5.1 Surround Sound...should I get it?

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mgsvr

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How is Surround Sound echanced the experience compared to the HDTV? Many people said Surround Sound >>> HDTV

Well Logitech Z-5500 is getting cheaper today, should I get it? It's around 210 bucks right now but I don't know if 5.1 SS worth it or not.
 
depends on your budget. But if all you are using for sound now is the TV speakers and can't spend much more than this amount I say hellz yeah!! It is definitely worth it.
 
$210 seems like a lot. On the Philips Outlet website, I got a brand new Magnavox 5.1 Dolby Digital with all the bells and whistles for $100 shipped. You could easily get a system for around $150 that will kick ass in a bedroom or small living room.

If you check Fatwallet or Slickdeals you should be able to find some good prices on systems.

But yes, its DEFINITELY worth it. It can be an advantage to you in games like Halo 2 if your opponent doesn't have surround. But if you're talking HDTV OR surround, I'd go HDTV every time, especially since you own a 360. Its just that the cost of a surround system is much more reasonable than HD.
 
Actually I own a HDTV already, just don't know if I should spend 250 bucks for a Surround Sound. 250 bucks can get me load of games...

Does Surround Sound really enchanced the experience a lot?
 
[quote name='mgsvr']Actually I own a HDTV already, just don't know if I should spend 250 bucks for a Surround Sound. 250 bucks can get me load of games...

Does Surround Sound really enchanced the experience a lot?[/QUOTE]

Yes, it does, but like I said, $250 is overpaying in my opinion. Look to spend $150 or less.
 
[quote name='mmn']Yes, it does, but like I said, $250 is overpaying in my opinion. Look to spend $150 or less.[/quote]

In my opinion, you shouldn't listen to this guy at all. There is a reason things are priced higher. You can get a system that outputs more power, then get better speakers. My YAMAHA system kicks ass and can shake the house with just stock speakers. You get what you pay for....remember that!
 
it enhances everything that comes out of your system, not just games. If you listen to CD's then, get it. If you watch movies, then get it. I know you play games so, get it.

Like mmn said you may want to look around first and maybe get a different setup for your money but definitely look in to getting a surround system.

I don't know the specific system you are talking about so I don't know if that amount is too much, but you could absolutely pick-and-match your own setup and make it great for around the same or not too much more.
 
Agree with everyone else, it DEFINITELY is worth it.

I can't advise on lower priced stuff, though--my system is WAY more expensive then you'd want to spend, but even a cheaper 5.1 setup is better than none at all!!
 
Okay, I think I'll going to get it. This Logitech Z-5500 have tons of good reviews. I hope this 5.1 surround sound will enchance my experience while playing the PS2 games....

won't get a 360 until later this year.
 
It does enhance the experience as you will hear ambient sounds and other things that you never did before playing the game. I have an extremely cheap surround system so I can only imagine the effect that better systems have. For ~$250 you might be able to assemble a better system than you would get with a home theater in a box type of deal if you look around.
 
[quote name='MikeMirage']In my opinion, you shouldn't listen to this guy at all. There is a reason things are priced higher. You can get a system that outputs more power, then get better speakers. My YAMAHA system kicks ass and can shake the house with just stock speakers. You get what you pay for....remember that![/QUOTE]

If you live in an apartment or a house with other people, you're going to want a cheaper, smaller setup. And if its your FIRST 5.1 system, you'll also probably want something lower cost.

I'm glad you have a kickass system. I'm sure your neighbors really enjoy it as well.

Edit : Here's a good example of a starter system -

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/prod...=19&dept=3944&path=0:3944:133251:77622:105878

You get 5.1 Dolby Digital, Pro Logic II, and digital inputs. If you aren't a big audophile you won't really notice a huge difference between this and a setup thats $100 - $150 more.
 
K, I've read enough reviews of the Logitech Z-5500 system so for 250 it's okay. Thanks guy I'm going to get it.

Btw...after I set my sytem up...how should I check to see if all the speakers are working fine? I only have a PS2 (with optical digital cable), so I don't know if it will work.
 
[quote name='mmn']If you live in an apartment or a house with other people, you're going to want a cheaper, smaller setup. And if its your FIRST 5.1 system, you'll also probably want something lower cost.

I'm glad you have a kickass system. I'm sure your neighbors really enjoy it as well.

