My Logitech Z-5500 has bitten the dust... now what?

johntmanic

johntmanic

johntmanic

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Bonjour people,

I have (or had) the Logitech Z-5500 5.1 Surround sound system for the past 7-8 years - in that space of time I've had to change the fuse in the amp once or twice and that's it - anyways I think it has finally bitten the dust. It just doesn't work anymore!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Logitech-Digital-Multimedia-Theatre-Speaker/dp/B0006HBCL8

It's been a great piece of kit and therefore I've not had to look elsewhere until now for my gaming/film needs. (hooked up to my Xbox 360 and PS3).

My initial thought is to buy the Logitech Z-906 5.1 Surround Sound Speakers but on reading the reviews a few people are saying it's not as good as the Z-5500 (even though it's supposed to be the newer model?).
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SP-099-LG&groupid=702&catid=22&subcat=165

So what do you guys suggest with a budget of around £250-£300 and I'm not over bothered about the blu-ray players that are part of the system (if that makes sense?) - it's just I've been out of the game for a while.

Thanks a lot.
 
well I aint owned the z 5500 but I do own the z906's and believe me they shake the house if you want them too,no issues whatsoever either
 
Personally I'd go for an AV receiver with speakers, Richer Sounds probably have an Onkyo, Yamaha or Pioneer bundle within your price range.
 
The Yamaha yth-199 for about 200 is your best bet it's got a proper active sub a real receiver rather than just a bluray arrangement and you could always upgrade the speakers later, HDMI input for true HD audio and a decent headphone amp
 
Thanks for your comments people.

I've just had a quick look at the AV units etc. but my mate keeps going in about a system that is THX?

Is there any need for that?
 
P.s. That Yahama system looks pretty decent! A system like that would be perfect with multiple inputs etc. would that be as good as the Z-5500 I had?
Thanks a lot
 
Lack of THX certification doesn't matter. It's something to attract buyers, just as all-in-one DVD/BD player based systems have claims of huge wattage output, to attract buyers. The lack of THX certification isn't because products without it were deemed not good enough to receive the certification, it's because Logitech paid to have the speakers tested by THX. Other companies obviously felt that wasn't necessary to get their products certified in order to attract buyers. It's not as if THX sprinkle some magic dust on the speakers which makes them better. If THX tested all speakers, then having THX certification badge would be a lot more meaningful. As it is, it's just a nice paid for badge.
 
Personally, I think the Z906 is expensive at £260. Quite a few people felt the Z5500 were better. There is one thing you need to be aware of, especially as you are coming from the Z5500. The Z5500 has a ten inch subwoofer driver, Z906 has an eight inch, which is likely one of the reasons why some felt the Z906 isn't as good. Subwoofers included with budget AV receiver packages are around 6-6.5", so are smaller again. A Yamaha or Pioneer AV receiver package for £200-£250 is better value overall, but if you are looking for similar room shaking bass as you got from the Z5500, you're not going to get it from a 6-6.5" subwoofer. For many people who are getting into 5.1 speaker systems they are perfectly fine given the cost of the system, but when you are used to a subwoofer that is four inches bigger, you're going to notice. If you're looking for a similar level of bass, I'd go to a Richer Sounds store and have a listen first if you can.
 
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I'd go the separate AV route, at least you can upgrade the subwoofer later on. Subs are generally active so it isn't powered by the amp which means you can buy any sub you want. Also subs have no tonal characteristics so it blends it regardless of brand.

The other fact as Marsman has pointed out, there is no replacement for displacement. A bigger driver is normally a better sub. When you have the funds, I would suggest getting something like a BK Gemini or a BKXLS200.
 
I hope my z5500 system doesn't give up. I have changed the pod and like you have had to change the fuse. It is a fantastic sound system - my other half isn't a fan of the sub though :D

No idea what I would change to. It is a shame Logitech didn't update it to a better system - sounds like the alternative is worse.
 
true,but you'd be hard pushed to tell any difference?

I think the sub is slightly smaller on the z906's? im not at all disappointed with the sound anyway
 
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