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View Full Version : too many choices of 5.1s...pls help

tbdub
10-31-05, 03:55 PM
I am wanting to upgrade my 5.1 PC speaker setup. I currently have a Creative analog setup (Inspire 5300 i think.)

I want a speaker setup that doesn't have to rattle the windows. I can't play it too loud or the family complains, so I want a system that sounds just as good on the low end as it does the high end.

I watch movies, play games, and listen to music. I would like to spend less than $300, but will look at higher priced systems for comparison.

I have an audigy 2 zs notebook soundcard.

Some systems I have looked at, but not limited to. These are just the ones I have heard about. If you have another suggestion, please list it.

Logitech Z-680 5.1 THX Certified (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16836121105)

Logitech z-5500 5.1 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16836121120)

Klipsch ProMedia Ultra 5.1 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16836119106)
rseven
10-31-05, 05:41 PM
The Klipsch are the best when it comes to movies. Either Logitech are better at music. Any of these will more than do what you want them to do. If you want better sound the it's a separate amplifier and speakers. The price does go up, but so does the sound quality. The systems you are looking at are compact and quite adequate for your needs.
andyl33t
10-31-05, 05:43 PM
Logitech z-5500 5.1 are amazing
tbdub
10-31-05, 06:54 PM
so lets say i got the klipsch PMUs...what would be the best way to hook them to my audigy 2 zs notebook card?
tbdub
10-31-05, 09:38 PM
Everytime I make up my mind on what I want to get I read something that changes it. I have a few qustions that I am having trouble finding an answer to.

What is the advantage of having digital decoding on the speakers? I see that the z-5500s have digital where the Klipsch do not. As I understand it, my Audigy 2 does all the decoding that I need for movies and games, correct? So where do digital speakers help? When do I want to use Coax or optical?

If there is a page somewhere that explains this stuff in a well outlined way, please direct me.

Thank you for your time
Yuriman
10-31-05, 09:56 PM
Often, the speakers will have a better codec than the sound card does, and having a digital decoder lets the sound card pass the raw signal to the speakers and lets them do the processing.

Also, if I am not mistaken, the Z-5500's replaced the Z-680's as Logitech's Flagship speakers.

I have a set of Z-5500's. :D