z-5500 question

[bmw_xperience]

Hi~

I was wondering if I can use my Soundstick II in place of the front 2 speakers that Logitech has provided on their z-5500 speakers.

I don't own the z5500 so I couldn't try. I love the crisp sounds of the Soundsticks mid and treble.. but want more bass. So can you replace the front left and right channel speakers with speakers of your own?

Thanks in advance

[Cafe_333]

Well, first you have to worry about if your speakers will even plug into the z5500. If I remember correctly (it's been a long time since I fiddled with the z5500 so someone correct me if I am wrong) the z5500 uses RCA connectors and if your speakers don't use RCA plugs, then it is going to be rather difficult to get them connected - although it is possible with stuff you can buy at theSource.

Second thing you need to know is that speaker clarity is only as good as the amp that drives it. In this case, the subwoofer you connected those SoundstickII speakers to is what drove the sound and determines the clarity. Plugging your speakers into the z5500 will only sound as good as the amp *that* has. Therefore you will NOT get the same level of clarity as what your SoundstormII gave you.

However, looking at the specs, the z5500 should sound more clear than the SoundstormII anyways so knock yourself out. Speaker clarity is based on frequency response which determines better, clearer sound definition.

Logitech z5500: Frequency response: 33Hz - 20 kHz
HK SoundstickII: Frequency response: 44Hz - 20kHz

the first number (more important): the lower the better
the second number: the higher the better

[Headhunter]

^ Cool, would you recommend the Z-5500's? I'm on the verge of buying a set.

[needie]

Well, first you have to worry about if your speakers will even plug into the z5500. If I remember correctly (it's been a long time since I fiddled with the z5500 so someone correct me if I am wrong) the z5500 uses RCA connectors and if your speakers don't use RCA plugs, then it is going to be rather difficult to get them connected - although it is possible with stuff you can buy at theSource.



yeah, the 1st versions of z5500 uses RCA connectors but the updated version if you buy now, uses regular speaker wires.

old
http://images.tomshardware.com/2004/11/30/logitech_z/logitech_z5500_3.jpg

new
http://briefcase.pathfinder.gr/download/FISH3RMAN/14619/396549/0/Back+revision2.jpg

[Cafe_333]

^ Cool, would you recommend the Z-5500's? I'm on the verge of buying a set.I don't know about recommending it but I will say that at the price of the z5500, you simply can't find anything better or nearly as powerful in a complete package with subwoofer/amp, and surround speakers. So on that regard I would recommend it. Do I think they are clear? Well that depends on your definition/standards of what clear is. There are many many MANY people who will swear by their z5500's and how amazing and clear it sounds for them. Personally I would not be happy with anything unless it is in the 25hz and under range - but that's just me and I could just have been spoiled by what I'm used to. In the end you get what you pay for. The z5500 *is* a good setup for what you pay. But if you can afford to swing out more cash (or wait till it goes on sale), I would probably recommend this instead:
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10072857&catid=

This way you can get yourself an actual home theatre setup with a seperate amp/reciever. ANy decent receiver will always sound way better than the integrated amp that computer speakers give you. It also has a 10" sub like the z5500 although the sub isn't as powerful, which is fine with me because I find the bass frequency in Logitech subs too boomy further drowning out the clarity.

Anyway, I'm not a supporter of Logitech speakers based on the reasons above, but I know there are legions of owners out there who will tell you differently.

[bmw_xperience]

Well I ended up getting the 5300... simply because it was a lot cheaper. and I can say that I don't like them. They are only good for surround gaming and movies.. but nuthing more.

As for the frequency response.. the soundsticks sounds clearer because it does not emphaise on the lower frequencies (bass) thereby making the mid and treble sections clearer.

The lower the Hz the bigger the bass. Low tones have long sound waves (low frequence) and Higher pitched tones have shorter soundwaves (higher frequency) that is y most radio station that playes music uses FM instead of AM, to produce more bass.

besides they are all specs. and things on a sheet of paper doesn't mean anything to me unless you try them.

and I tried the 5300 and I don't like them.

[Headhunter]

Personally I would not be happy with anything unless it is in the 25hz and under range - but that's just me and I could just have been spoiled by what I'm used to. In the end you get what you pay for. The z5500 *is* a good setup for what you pay.
All I really want, compared to my 6 year old 5.1 setup is:


Enough power to prevent rampant distortion (each channel is under 10W at the moment and crackles like Rice Krispies at any decent volume)
THX and DTS 96/24
Something that looks good (mine doesn't by today's standards)


Any decent receiver will always sound way better than the integrated amp that computer speakers give you. It also has a 10" sub like the z5500 although the sub isn't as powerful, which is fine with me because I find the bass frequency in Logitech subs too boomy further drowning out the clarity.
Can't the bass be adjusted separately? On my current setup, I turned it way down and the other channels up.

Anyway, I'm not a supporter of Logitech speakers based on the reasons above, but I know there are legions of owners out there who will tell you differently.
The Z-5500's are at the peak of my budget, currently. Sounds like it'll do what I want thanks!

Well I ended up getting the 5300... simply because it was a lot cheaper. and I can say that I don't like them. They are only good for surround gaming and movies.. but nuthing more.
Hmm, that's exactly what I want them for (and music).

[xwar]

^ Cool, would you recommend the Z-5500's? I'm on the verge of buying a set.

Highlly Recommended

[Oversized Rooster]

I also highly recommend the Z-5500 set.

And yes, the subwoofer and center channels have their own volume controls in case you want to dampen those.

[Cafe_333]

Sorry i should have been more clear on my issue with the bass - it's not the pounding or the physical volume that i dislike, i find the tone of the subwoofer too deep compared to the balance of the overall sound with the satellites. Well, that's just me. Legions of owners swear by their z5500's and they do sound like it'll do what you want. They are the best speaker setup you can get at that price, so go for it! You won't be disappointed. :)