Looking for a recommended 5.1 speaker system

CrazyCactuaR

CrazyCactuaR

CrazyCactuaR

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30 May 2012
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Hi OcUK Forums I've come yet again looking for your proffesional guidance on not buying a bunch of crap :)

I think the times come to replace my current 5.1 speaker setup as it's well over 15 years old now and it's on it's last legs.

I'm currently using a Sound Blaster Z sound card so I hope that's decent enough not to be replaced. Just looking for a much more improved speaker setup that supports full-range (if thats actually worth having) and obviously a decent subwoofer enough to make next door think theirs an earthquake going off. Most important is the quality of sound from the speakers, I do love listening to music and hate it when it's just not as good as it should sound because of my speakers.

Thanks in advance to all your support guys and hope you have a happy new year! :D
 
Does it have to be 5.1?

If so, look no further than the trusty old Logitech Z-5500. That will set you back about 300 quid.

These are classic speakers with a very logitech sound. They're actually pretty good.

If memory serves correctly there is a digital version and an analog version. I believe the digital version connects via SPDIF. Make sure you get the one that will connect to your machine.

If you are ok with considering 2.0 or 2.1 options, look at a dragonfly DAC and a pair of JBL LSR 305's with the optional subwoofer.
 
mistersprinkles said:
Does it have to be 5.1?

If so, look no further than the trusty old Logitech Z-5500. That will set you back about 300 quid.

These are classic speakers with a very logitech sound. They're actually pretty good.

If memory serves correctly there is a digital version and an analog version. I believe the digital version connects via SPDIF. Caveat emptor on that one.

If you are ok with considering 2.0 or 2.1 options, look at a dragonfly DAC and a pair of JBL LSR 305's with the optional subwoofer.
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Thank's mistersprinkles I'll go have a look at that Z-5500 :)
 
By all account the z906 dont sound as good as the z5500,you can pick up a set of z5500 for less than £100 now,they are pretty awesome speakers for the money.
 
If you had access to the members market you could have bought one there. I've still got mine, great set for the money.

To help you we need a budget?
 
Would you consider ebay? And look at surround sound speakers near you.

Have you considered 2.1 and 3.1?

Tannoy make a great 5.1 system with a great sub. So do Kef.

You would need an AV amp. Check the spec to include HDMI, optical, digital, aux. You can use 13A flex as quality speaker leads. The electrons don't mind :p

Or you could spot an under the tv all in one box with 5.1 - may have optical in, digital in, AUX possibly bluetooth but that would be easy to add.

You may have plenty of change for spending on your Rig and games!
 
I always advise avoid buying speakers aimed at PC users, as they're overpriced and not all that.

I personally went with a 5.1 AV Setup, Tannoy HTS101 and Yamaha RX-V475. Which I can Highly recommend.
 
Guys... the OP has not hinted at wanting to spend 1000+ on a proper hifi setup. He may not have the room or the desire to do so. For what they cost, the Z-5500 sound QUITE good especially for movies and games. If you have not heard them you should really check them out.

For the money, the Z-5500 is where it's at. Most people are not audiophiles and do not benefit from audiophile gear. They can also have trouble getting everything setup.

My vote is for the Z-5500 wholeheartedly.
 
mistersprinkles said:
Guys... the OP has not hinted at wanting to spend 1000+ on a proper hifi setup. He may not have the room or the desire to do so. For what they cost, the Z-5500 sound QUITE good especially for movies and games. If you have not heard them you should really check them out.

For the money, the Z-5500 is where it's at. Most people are not audiophiles and do not benefit from audiophile gear. They can also have trouble getting everything setup.

My vote is for the Z-5500 wholeheartedly.
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You're right, but OP also hasn't specified otherwise.

The only extra room which would be required is for the AV Amp, And in my experience you can still get a decent Hifi for £500 which would out perform the Z-5500.

And the best part in going the HiFi route is the same reason we enjoy PC's, Because we can upgrade bits when we desire :D
 
I had a set of Z5500's and they were excellent but the sub was HUGE. Last year I came across the Z906,s on a super this day olly offer [not here] and snagged them for £175.
While they will not sound as good as a setup of separates costing £500+ I think that if you can find them at the right money you cannot go wrong, they have loads of imputs for all your PC/Bluray etc.[The sub size if far more reasonable]
 
Midlife Crisis said:
I had a set of Z5500's and they were excellent but the sub was HUGE. Last year I came across the Z906,s on a super this day olly offer [not here] and snagged them for £175.
While they will not sound as good as a setup of separates costing £500+ I think that if you can find them at the right money you cannot go wrong, they have loads of imputs for all your PC/Bluray etc.[The sub size if far more reasonable]
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It's only 13"x13"x18" That's quite small.

One I've seen is 25” H X 21.7” W X 30.9”
 
hornetstinger said:
Budget? For 5.1 I'd recommend around £800 for speakers alone, then £300 for a AVR. Anything less and I'd go stereo.
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:eek:

GET OUT.

Actually, I will leave and take my peasentry audio system with me.

I cannot believe that the Z5500 is still being recommended today. Logitech should just re-issue the thing.

CrazyCactuaR, what is your budget or are you just window shopping at the moment?

In terms of "BLOWING THE NEIGHBOURS DOORS OFF WITH BASS", I cannot agree more that the Z5500 is what you need :D

The sub on that thing has been known to eat children and pets for breakfast.
 
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Gimpymoo said:
:eek:

GET OUT.

Actually, I will leave and take my peasentry audio system with me.

I cannot believe that the Z5500 is still being recommended today. Logitech should just re-issue the thing.

CrazyCactuaR, what is your budget or are you just window shopping at the moment?

In terms of "BLOWING THE NEIGHBOURS DOORS OFF WITH BASS", I cannot agree more that the Z5500 is what you need :D

The sub on that thing has been known to eat children and pets for breakfast.
Click to expand...

£800 for everything is pretty low.

Pretty much each single item I've got is £1000. If not more for the amplification, and a lot more for the av pre-amplifier. The 7 speaker and subwoofer alone cost about £7000.
 
The sub on that thing has been known to eat children and pets for breakfast.
Click to expand...

From the specs, doesn't seem that impressive. It's ported box, yet in a box size more suited to sealed box.



http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/logitech-z,review-1130-4.html
33hz is pretty lousy for a subwoofer, and it has no +/- spec therefore it could be at -10dB and thus pretty woeful. It doesn't reach down low, it just plays loud.
 
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