Edit : Here's a good example of a starter system -

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3880828&cat=105878&type=19&dept=3944&path=0%3A3944%3A133251%3A77622%3A105878

You get 5.1 Dolby Digital, Pro Logic II, and digital inputs. If you aren't a big audophile you won't really notice a huge difference between this and a setup thats $100 - $150 more.[/quote]

That is why there is a neat feature on mine...I don't think many systems have it. It is called volume control. Anyway it is a good idea to buy something that will last and you won't want to replace to get something better. Why buy a system now and then again in 6 months when you realize your system is crap. A $200-$300 Yamaha system will give you lots of power and you won't even think about replacing it. Don't waste the money on anything walmart sells. Do some research otherwise you will be wasting $150 now and get to buy a real system later!
 
Aww man, surround sound is AMAZING! What really gets me into a film or videogame is not how big the tv is (though that is nice too) but how great the surround sound is. You may have a beautiful 50 inch tv but you're not going to be fully immersed until you're hearing blasters go from in front of you to behind your head and just geniunely feeling like you're a part of the world your playing/watching.

There is nothing like getting those moments where you hear something from one of the satellite speakers and actually have to turn your head to make sure it wasn't real.
 
Yea I have a Kick Ass Pioneer setup. With the 360 it's great. On COD2 you can hear all the bullets shooting by you. Get a 5.1 System. You won't regret it.
 
The Logitech Z-5500 is the best setup you can get for the money. If you are wanting 5.1 for movies and games buy the Logitech Z-5500. You won't find a better sound, smaller system for even $600. Don't let any one tell you that their wal-mart $100 system sounds just as good.:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
 
But how will it sound with my PS2? I'm not getting the Xbox 360 until later this year.

I heard that Dolby Pro Logic 2 is to make stereo sound into 5.1 (faked), but will it sound good?
 
I own a logitech z5500 and this speaker is amazing!!! worth the price. i paid 300 year ago. worth every penny. 5.1 rules
 
One more question: Do I need to get a USP surge protector for this surround system or not? If I'm just connect the Subwoofer to a regular wall outlet...will it will be okay?
 
Great choice on the Logitechs. That thing's a beast for the price. Got a set myself.

Wouldn't hurt to have a surge protector for it just in case. Just FYI, the 'woofer on this thing is HUGE.
 
yea I'm ready to have a space for the huge Sub already.

My only concern is that I'm going to get a USP surge protector with my Logitech Surround sound system hooking up to it along with my PC and CRT monitor. I don't know if 3 of these hardware turn on at the same time...will it affect the power of the Surround System (like make it weaker?)?
 
I'd still go with the receiver and 5.1 system. The ONKYO I posted get GREAT reviews. Plus, it allows more room for expansion. You never know when you'll want to hook everything up in your room.
 
[quote name='VanillaGorilla']As someone who just got Surround Sound about a month ago, it's not as great as people make it out to be.[/QUOTE]

You must have bought a cheap system or don't have it hooked up with a Digital Optical Cable.
 
[quote name='VanillaGorilla']As someone who just got Surround Sound about a month ago, it's not as great as people make it out to be.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, surround is GREAT. I think it depends what you buy. I recently just purchased a second surround system for another room. It was a JBL 7.1 system and it is DAMN great. DVD's sound amazing on it. I have a good system on my main one also.

As I said...go with a RECEIVER and 5.1 setup. You will need an optical (coax cable) running from your XBOX/PS2/DVD to take advantage of 5.1 surround.
 
[quote name='mgsvr']yea I'm ready to have a space for the huge Sub already.

My only concern is that I'm going to get a USP surge protector with my Logitech Surround sound system hooking up to it along with my PC and CRT monitor. I don't know if 3 of these hardware turn on at the same time...will it affect the power of the Surround System (like make it weaker?)?[/QUOTE]

Don't worry about that, its not how electronics work. In a worst case scenario, your devices would demand power from the wall outlet..the wall outlet would try to provide that power, and a fuse would pop or a breaker would trip if it was too much juice for the line to handle.

But thats pretty unlikely since electronics don't draw many amps of power.
Now, if you plug in a toaster (draws a lot of power very quickly) and turn on a microwave or a coffee pot (also drawing alot of power quickly) at the same time, you might pop a breaker/fuse if they are all on the same circuit, but that almost never happens with electronics.

WHen you buy a receiver or stereo or Logitech Speaker Package, and you turn up the volume really loud, and things get all crackly and distorted....thats a rating they call THD or Total Harmonic Distortion. Its actually listed on the box of all receivers and surround sound setups........you want as low a number as possible, so you don't get that.

The logitechs aren't bad speakers for the money. Certainly fantastic for a bedroom Home Theatre setup, and some folks even use them in larger rooms (tho admittedly the bigger the room, the bigger your speakers want to be for a richer, fuller sound. Just say no to BOSE!)

