New 5.1 Speakers, Z-5500 or Receiver and Bookshelfs? Recommendations wanted

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sp3000

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So my trusty 5.1 Logitech G51s finally went out, and I'm looking for a longer term replacement. Now the simple option seems to be to just replace them with a higher end version of Logitech speakers, which would be the Z5500, which I can get locally for about $220 from craigslist. Though I was satisfied with the audio from my old speakers, I understand there are much better options available in the form of a receiver and bookshelves, and I would like a longer term higher quality replacement.

My budget is around $700, including the receiver and speakers. I would assume that the receiver would connect to my X-Fi with an Optical cable, but would the X-Fi output surround properly through this way?

I have no idea where to start with the receiver, most receivers seem to be A/V behemoths meant for home theatres and video processing. I'm assuming other have done this, so what speakers/receivers did you use for your surround PC system?
 
With that budget I would go speakers + receiver. A lot better quality and more versatility.

And yeah, the X-Fi should do surround just fine via Optical.
 
BoredSysAdm said:
for long term and 5.1 without a doubt you need a proper receiver and speakers or at-least solid HTS like Onkyo-HT-S9300THX:
http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...300THX-THX-7.1-Ch-Home-Theater-Package/1.html
it's $629.99 and you save %43 off retails price.
Click to expand...

That's a 7.1 system, but I only really have room for a 5.1. Would a HTIB be a good choice anyway? I would like a degree of customizability with the speakers to be able to swap them out later if necessary.
 
sp3000 said:
That's a 7.1 system, but I only really have room for a 5.1. Would a HTIB be a good choice anyway? I would like a degree of customizability with the speakers to be able to swap them out later if necessary.
Click to expand...

Yeah, if you get a decent receiver with non-proprietary plugs, you shouldn't have any problems swapping speakers in the future.
 
sp3000 said:
That's a 7.1 system, but I only really have room for a 5.1. Would a HTIB be a good choice anyway? I would like a degree of customizability with the speakers to be able to swap them out later if necessary.
Click to expand...

well, you don't have to use extra 2 channels and regarding swapping the speaker later - on - yes - it's possible - it's rec going with very effective models like most speakers from Klipsch.

option b:) is getting all separately, but it's unlikely you could get good 5.1 system, maybe solid 2.1
like:
avr:
http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...Channel-3-D-Ready-Network-A/V-Receiver/1.html

and if you're not afraid of glue and 1 hour assembly:
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-702

just add this amp:
http://www.provantage.com/bic-america-f12~7BICA003.htm
 
talk the guy on craigslist down a bit...and grab the z5500

i have them and am more than happy
 
MiLk said:
talk the guy on craigslist down a bit...and grab the z5500

i have them and am more than happy
Click to expand...

How do these compare to a receiver + amp? Has anyone upgraded from a z 5500 and noticed a substantial difference?

Since I'm considering that my budget is $700, they seem a bit cheap for it. But if it's the best for this situation then I would be willing to buy it.

Also I notice that people have been recommending A/V Receivers, but I don't really have any need of the video part. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to have, but audio is the main part I'm looking for.
 
one thing you havent mentioned is how are you looking to hook all this up? what components are you looking to use? if you plan to use analog out of your sound card the first suggestion wont work for you. and if you plan to use digital, do you plan on gaming in 5.1?
what kind of space is this going to be in?

http://www.amazon.com/Marantz-NR1402-AV-Receiver/dp/B0052T82H2
this is a really good reciever for a smaller space, and its not a behemoth.

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/details/544726540/jamo-a340pdd-3
http://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-HD-30...1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1315159484&sr=1-1
those are good entry level speakers.

the good thing with this setup is that if you upgrade the front L/R, you can get a really good music system also, as the Marantz is great for music, which cant be said for the mass majority of $400 recievers.
 
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Procyon12 said:
one thing you havent mentioned is how are you looking to hook all this up? what components are you looking to use? if you plan to use analog out of your sound card the first suggestion wont work for you. and if you plan to use digital, do you plan on gaming in 5.1?
what kind of space is this going to be in?

http://www.amazon.com/Marantz-NR1402-AV-Receiver/dp/B0052T82H2
this is a really good reciever for a smaller space, and its not a behemoth.

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/details/544726540/jamo-a340pdd-3
http://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-HD-30...1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1315159484&sr=1-1
those are good entry level speakers.

the good thing with this setup is that if you upgrade the front L/R, you can get a really good music system also, as the Marantz is great for music, which cant be said for the mass majority of $400 recievers.
Click to expand...

I plan to use digital out, and I do plan to game in 5.1. I'm assuming my Creative X-Fi Titanium will be able to output 5.1 over digital through Dolby Digital Live. I'm assuming that most receivers would not support analog out from the X-Fi, but maybe someone knows of one.

The desk this is going to be on will have about 2 square feet of space for the receiver. I like the form factor of the Marantz, since most of the receivers that I look around for seem to be gigantic.

The receiver would be placed about where the discs are, to the right of the monitor. The speakers would be flanking the monitor on the left and right side.


Right behind this desk about 5 feet back is another one thats empty which will have the rear surround speakers.
 
