5.1 speakers reviewed?

[Summit]

I don't have a HTPC but I am trying to use my PS3 as one, figured it would be the same type of issue.

I want to get a 5.1 speaker set that I can get TRUE digital surround. I have a set of logitech Z680s hooked up now but the "virtual surround" is really just 2-channel sound coming out of 4 speakers, and my biggest beef about these speakers is you have to use the three 1/8'' cables from the output device (usually a PC) with a sound card that supports 6.1 channel audio. My PC had this, but the PS3 does not -- it supports hi def audio but requires optical output. The way I see it, it's ridiculous that something as standard as optical input is not a feature on these speakers and I'm tired of having to work around it, so... upgrade time.

What is the verdict on the 1-piece (or 1-piece + sub) surround sound units? I feel like it would be a lot easier to set up and transport, which would be nice as I tend to move a lot and I hate running wires. That being said, if the sound quality is noticeably better w/ a 4 to 5 satellite system then I'd much rather go that route. What would be the best resource for reviews on home theatre speakers?

Anyone have a set they are particularly happy with?

I've gotten the hang of what to look for in a generally good computer speaker system but the home theatre stuff seems like another ballgame w/ companies like Bose and Sony offering up different features and capabilities I don't consider as much w/ PC audio.

Any tips appreciated, thanks

[Wicked Klown]

Cool another Ohioian. A few over at the AVS like the Logitech Z-5500. YOu can hook them up via analog or digital. Myself I use a Yamaha AVR with Klipsch speakers.

[Sir Barton]

I would stay away from HTIB solutions...theyre not much better than your normal 5.1 computer speakers. My advice is to buy separates. Start out with 2.1, and add to it over time. Youll get much better sound, as youll be using higher quality components. Im a big Klipsch fan like Wicked Klown, but I run their Heritage speakers. Theyre marketed more towards high fidelity stereo, but also make excellent speakers for surround sound. New Heritage speakers are pretty pricey, but many of those speakers have been made for the better part of 30+ years...and can be found for very good prices on the used market. I plan on doing a 5.0 (no sub needed with Klipsch Heritage :D) sometime in the future. Im planning on using Klipsch Cornwalls for the fronts, and Heresys for the center and rears. New, that would be close to $7000 worth of speakers, but used, I can get away under $1000, possibly even less if I shop carefully.

[Wicked Klown]

Some HTiB sound ok, such as the Onkyos. I have a friend who is a senior member here that has the HTiB Onkyo speakers hooked to his Yamaha RX-V665. He loves the way it sounds, I tried to get him to test a set of Klipsch with no luck. Also stay away from Blows(Bose), like they say no highs no lows must be Bose.

[TommyD872]

I use the Logitech z5500's. Have them paired with an Auzentech x-plosion 7.1 cinema audio card. Whether it is watching streaming movies, listening to music or playing games these thing rock.
Am using Toslink to htpc and digital coax cable to Mitsu 65" dlp. Both in full Dolby digital or DTS modes.
I have friends with receivers hooked up to their systems and they are blown away by the clarity of the z5500's.

[Summit]

Yeah I'm gonna go w/ the z5500s. Thanks for the tips, all. On that note, if anyone is looking to buy a set of gently used Z5300s... ; ) (but seriously...)

[Marshmallow64]

+1 for Z 5500s, great speakers.

[Pinky]

Yeah I'm gonna go w/ the z5500s. Thanks for the tips, all. On that note, if anyone is looking to buy a set of gently used Z5300s... ; ) (but seriously...)

You'll need to pry mine from... :santa:

Great speakers for $200 new. Have had them for years. In time they started to vibrate, or a couple are slightly blown, but they still sound good.

In our living room I'm still using a $150 refurb HTiB Onkyo I got through the cyber deals section a couple years ago. I've upgraded the sub to a Eclipse (?) a friend had and now this system, previously good, sounds great. I can't say all home theater in a box systems sound decent, but I wouldn't dismiss them as an option. Best Buy and other retail stores have a good selection. Bring a CD you know well and try some of them out. Panasonic makes a decent lower end system for $250-ish, and I'm sure in a blind test you wouldn't be able to tell them apart from much more expensive PC speakers, and you get the added flexibility a home theter system gives you. JUst make sure it has all the inputs you would need, in particular analog inputs for games. True digital inputs are a waste anyway since everything gets converted from digital to analog on our standard home systems. Digital is mostly convenience right now (1 digital coax/optical/hdmi cable versus 3 or 4 for 5.1/7.1 analog surround).

[BenF]

The z5500s are good but they are a little bit bass heavy imho. I like my music, games, and movies a little bass heavy so I really like them. Back when I was living in the dorms at college, the people 4 floors below me didn't enjoy it so much :rock:

[Firey_chasm]

the z5500s are great. They lasted me a good few years till I recently got the setup in my sig.

just 1 clarification. You mention hi def audio - this is not supported over optical cable and the z5500s are not High def, they just do Dolby digital etc rather than full dolby true HD.

If you really want Hi def sound you really should buy things seperately and go to a hiu-fi store to listen to a range of brands. My preference was B&W :)

As other said, stay clear of Bose. Nice speakers - just not worth the cost. Far better for the same price from other companies.