AS FOR THE IMPACT OF SURROUND SOUND: In gaming, its nice but really not necessary. For Movies its actually quite good...assuming you are watching a movie that uses the surrounds alot.

In general, SOUND is much more important than VIDEO when it comes to creating the "Home Theatre" Experience.

In other words....a good surround sound system played at a sufficiently loud volume can give you that "movie theatre feeling" even with a small screen. But a big giant TV playing soft, crappy sound from its lame little speakers wont give you that same effect......so yeah, sound >>>> vision in regards to home theatres.
 
[quote name='MikeMirage']That is why there is a neat feature on mine...I don't think many systems have it. It is called volume control.[/QUOTE]

I really hope your surround system is so loud and has so much bass that it gives you an aneurysm.
 
And while we're at it...for a Home Theatre In-A-Box solution, this deal is...essentially...unbeatable by any other system out there right now:

http://www.shoponkyo.com/detail.cfm?productid=HT-S780&modelid=62&group_id=1&detail=2

Component Switching, etc, etc. Very trick..and the speakers aren't half bad.

This setup would basically smoke the Logitechs. The Bass is probably stronger on the logitechs because those logitech setups are usually VERY bass heavy. It sounds better to some people that way, but its not accurate...people usually jack the bass waaaaay up louder than its supposed to be (I mean the sub-level, how much low-frequency you get).
 
Yes, the ONKYO would be a LOT better then the Logitech....many many good reviews for the price. I know CC carries them also if you want to shop instore
 
If it's your first unit, and you are in a dorm, bedroom, or apt, a 150-200$ 'home theater in a box' would be fine. If you want to enjoy it for a while, for games, tv, and things with multichannel content [DVDs or digital cable/satellite], you should spend a little more.
With multichannel content, a 5.1 system will change the way you listen to movies. I watched The Matrix recently and cranked up my system, and during the lobby shootout scene, it sounded like there were bullet shells falling all around me. Most recievers also have some DSP where they can 'fake' multichannel sound out of stereo content. It's certainly not as good as a real 5.1 mix, but it's better than nothing.

I just upgraded, I had a Kenwood HTB505, I think, 500 watt system. I bought the Onkyo HTS780 for 460 from Circuit City, 1000 watt 7.1 channel with powered subwoofer [the Kenwood wasn't powered]. Granted, watts aren't the only measurement, and while I'm not technical enough to "know" what the other useful measurements are off the top of my head, when I researched it, it was the top of the line for my price point and desried features. THD is important, and max multichannel power or something.
It's a little more expensive, but the reciever also acts as a component video switchbox, so I can route everything through it instead of the Pelican thingy.

I did see it on the Onkyo site, but I didn't want to buy refurbed.

And to reiterate, in order to get *true* "surround sound", first the content has to support it [I know a lot of PS2 games are only multichannel during the movies], and you have to hook it up right--either with digital optical cable, digital coaxial cable, or the 6 discrete plugs [not as widespread anymore]. If you use only the Red/White/Yellow plugs, you're not going to get 'true' surround.

I'm going to try to hook up the Onkyo tonight, I'll post feedback. I started to do it last night, but I messed up--I trying just 'replacing' the old reciever with the new one, and I got confused with the 4,165 wires back there. Tonight I'm going to take everything apart [cable box, dvd player, PS2, receiver, tv] and start from scratch. I was able to get video working from the dvd player and the cable box, and progressive scan from the PS2, but I couldn't get analog video from the PS2, and I had no audio.
 
Is the Onkyo that good!? I'm looking to spend $250 max for a 5.1 surround system, and this is my first time of 5.1 sound. Anyway, does the Onkyo HT-S780 (the 350 bucks one) have hardware decoder (DTS, DPLII) like the Logitech?

Note that I'm getting the surround system for purely gaming (ps2 for now) and I don't care much about movies (I watch movie with my PC's 2.1 sound). If it sound much better than the Z-5500, then paying 350 bucks is fine..

So the Onky HT-S780 vs Logitech Z-5500....

ps: dtcarson, I'm looking foward for your review...
 
