Thinking about new speakers

[MiccyNarc]

Hey all

After thinking about the projector project, I've decided I want to turn my computer room into a true home theatre.
Right now I have Logitech X620 speakers, a decent set, but certainly not the most powerful in the world.
Another issue is that there is no remote of any sort, the volume and power controls are on the front right speaker, and if I wanted this speaker wallmounted it would be completely out reach. (*slaps logitech for this idea*)
So I'm thinking about getting either Creative Gigagworks S750 or a Logitech Z-5500.
A huge step up from the X620, for sure.
So would I notice the difference between the 7.1 and 5.1 setups? Is it worth $150?
Thanks in advance

[Rondog]

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/pr...CONTENTID=9486

Need I say more?

[surlyjoe]

for that kinda cake I'd get some JBL's and a real amp and be able to do large weddings and small music festivals and REALLY offend the neighbors!!

[dsio]

Both the Z5500s and the Z680s are almost identical, but despite being newer, the 5500's 10" sub is not as smooth as the 8" in the Z680, and does not sound as good as a result. I have the 5500s now in my lounge, and my old 680s are now with my grandfather, but I would gladly do a swap back. The 10" is in some way unbalanced, and less responsive, and has no more power output than the Z680. The amps / sats / control unit are identical technically, and only aesthetically different.

The 680s however are usually a hell of a lot cheaper, and since they sound slightly better, and are technically identical, are a better buy.

That aside, the 5500s suit the decor of the lounge better.

[dsio]

As SJ said though, a 5.1 set like that really will only sound average.

For that $500 you can buy a cheap set of BOSE, or an equivilant brand in stereo.

5.1 is nowhere as good as stereo headphones. Keep that in mind.

[MiccyNarc]

Both the Z5500s and the Z680s are almost identical, but despite being newer, the 5500's 10" sub is not as smooth as the 8" in the Z680, and does not sound as good as a result. I have the 5500s now in my lounge, and my old 680s are now with my grandfather, but I would gladly do a swap back. The 10" is in some way unbalanced, and less responsive, and has no more power output than the Z680. The amps / sats / control unit are identical technically, and only aesthetically different.

The 680s however are usually a hell of a lot cheaper, and since they sound slightly better, and are technically identical, are a better buy.

That aside, the 5500s suit the decor of the lounge better.

I can't find the Z680s new, I can only find them used. If I could find some new I would do it, but I really don't trust the condition of used speakers.

for that kinda cake I'd get some JBL's and a real amp and be able to do large weddings and small music festivals and REALLY offend the neighbors!!

http://www.jbl.com/home/products/pro...SCS&sCatId=HCS
You mean like this? Or what? The most I would spend is $500, and that's a little on the high side :-\

For that $500 you can buy a cheap set of BOSE, or an equivilant brand in stereo.

Holy crap BOSE are expensive. I can't find a 5.1 for $500, they are all $600 or more.

5.1 is nowhere as good as stereo headphones. Keep that in mind.

I've never really liked headphones, and they aren't too good if I have friends over

[Daishi]

Ofcourse... Your paying for a premium for bose speakers. DO NOT buy a bose sub under any circumstances they are pretty horrible. ive listened to the 680's vs the 5500's and i think the 5500's sound better.... i also customize pretty much every setting in my equilizer and such. the 5500's have better speakers and the sub sounds more like a sub u know rumbles and not thuds.

[Pitch]

Originally Posted by surlyjoe

for that kinda cake I'd get some JBL's and a real amp and be able to do large weddings and small music festivals and REALLY offend the neighbors!!

I've tried that. Good fun.

Especially after firing up Unreal: Everyone on the street knew you got a "Headshot"

[danrok]

It's far more entertaining to blast passers by or neighbours with thunder and lighting sound effects. Good on a clear day, you can then watch them all staring at the sky scratching their heads.

A recording of the police saying "come out with your hands up" can also provide hours of entertainment.

[MiccyNarc]

Hehe, that sounds like fun, but I still have to live with my parents

Fortunately I live out in the country and my nearest neighbors are about 2-300 feet from our house.

If I were to go the JBL route, what would you all recommend?

[surlyjoe]

you can prollyget a couple control28's and a 300w Behringer on e-bay for about the same nut. with 8" drivers who needs a sub?


here are some new ones for $199ea !!

http://www.platinum-records.com/JBL-...8-prod5847.htm

and a $250 behry!! http://www.abesofmaine.com/viewprodu...1500&l=Froogle

[dsio]

Mate, if you buy top end stuff, like retro Klipsch or BOSE, buy carefully checked second hand. People dont buy top shelf gear to blow the cones, so most BOSE and 1940-1960 Klipsch gear has been handled with kid gloves for a good many years. I picked up my BOSE speakers, amps, and EQs (some B&O gear as well) for an absolute steal, though its all 10 years old, it was well over 10 grand for the lot new, but only cost around a grand second hand.

Speakers in particular age very well. I heard a pair of these http://www.klipsch.com/product/product.aspx?cid=2 Klipschorns that were made in 1951 play a couple of years ago. They are only 100W RMS, but produce more bass than any sub system I have heard in my life due to the quality of the enclosures. Currently they go for $12,000 each (2 in the set), after over 50 years, so that is how well the old school stuff holds up.

Old quality gear will always sound better than what you can buy of a department store floor.

[surlyjoe]

agreed!! if your not afraid of used, thats where the real sound value is

[marcofra2000]

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Onkyo...oductDetail.do

I have the HT-S760 and are connected to my PC and they sound awsome.

[MiccyNarc]

I'd imagine I'd have a hard time connecting 50 year old speakers to my computer though.