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Logitech Z-5500 Digital
Posted 10/16/04 at 07:13:12 PM | by Maximum PC
These speakers are our new favorites—and for good reason
Since Logitech’s Z-680 5.1 speaker set currently reigns supreme in Labville, and is the only speaker system to receive a perfect 10 verdict in the past two years or so, we wondered what Logitech could possibly do to improve them. Now we know. The Z-5500 Digital system is better than the Z-680 in every possible way, with one small exception (more on that later).
Essentially, this setup delivers the exact same hair-raising, soul-crushing power as the Z-680, but is much easier to live with thanks to a dramatically redesigned control pod and a few other amenities. The controls look more elegant and are now one thousand times easier to read, thanks to added contrast in the display. Additionally, the wheel lag that made dialing up the desired volume level in the Z-680 has thankfully been 86’d in favor of a knob that offers a much faster response time. The satellites have also been redesigned, and are now less pod-like and more sleek, and feature a swiveling base (a la the Z-5300) that allows for easy wall-mounting. The speaker wires are now attached to the satellites, which is unfortunate since the Z-680 set let you use any length and type of speaker wire you wanted. Fortunately, the 25-foot Logitech wires should be more than sufficient for most folks. If not, you’re up a creek.
Technologically, Logitech is sticking with its single-driver phase plug design, and we’re not complaining. During testing they delivered the same killer treble and midrange we experienced with the Z-680, making the two speaker systems virtually indistinguishable at the satellite level.
The subwoofer, however, has grown to such a gargantuan size that Lab technicians were heard muttering a respectful “holy sh--” when we removed it from the box, followed by an awe-filled “daaaamn…” when its girth was fully revealed. We had zero complaints about the previous set’s 8-inch driver, but the new all-black 10-inch unit is downright incredible. It’s not a night-and-day difference from the older unit, but it’s noticeably deeper at higher volume levels.
That said, we have to slightly amend the Z-680’s record. We didn’t notice it until recently, but the center channel in this speaker set emits a slight but continuous hiss that’s audible at a close proximity when no sound is playing—mind you, most people would probably never notice it. Sadly, this problem was not fixed on the Z-5500. It’s not a deal breaker by any means, but it’s a small annoyance that Logitech definitely needs to address. --Josh Norem
+ Satellite: Easy-to-read controls, even more powerful sub, all-around awesome.
- Cellulite: Speaker wire is attached to speakers.
Month Reviewed: November 2004
Verdict: 10
kickass=yes
URL: www.logitech.com
Comments Print Email Z-5500
Submitted by szore on Tue, 2009-06-02 20:47
I just bought these around 2 weeks ago and I cannot comprehend how I lived without them. They are great, plus I got them at around $269.00 off the net. They were delivered in two days. All you read about them is true, but the subwoofer IS a tad bit 'boomy'. Also at higher volume there is a little 'ear fatigue'. I read in a techy review that measured the sound range out put that the 1 - 2 Khz range was high, so I use my Creative X-Fi Titanium EQ to drop this range down a couple db which smooths it out nicely. Other measurements showed the subwoofer cross over to be 120hz, so I set the crossover countrol their instead of the 80 hz recommended by THX to the 120, and it sounds nice. These are increadible speakers for the money (or even double the money), plus the quality of construction just oozes out of these things. Couple with my X-Fi Titanium sound card, life is fun again! Also, the wires ARE removable from the satelites, so longer or better cables can be used.
OK, folks. If you are using run of the mill audio on your computer, invest $400.00 in the Titanium and the Z-5500's and transform your computer experience. You will never look back.
P.S. the control panel and the remote are handy, functional, and nice.
Submitted by knighthawk321 on Fri, 2009-04-24 09:25
Knighthawk
There may be those who think this system is not suitable for a home theatre/home entertainment setup, but they are wrong in my opinion. I have had these speakers for a year now and they rock. I recently went the rest of the way and got the big screen tv and connected both my desktop and laptop into it. The Z5500 has both analog and TOSLINK inputs, so the the TV and its primary inputs output directly to the control pod. I use the analog inputs to input my desktop to the system (makes little sense to have a good Creative sound card and not use it). Either way, the speakers are crystal clear, whether I have them whisper quiet or in small earthquake settings. I cannot recommend them highly enough. My only wish is that they had made it in a 7.1 version or made it expandable to 7.1
Submitted by m1keth3pwn3r on Sun, 2009-04-12 15:14
are these speakers worth the 378$ CDN? im willing to pay for quality, but would an auzentech x-fi prelude be necessary to get quality much better than onboard audio on a msi p45 platinum?
thx a lot.
MPC rules!
Submitted by Quiksilver78 on Fri, 2008-11-21 14:00
I am wondering if Logitech read this review or updated their release afterwards but here in Canada, I just picked up this set based on this review and the wires are fully dettachable. So in Toronto, this is no longer a CON, but definitely a PRO :)
Its not a bad set-up
Submitted by Skiplives on Tue, 2008-11-18 18:54
But nothing beats real full range speakers if you have the room, and money of course.
I do love how people complain about the size of the woofer. Its not a sub either, but in most people's computer space a real sub would be more of a problem than a help.
That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.
Yeah
Submitted by maniacm0nk3y on Sat, 2008-10-18 07:58
I bought these 6 months ago, and they are pretty good. PC quality with my X-Fi Platinum are awesome. The only bad thing is from sources like the 360. The clarity is average and this is with optical. It might be the onboard Dolby Digital Decoder but it isn't as great as Pc.
Submitted by vcsuperfan on Wed, 2008-10-15 06:40
These are the most awesomly amazing speakers since the beginning of time... for PC that is.
While the sub is just a tad bit bulky, and the whole package weighs enough to pull down a small horse, the sound quality from these is amazing and so loud that my neighbors are no longer afraid to ring the doorbell and tell me to shut the F up. Logitech also has some of the best technical support around, you ask a question and get an answer, no BS about it (podcast reference?)
testing
Submitted by darthanian on Sat, 2009-02-14 15:46
p
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