Logitech Z-5500 / Soundcard ?

mystify_YOU · 24 Jun 2007 at 14:23

I currently have an X-Fi, and am looking for some speakers. It seems to me that the Z-5500 is the way to go, but I am just wondering if there is any point getting these if you have a sound card?

For instance, the speakers decode Dolby 5.1 and DTS. So if I am listening to a song, it will play in 5.1? But wasn't this the reason I got my soundcard? So it would play out of all the spekaers (CMSS-3D)?

Wouldn't these decoders etc make my soundcard not used? Also in a game, I would rather have the soundcard decode it than the 5.1.

Another thing that bugs me is the connections for the soundcard are on the back of the SoundTouch control pad. So if I have this in the centre of the table, I am going to have like 4 wires going across the table? Usually they are on the back of the Sub?

Any help apprecaited,

Simon

poosemon · 24 Jun 2007 at 14:30

part of the idea of the external decoder as featured on the z5500 is that you can plug in your other a/v equipment into it for it to decode.. i.e i have my pc pluged into it, and my xbox is plugged in aswell so it can decode that....

mystify_YOU · 24 Jun 2007 at 19:29

Oh, so would you not advise getting the Z-5500 if you just wanted to use it for the PC with a soundcard only?

Thanks for your reply.

poosemon · 24 Jun 2007 at 21:00

they are excellent computer speakers anyway, and i find the decoder does in handy....

grizzla · 25 Jun 2007 at 19:36

I have an x-fi hooked up through z5500, sounds great and it depends on the output source and the connection you use with your pc. For instance a music track as mp3 or cd will play through 2 speakers unless you switch on cmss3d then it plays through all speakers, this is when u use the 6ch direct connection. Whereas a film with dts, dolby 5.1 etc. will be decoded by the soundcard and play through 6ch direct connection. You could connect it via coax or optical if you have the front panel and use the z5500 to decode but i use the soundcard to do all sound decoding and have it hooked up with the 3.5mm, i sue the coax with my freeview box and the optical with my ps3.