I would go with the Onkyo....but I like to have a receiver to expand. You could always then hook your DVD player up to this for BETTER surround than your PC. The Onkyo has two digital input (coax and optical). Just click the link for specs...it has this:

Receiver:

» built-in Dolby® Digital, DTS®, & Dolby Pro Logic® II processing, for surround sound from DVD, VHS, and stereo sources
» 6-channel amplifier (100 watts x 5, plus 100 watts for subwoofer)
» Optimum Gain Volume Circuitry minimizes noise
» Wide Range Amplifier Technology for high instantaneous current capability
» 192kHz/24-bit digital-to-analog converters for all channels
» adjustable crossover (60/80/100/120/150 Hz)
» 32-bit DSP processing
» AM/FM tuner with 30 station presets
» digital inputs: 1 optical, 1 coaxial
» 2 audio and 4 A/V inputs
» 2 sets of main speaker outputs
» 17-1/8"W x 5-15/16"H x 15-5/8"D
 
[quote name='mmn']If you live in an apartment or a house with other people, you're going to want a cheaper, smaller setup. And if its your FIRST 5.1 system, you'll also probably want something lower cost.

I'm glad you have a kickass system. I'm sure your neighbors really enjoy it as well.

Edit : Here's a good example of a starter system -

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/prod...=19&dept=3944&path=0:3944:133251:77622:105878

You get 5.1 Dolby Digital, Pro Logic II, and digital inputs. If you aren't a big audophile you won't really notice a huge difference between this and a setup thats $100 - $150 more.[/QUOTE]


As someone who really doesn't care too much about sound quality, this system is great for just having surround sound for those games that support it. It took my doom 3 playing from mildly scary to HOLY SHIT WHATS AROUND ME AHHH THERE SOMETHING BEHIND ME WHATS THAT CREEPY DRIPPING NOISE OH GODDDDDDDDDDDDD. Needless to say I enjoy my surround sound setup, and am glad I didn't pay too much for it because I don't really have the money for anything better. This was bought with a receiptless return from an ipod shuffle I got as a gift for xmas, I already had an mp3 player.

Actually though, I am mildly disappointed about the lack of DTS support, I didn't realize DTS existed before I bought this system so the lack of it is just kinda shitty. But, no games support DTS so its only movies, which almost always have DD on them also.
 
doubledown,

after many thoughts I think I'm going for the Logitech Z-5500. That's because it's $213 on Newegg right now plus the fact that everybody here said it's a good system. I don't want to spend too much on 5.1 Surround Sound thought. The Onkyo S780 is nice, but it's too much for my room. With the Logitech I can wall-mount the speakers, with the Onkyo it will be harder cuz the speakers are too big.

But thanks anyway.

ps: One last question, Surround Sound expand/enchanced everything right? Yes I'm paranoid and I've asked thsi question before.
 
If it's just a bedroom setup then the Logitechs will be a great choice. It's got a two digital inputs, 6ch direct for PC use, and you can convert those to stereo/DPLII useage for PS2 and GCN.

Yes, it will sound great. Pop in Black Hawk Down, Saving Private Ryan, or CoD2 when you get your 360 and you'll be very happy you decided on this set.
 
the Z-5500's are absolutely perfect for a bedroom or a dorm room. The sound quality is very good and the speakers are far more powerful than you'd expect.
 
Yea, I've decide on the Logitech Z-5500 already. Now I just don't know if I should buy it or not. I already bought a 30" HDTV just for next gen gaming, but don't know if it would be Next-Gen gaming with surround sound or not.

Do you guys think Surround Sound is worth it? Does it enchanced a lot compared to the 2ch Stereo??
 
Yes, surround is great. I would suggest you use it for DVD's also though. I have my 360 connected to my main HT setup and it's great.
 
Yeah, the Onkyo 780 is most likely overkill. And to think, I only started shopping because the remote stopped working on my Kenwood [the remote is fine, the IR thing inside the receiver got disconnected; I resoldered it once, but then thought I don't want to have to do that every month or so.]
I think the main differences between the 780 and the 580 are:
* component video switching [this is worth extra to me]
* more digital audio inputs [4 versus 2]
* a bigger, powered subwoofer versus passive [the 680 is also powered]
* it supports 7.1 and 6.1 sound in addition to 5.1. Not that that's a huge deal, I don't know of anything that is 7.1 encoded, and only a few things that are 6.1.

Actually, click 'features' on the Crutchfield page and there's a nice comparison chart.
It does process DD, DPLII, DTS, DTSES, and a bunch of other stuff I've never heard of.
"Processing
•Dolby Digital EX and Dolby Pro Logic IIx
• DTS, DTS-ES Matrix/Discrete, DTS Neo:6, and DTS
96/24 processing
"

I assume that means it 'decodes' it.

