as the standard PC audio connectors offering you the ability to hook other devices to the speakers. Their capability to play DTS audio sold me, however the THX testing requirements are strenuous and it is impressive that Logitech passed their test with these speakers. Six years later I still have found nothing superior to replace these speakers (Barring installing a full out home audio receiver and buying individual pairs of speakers). Remember that the 505 watt rating is NOT peak, that is CURRENT RMS so these speakers can get VERY LOUD! Each speaker is rated at 62 watts, the center at 69 watts. Do not, however buy these and think you will swap the speakers out for some nicer speakers you have lying around. The built in crossover will turn even the most esoteric speakers into satellite speakers.
The length of wire provided is more than sufficient in length and given the nature of the satellite speakers equally sufficient. These speakers use true audio cable and are not the integrated style most computer speakers use making them versatile in the ability to use whatever length of cord you need. The control pod is very cool looking and the remote is simple and well-laid out. On a side note, the batteries Logitech gives you with the remote are AMAZING!! I am using the original batteries they included and they still work pefect 6 years later of continuous use (Eastpower knows how to make a long lasting battery)!
This is the end all be all of computer speakers. Once you buy these be sure to get a nice sound card - I use an M-Audio Revolution 5.1, but the HT Omega sound cards are also really nice (I'd avoid Creative). If you have any interest at all in the sound of your computer you will love these speakers. I use far more pricey components in my home theater and while the dynamics of my home theater are superior, you would be amazed how well these speakers can compete with a system such as I have (Over $3,500 home theater system). Do NOT believe anyone who says these speakers are unreliable or anything else - I've had these for as I said many times, 6 years+ and I have had no problems with them ever. Only occasionally does the control pod show weird symbols when I adjust the volume - but they go away and are inconsequential to the function.
You're getting THX certified, high powered speakers with a big sound, remote operated, and audio quality on a level that would normally cost far more - what are you waiting for? If you're reading this you're thinking about getting it - DO IT!! You won't be disappointed!
Customer Review: Great sound for computer speakers
Summary: 4 Stars
Pros:
1. Sound quality - Quality is fairly good (with the exception I mention below). These speakers are on par with those home theater in a box systems for your TV. Movies sound great.
2. Inputs - It has a toslink Optical input, which I really like, since I can use it to connect it digitally to my Soundblaster Audigy. There are headphone and auxillary input jacks on the side of the control panel/ You can use the auxillary input jack to connect these speakers directly to an ipod, mp3 player, etc. So you don't have to use these strictly for a computer and can even use them for your home stereo system.
3. Speaker wires - Finally, Logitech makes speakers with detachable clip ons on the back, so you can buy your own speaker wire if you need more than they give you. This is a big plus and something a lot of computer speakers don't do. Also, the speaker wires plug into the subwoofer. This isn't a big deal, but means you'll need to have enough to run to wherever you put your subwoofer. The front, right and center speakers come with 15' of speaker wire. The two rear speakers come with 25'. The cable to connect the subwoofer to the control panel is 7'.
Cons:
1. Subwoofer - It is enormous, and not magneticlaly shielded. Make sure to place it at least a couple feet away from your computer.
Control center - The control center (thing that has the volume button) has an LCD display on it. This display is very bright. It literally lights up half my room when I turn out the lights. I like to listen to music when going to bed, so I have to strategically place my boxer shorts over it every time to block out the light. Either that or place a piece of electrical tape over the LCD, which is a pain. It should have a way to dim the LCD more, or cut it off completely.
2. Speaker quality - for some reason many times I will hear static and a hissing sound coming out of the speakers. I have never turned my speakers up very loud, so I know I didn't blow them. I have no idea what it comes from. I can even hear it when no sound is being played on my computer.
3. Satellite design - the base of the satellite speakers have two holes in them. I had no idea what these were for at first, but after looking at the picture on Amazon, it appears you can rotate the base and then put speakers into the holes to attach them to a wall. I guess this would work, but it would have been better if they had put a standard size speaker mount hole on the back so you can connect these to a speaker mount kit. This is also something computer speakers never get right and why they aren't taken seriously. Whatever you do, don't remove the screw on the back. This is not for mounting, but for holding the speaker together and if you take it off it is impossible to get back on without voiding your warranty. I do however like the look of the satellites and they are very appealing to the eye.
4. Remote control - It would be nice if it worked by radio frequency instead of infrared, but it picks up the signal exceptionally well so I can't complain too much. It will pick up the signal from at least 30' away. It is pretty ugly however and they could have done a much better job on the design. There are too many buttons on it. All you need is the effect button, the input button, power, and the volume buttons. No one needs buttons to control the levels since that is rarely done, and can be done fro the control center. They should have put the necessary buttons on the control and made it 1/3 as big as it is.
