New TV time to upgrade from Logitec z-5500

Mark A

Mark A

Mark A

Soldato
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Lancashire
Hi,

Just bought a Sony KDL42W705B tv and noticed my logitec system has started to buzz, so think it might be time to get a proper 5.1 surround sound system.

A mate got a Yamaha RX-V377 w/ Tannoy HTS-101, but looking around it seems the cheaper Wharfedale DX1 might be a better bet?

Will either of these systems be a big improvement over my logitec system? Anything else worth looking at for around £550?

Thanks
 
So no one has upgraded from the Logitec z-5500 to a 'proper' receiver and surround system then? I know the Logitec was very popular on here for years, so was hoping a few of you would have upgraded and could give an honest view of the difference something costing 2-3x the amount will give.

Also i'd like it to be an allround system so in time i'd probably replace the left/right speakers with something a bit larger and more capable of playing music. Is this possible to do? or does it mess with the sound in 5.1 mode?
 
Used to have a Z-5400 which is pretty much the same. Was quite a few years between them and a decentish 5.1 that I have now so cant really say. Have you not a richer sounds local you could demo some set ups?
 
Not any more, there used to be one in Burnley I think but it closed down a while ago. It would probably be better to have a listen, but even then a large store will sound a lot different to my 4m sq bedroom.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SP-000-YA

This is the receiver I am looking at getting, along with a Wharfedale DX1 HCP 5.1 surround sound.

But I have a feeling those small drivers wont be much good for music, like this Logitec system isn't. So i assume it would be ok to add some good quality bookshelf speakers at a later date in place of the front left and right speakers?
 
I used to have the Z5500 speakers ages ago. They were really good with the bass (if not a tad heavy) which slightly muffled the mids and highs.

They are designed to be 'all in one' units and are in a different league to a proper 5.1 setup.

I now have a Yamaha RX-v671 amp (similar to the one you've linked) and paired with a set of Tannoy HTS-101's - they are awesome! Very good clarity and the bass drops nicely from the seperate sub when required (thankfully its fully adjustable).

I looked at the DX1's but was put off by their sound compared to the Tannoy's - the tannoys had a 'fuller' sound due to their larger size and solid build's compared to the DX1's. I ended up being very happy with the Tannoy's. They can also be expanded to a 7.1 setup at a later stage by adding the two floorstanding matching speakers if required later.

Pay yourself a visit to richer sounds and ask them to demo them for you - they usually have them both on site ready to demo.
 
Richer sounds demo in a dedicated listening room so you can actually get a decent feeling for them. What your suggesting should be a good upgrade.
 
zoomee said:
I used to have the Z5500 speakers ages ago. They were really good with the bass (if not a tad heavy) which slightly muffled the mids and highs.

They are designed to be 'all in one' units and are in a different league to a proper 5.1 setup.

I now have a Yamaha RX-v671 amp (similar to the one you've linked) and paired with a set of Tannoy HTS-101's - they are awesome! Very good clarity and the bass drops nicely from the seperate sub when required (thankfully its fully adjustable).

I looked at the DX1's but was put off by their sound compared to the Tannoy's - the tannoys had a 'fuller' sound due to their larger size and solid build's compared to the DX1's. I ended up being very happy with the Tannoy's. They can also be expanded to a 7.1 setup at a later stage by adding the two floorstanding matching speakers if required later.

Pay yourself a visit to richer sounds and ask them to demo them for you - they usually have them both on site ready to demo.
Click to expand...

Yeah, the z-5500 is very boomy. I've had mine since 2005. Never really used it properly until this year. Replaced the cables. Lined the satellites and joins that made it a bit richer and placed 5/6 inches of polystyrene and floor padding below the sub to take the boom out. Now a sharper quick punch in bass. It's so lovely for Transformers: Age of Extinction without that boomy bass.

Saving up for an Atmos amp/Lumagen for next year to slowly build something nice.
 
Thanks, I didnt know they had a dedicated room for testing the gear out, i think i'll take a trip to my nearest store and have a listen.

I looked at the DX1's but was put off by their sound compared to the Tannoy's - the tannoys had a 'fuller' sound due to their larger size and solid build's compared to the DX1's.
Click to expand...

Interesting, I assumed the DX1s were larger in size after looking at pictures. I did also kinda like the look of the DX1s.


VF said:
Lined the satellites and joins that made it a bit richer and placed 5/6 inches of polystyrene and floor padding below the sub to take the boom out.
Click to expand...

Have you any more info on these mods? I know what you mean about the boomy bass. I did read that sticking a sock into the port can help, but it didnt seem to make that much difference for mine.
 
The dx1's are defo smaller than the tannoys bud

They have a plastic casing whereas the Tannoys have a proper solid wood casing - hence why they probably sound better!
 
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Mark A said:
Have you any more info on these mods? I know what you mean about the boomy bass. I did read that sticking a sock into the port can help, but it didnt seem to make that much difference for mine.
Click to expand...

Just a lot of googling about speaker tweaks/setting up for 5.1, subwoofer crawl and the likes.

http://www.overclock.net/t/211128/mod-z-5500-rewiring-satellites/100

Including Dolby/DTS noise/test files. http://www.demo-world.eu/trailers/high-definition-trailers.php

You don't want to stuff anything in the port hole. The speaker has to move.


Interesting part on the subwoofer. Though, haven't tried it as I'm happy with the sharp punchy base the way I have it setup for now.

polly fill will work great, it is cheap, and available at almost any fabric store. Spraying the inside walls with rubberized undercoat would not be a bad idea while you are inside. "available at the local auto parts store.
Click to expand...

http://www.overclock.net/t/211128/mod-z-5500-rewiring-satellites/70
 
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