[quote name='CoffeeEdge']Well, is there a sound output jack on the set?
Also, look, I don't mean to sound like an audio snob here, but Logitech speakers are strictly for people who either don't know how inferior they are, or who genuinely don't care. If you really don't care, then that's fine, go for it, but if you can spare just a little extra (~$100 more maybe), try to find somewhere selling Klipsch's Promedia 5.1 set. Unlike Logitech, who mostly make keyboards and mice, Klipsch has been in the speaker business, and the speaker business only, for about 60 years now. There is a big difference, and if you care, and can spare the extra bills, it's really worth it.[/QUOTE]
/sigh even if the Promedia 5.1 set sounded better then the z5500 (they are about equal or maybe a bit of an edge for kilispch) the klispch's don't have any digital decoders. So the little bit of edge the kilispchs have it doesn't mater if it won't accept the inputs. Pointless for a ht system for anything but a Wii or a VCR.
[quote name='Vinny']Do you mean a 27" for $400? $400 for a 17" Olevia sounds like a joke...
As for the quality of the Logitech speakers, I wouldn't say they're bad. They're great computer speakers but terrible for anything else.
Those satellites aren't that good... they're too weak. Most of the power goes to the subwoofer (which isn't that great BTW) and the drivers on the satellite are too small.
I'd go for an actual HTIB or a refurb Onkyo HTIB. I got my HT S790 for $330 shipped directly from Onkyo around March and couldn't have been happier. Tons of input options, great speakers, and an amazing receiver. For around $200, you could get a pretty good Yamaha or Onkyo HTIB (avoid Pioneers, Samsung, Philips, and the like... they advertise more than they actually offer).
The thing that separates computer speakers and actual home theater systems are the built in features. Most computer speakers just output sound, whatever their source tells them to. Home theater systems let you tune your audio and they also have tons of built in technology which helps improve quality (reducing noise, better surround sound precision, etc.).[/QUOTE]
The Logitech naysayers (trolls) always show up whenever the z5500 come up. I was also a naysayer about the z5500. I have tried many HTIB systems $500 and under and none had the sound for a medium size room for movies and gaming. I have bought and taken back at least 10 HTIB because of lackluster sound and/or features. I have a 17' x 14' living room (with an open windowed kitchen on the side) with the tv on the longer side and the z5500 have more then enough sound for the room.
None of the HTIB solutions I have tried (in the $300 - $500 price range) had anywhere near the fullness and range the Logitech's had with all the decoders. I'm speaking from experience not 1337 snob talk OMG TEH GAY MOUSE MAKERS.
I'm not claiming that the z5500 are the best solution for everyone because they do have some down sides. The system doesn't have the best for listening to CD's, only 2 digital inputs (1 optical and 1 coaxial.) No equalizer or "effects." You can't hook up a record player to it.
It is what it is a great sounding sophisticated looking system for a small - medium size room for killer movie and gaming sounds that can't be beat anywhere near the price.