Overall, I think there is definitely some room for improvement with the speakers, but they are still the best I've ever owned for a computer, and worth the price. Until someone makes a much better set, I am content with using these.
Customer Review: Bang for your buck
Summary: 4 Stars
I've had this system for about 9 months and use it regularly. I have had it hooked up to a PS2, a PS3, and my PC, using the optical cable for each one. The first thing I noted is the amount of power this little system creates. I've never turned up the volume past the third notch (out of probably 20), which is enough to fill my entire 800 square foot basement full of sound.
I wasn't as impressed with the bass response as most folks seem to be - to me, the best bass response only ocurrs when the system is turned up loud; I wasn't too happy with the bass response at low volumes. One good thing about the bass, however, is it is distortion-free, which is VERY surprising given the low cost of this system. Turn it up as loud as you can and the bass won't distort.
Another problem I noticed is the high-end sound (tweeters) is not that great without the help of an equilizer. For example, if you're going to use this on a PS2 or a PS3, you don't have the ability to equilize the sound, and the high-end sounds don't stand out so much. On a PC, however, one can adjust equilizer settings to create more treble and a brighter, clearer sound, which these speakers can handle. There are no equilizer settings on the Z-5500 - all the user can do is adjust the independent output levels of the subwoofer, center channel, and rear channels. There is also no right/left balance adjustment, which might peeve some people who have their speakers set at unequal distances from their TV/PC.
The remote for this unit is very, very basic and shouldn't cause anyone some heartache. Logitech does sell a nicer remote which integrates more of their components, however.
The "effect" settings are fun to play with, but often don't do much of anything. One thing that is important to remember - if the user is going to use this system with a PS2 or PS3 for watching movies, be sure to go into your console's settings and enable DTS and Dolby Digital through the optical output. My PS2's default setting had these disabled, and the Z-5500 wasn't picking up the true 5.1 surround signal on the DVD. So for a couple months I was unimpressed with its surround capability and was instead watching movies using Pro Logic II, which isn't as impressive as true 5.1 surround. After enabling the settings, the difference is quite noticeable, and both DTS and Dolby Digital movies sound as they should.
The rear and right/left speakers are mountable to a wall, but I struggle a bit with the ability to position the speaker to face the direction I want after mounting. I did modify a speaker stand to accept the surround speakers, so if you're crafty, you might be able to make an attractive rear speaker setup instead of setting these on the floor or drilling them into your walls.
It's important to note also that this system still draws a quite bit of power when it is turned off (as many components do these days). This to retain any settings you have made. In the manual, Logitech recommends actually shutting down the power switch on the back of the subwoofer when not in use. Since I built my sub into a cabinet, I don't have that luxury, so I just flip the power strip switch and lose my settings each time, which doesn't take a whole lot of tweaking to restore each time I power it back on.
All in all, I'm very satisfied with this system given its price point. I had expected to spend about $100 more than this for something with the same features, so you really do get a lot of bang for your buck with the Z-5500. Although compatible with console systems, the Z-5500 really shines on a PC - for games or for music - where the user has the ability to turn up the treble a little bit. The sound is rich. I recommend it with 4 stars.
Customer Review: A review? From me? What the?
Summary: 3 Stars
I have no prior reviewing experiences. Of anything. Yet, Amazon in their divine internet wisdom has emailed me to review this Logitech stuff I bought. Well, well, hold your empty goblets at the ready, for my review is about to spill forth. And I am wordy loon, so better make that a big gulp goblet.
I paid 244 buckaroos for this set up. So that has to be considered. Somehow. I am not sure how but maybe you can figure it out.
Lets see. It is exaclty what it says it is. It was easy to put together and start using. I would've liked slightly longer cords for the rear speakers so I could run them around the entire room and have people either trip on them or duck their heads from being garrotted, but, I can't have everything.
I managed to drop one speaker and the face plate thingy fell off. I almost cried. But it went right back on, no damage done. No tears wasted.
The highs are high. And there. You don't have to strain to hear them. I got no problems with the highs.
The lows are really there. Like the lows you don't notice until some other distracting sound is gone like a nagging loved one complaining about how much you spent on a set of speakers just to play games.
Also, if one was to turn up the bass, so as to say, test how loud they get, one could almost drown out the badgering of said person but not really. Maybe a jumbo jet could do that. But these things get loud enough that I feel very concerned about my neighbor who shares a common wall with me. So I don't turn it up past halfway much.