That Logitech one doesn't look bad at all. I'm trying to find a manual online, especially to see the THD [my Kenwood was .7%, the Onkyo is .08%], but can't. It doesn't look like it's got exceptionally wide frequency range, but a lot of the high and low end, we can't really hear. It's THX certified which is cool. Again, you have to think of the purpose you're using it for. For a first set, for a small room, for an apartment/dorm, for videogames [primarily], it looks like that one is a solid choice. In my case, this is my main unit, it's going in my living room [12x25 feet or so], and used for tv, games, and movies.

That said, HT is dangerous--virtually anything you get [although I'd shy away from what Walmart as], will seem like night-and-day compared to just 'plain' listening. Then, of course, once you start getting comfortable with yours, and knowledgeable of what to look for and what else is out there, you realize there's always more cool tech toys to buy. I get the magazine Electronic House, and there are some incredible home theaters in there. Of course, between the electronics and the room, they cost upwards of 20-50k, which is obviously out of my range.

This is actually my third HT, not counting hooking the stereo up to the Playstation, or the Logitech 5.1 sound system hooked to my wife's computer. My first was an Emerson that came from Walmart, and I don't think it even had true Dolby Digital. I was hooking stuff up with the R/Y/W RCA jacks. It was basically a fancy Pro Logic set. Now, even that was an improvement over using just the tv's speakers, but there's always room to improve. It's weird, though--while sound is important and can really envelop you into a movie/game, it's sort of hard to compare in the home. If you are watching TV you can usually tell the difference between a crap picture, a decent picture, and a great picture, but it's harder with sound unless it's something you're quite familiar with.

Anyway, your last question--yes, running virtually any audio through a decent surround system will improve it. If it's not true DD or DTS multichannel, you can at least use Pro Logic, which makes use of your surround speakers, as do the various DSP [Digital Sound Processing, I think] modes. They also act as 'equalizers' that alter the bass/treble/etc of the sound--on mine, if I use a mode called 'Dance Hall' for regular tv, voices sound a little more tinny. If I use 'Disco" [why they called it that, I don't know] it brings the bass up a little bit and lowers the treble of the voices. I use a different DSP for different content.

If you are into DVDs, definitely hook up your dvd player to the system as well. Put in something like Star Wars or Lord of the Rings, then turn it up. It's a new experience. I've even been impressed with dialog-heavy movies; suddenly you can hear people talking or walking in the background, traffic around the characters, etc.

Be aware of what you've already got--the Logitech has one optical and one coax audio input. My DVD player, my PS2, and my cable box are all optical audio; my parents' dvd player is coax, I think. Quality wise they're both about the same, you just have to make sure you can hook up your current components.
 
I never used a Logitech System before but they look like crap. Are those plastic speaker?

I'd say get the Onkyo system since it is badass. But O-Well you have your mind made up. Good Luck and Enjoy.
 
[quote name='dtcarson']Be aware of what you've already got--the Logitech has one optical and one coax audio input. My DVD player, my PS2, and my cable box are all optical audio; my parents' dvd player is coax, I think. Quality wise they're both about the same, you just have to make sure you can hook up your current components.[/QUOTE]


dtcarson, thanks for the long writing. I think I'm going to stick to the Logitech Z-5500 cuz of the small speaker. The Onkyo is just too big for my room to fit in that 7 speakers. Beside, I'm not looking to spend too much on sound since the HDTV alone almost broke me.

I'm going to hook the future Xbox 360/Revolution/PS3 all with optical digital cable into the Logitech Z-5500 which only have one optical digital input. That's why I'm going to get this Optical Digital selector:

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=180-980

Anyway, thanks guys for all the input. I'm going to get that Logitech Z-5500 just for enchanced in gaming.

ps: It's okay to hook my PC, CRT monitor, and Logitech Z-5500 all in one UPS Surge Protector right? It won't downgrade the sound system to weaker cuz of the PC/Monitor uses right?

guys, my room is a Square shape. help me with the speakers layout.

--------------------
----x----x---x----|
-------###------|
-------------------|
-------------------|
-------------------|
--------me-------|
x--------------@-x

the x are the speakers. the ### is my 30" HDTV. the @ is the subwoofer.

Also, the front speakes (rear and center) are in my ear level. the Surround speakers will be ~ 1-2 feet above my ear level.
 
That looks like a pretty good layout. I know it's probably not to scale, I might spread the front left and front right channels out a little bit, but the way you've got it looks good. Your system should have some white noise/test signal you can use to calibrate. Also, if you're at all interested in home theater, it would be a good idea to invest in the Avia or Digital Video Essentials test disks, they can help you calibrate your tv and sound system. I've got the DVE, it was 16 bucks from DDD.

I didnt' even know they made optical switchers; that's pretty nice. That site also only wants 9.5 for a 6 foot optical cable.
 
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