However, it lacks what I want to call 'punch'. Yeah yeah, it's loud and stuff and has a decent range from what I can tell with my neophyte experience with speakers. But, it just doesn't have that kick to it. It's almost all a nice low rumble or a deep rumble or whatever. Which might not be the basses problem it all. And have more to do with my next part of my wonderful review you have been enjoying so far. And remember, I am doing this review for free, and for the kids. So, don't hate me. Hate the review. Or uh, something like that.
Also, the bass box is large. I use it as a coffe table.
THe mid range is not there. There is no equalizer or settings to change the mid range. Maybe I am too picky but I expected to be blasted out of my chair at full volume. Instead, I just had my ears hurt a little and I think my hearts rythmn reset. But no just rolling on the floor screaming and ducking for cover from the sounds of battle.
I believe this might happen to be because only the center speaker is doing the mid range? I have no idea. I just thought I noticed that when the center speaker is not being over powered by the rears and stuff, that the mid range starts to show up better. But is still way too quiet.
It worked with everything I plugged into it. My computer, my craptastic Zen player, my xbox360, and my aging vcr.
I haven't used the remote, NAY, I haven't even put the batteries in it. So, I will not comment on this other than to say it exists.
I do have another issue at hand with this fearsome foe. The lack of fine tuning. I wish it had some simple equalizer or some such.
The rest of my disappointments lie with me not having any idea what 5.1 was used with and where and when or how. When I watch a movie in 5.1, the rear speakers rarely seem to be used. So, maybe I got it set up wrong. Somdeay I will figure out all this tech stuff or not.
Anyway, for 244 bucks I expect quality, or well, whatever. I don't care anymore. I have games to play.
bahbaye.
Customer Review: good but... support please?
Summary: 3 Stars
I ordered this on August 17th and received it on the 24th. The setup was fairly easy and took about 10 minutes to connect the cables and find a proper place for everything around my desk. The sound is just amazing and i love it, i have it hooked up to my pc and use it for music and gaming. Playing music, i could definitely hear a big difference in quality between these and my old speakers, for games not all games have surround sound but still allows me to hear things i hadn't before. I would definitely recommend these for anyone who wants good speakers.
However the control panel backlight (the blue light) started flickering 2 weeks ago and finally died 2 days ago which is a huge bummer as i live on the first floor of my apartment and it is mainly underground. Even with my windows open the sunlight doesn't come through since there are bushes blocking my window, so i am mostly in the dark for most of the day. Searching online you can find others with the same backlight dying problem as me. I've had mine for less than 2 months before it started dying, if i spend 300 dollars i want a quality product.
Logitech support also SUCKS, they've been updating their email support service for at least 2 weeks now in the U.S and at least a month in the U.K. If you go on their support forums you will see many people complaining about the bad support. Not everyone can call for support during the times listed.
I have bought a G11 keyboard, G5 mouse, a racing wheel from logitech, X-140 laptop speakers and 3 headsets from logitech before buying the Z-5500 speakers, i have always liked the quality of their products but i have never had to get support for any of my items until now and considering the terrible customer support I might not buy anything from them again.
*Edit*
Their email support is finally back up, i have emailed them about my problem and am not waiting for their response which they say to expect a reply within 24 hours. It's getting close to 24 hours and still no response.
*Edit* 10/22/09
They got back within 20 hours with an automated message for me to send in my information for them to ship me a new control pod. We'll see how long it takes to get here.
*Edit* 10/31/09
They just got back to me with a response that they would give me an electronic return label within 4 days, it took them 9 days just to tell me that, and since i was dissatisfied with their customer service i said so, they replied by giving me survey link about how their customer care was and how it could be improved.
*Edit* 11/13/2009
Checked tracking number, i was SUPPOSED to recieve the package today, but being Logitech, they didn't put my apartment letter on it. I checked the support requests i've sent in, yup put the apartment letter in the included address, now UPS has this message up, "THE APARTMENT NUMBER IS MISSING OR IS INCORRECT. UPS IS ATTEMPTING TO OBTAIN THIS INFORMATION.", meaning they are trying to contact the sender (logitech) to get the information. Good job logitech once again.
*Edit* 11/17/09
Finally received replacement control pod today, works fine now. End of a ardous go with logitech support.
Final Thoughts: Logitech needs to work on their support, am satisfied with their products but not so much with their support. Will probably buy from them again but will probably go for some other company first. I have removed my angry rant in liu of a more accurate depiction that their products are good but once they break down have fun with support.