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sp3000 said:
I plan to use digital out, and I do plan to game in 5.1. I'm assuming my Creative X-Fi Titanium will be able to output 5.1 over digital through Dolby Digital Live. I'm assuming that most receivers would not support analog out from the X-Fi, but maybe someone knows of one.
Click to expand...

the one i linked and the one boredsysadm can. but if you have a DDL sound card its not an issue.
 
I downgraded from tower speakers and a receiver to a z5500 when my old amp packed up but found them terrible.

The little satellite speakers on the z5500 seemed tinny and and the sub-woofer would attempt to play any sound up to about 150kHz. It would be much better suited to being an actual sub-woofer with a separate bass. Playing mid-range sounds seems to be beyond the capabilities of both the satellites and the subwoofer so had to plug headphones to watch movies as speech muffled.

I eventually picked up a cheap Sony 5.1 amp, it was cheaper than what I on sold the z5500s for and was heaps better.
 
The only people who will recommend Logitech speakers are those who have never heard anything better.

You will have a difficult time finding a receiver that supports 5.1 channels without supporting video. I've never heard of it.
 
Procyon12 said:
the one i linked and the one boredsysadm can. but if you have a DDL sound card its not an issue.
Click to expand...

The marantz seems like it doesnt support analog input, but again it's not a big deal although it would be good to have.

Has anyone had experience with using DDL, since I want to be sure it would be compatible with all of my games. I'm assuming that the X-Fi just takes a 5.1 signal and converts it, and that games don't need any special kind of workaround for it.

Now another question to you all about the speakers. Would it be better to buy a box of them like the Klipsch HD 300, or buy them individually. I would probably have different companies for the front, rear, and subwoofer so would mixing brands be alright?
 
sp3000 said:
The marantz seems like it doesnt support analog input, but again it's not a big deal although it would be good to have.

Has anyone had experience with using DDL, since I want to be sure it would be compatible with all of my games. I'm assuming that the X-Fi just takes a 5.1 signal and converts it, and that games don't need any special kind of workaround for it.

Now another question to you all about the speakers. Would it be better to buy a box of them like the Klipsch HD 300, or buy them individually. I would probably have different companies for the front, rear, and subwoofer so would mixing brands be alright?
Click to expand...

yeah my mistake, only the bigger marantz ones do it.

mixing brands is ok, but buying in one box can save money...

i have to check if this one can do it, but the higher end marantz' have an option to fold the subwoofer channel into the L/R speakers, so if you get full range L/R speakers and then go less expensive on the other 3 you can get by without a subwoofer, saving money.
 
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Procyon12 said:
yeah my mistake, only the bigger marantz ones do it.

mixing brands is ok, but buying in one box can save money...

i have to check if this one can do it, but the higher end marantz' have an option to fold the subwoofer channel into the L/R speakers, so if you get full range L/R speakers and then go less expensive on the other 3 you can get by without a subwoofer, saving money.
Click to expand...

So it looks like I'll end up going for either the Marantz or the Onkyo. One thing is do the speaker sets like the Klipsch HD 500 include speaker wire or must that be bought individually and the cut down. I've never hooked up a receiver setup before so I hope this isn't more difficult then your average connecting computer cables.
 
they generally wont include speaker wire unless its a HTIB.

do you know how to strip wire?
 
Procyon12 said:
they generally wont include speaker wire unless its a HTIB.

do you know how to strip wire?
Click to expand...

I did it before with ethernet cables but it was quite annoying. Is it possible to use banana plugs to route the cables?
 
sp3000 said:
I did it before with ethernet cables but it was quite annoying. Is it possible to use banana plugs to route the cables?
Click to expand...

this is not nearly as difficult as crimping ethernet cables. you can use banana plugs on virtually all recievers and most nicer speakers, but you still have to strip the wire and connect it to the banana plug. the adv of the banana plug is once iits in you can move them in and out easily.


i would get these for your reciever end, and if your speakers look like this in the back get them for the speakers too
260-303_s.jpg

http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10401&cs_id=1040115&p_id=2801&seq=1&format=2

if your speakers look like this in the back, get these:
260-294_s.jpg

http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10401&cs_id=1040115&p_id=5975&seq=1&format=2

speaker wire:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10239&cs_id=1023902&p_id=2748&seq=1&format=2

this kind of wire stripper costs 2-3x as much as the regular type, but a monkey could use it.
http://www.amazon.com/Automatic-Wir...ower-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1315274268&sr=1-9

install:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdyJHm0mDSw&feature=player_embedded
 
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sp3000 said:
So it looks like I'll end up going for either the Marantz or the Onkyo. One thing is do the speaker sets like the Klipsch HD 500 include speaker wire or must that be bought individually and the cut down. I've never hooked up a receiver setup before so I hope this isn't more difficult then your average connecting computer cables.
Click to expand...

Klipsch HD 500 - is a wasted money. don't do it
 
I hope that Corsair goes through on completing a good pair of digital/analog input 5.1s for PC use. It has been ages since the days of Klipsch Pro Media Ultra 5.1 that anyone's come up with a really nice set of PC-focused speakers, and Corsair seems to be going well with their 2.1 models. However, if I did want to equip myself with a good pair of 5.1s or 7.1s today, I'd be sure to get at least good, mid+ grade, home theater grade stuff, with out any proprietary anything. If you have the time it may be cheaper to build it yourself if you know what you're doing, for the $400-800 price range (without receiver. Do NOT skimp on a good future-friendly receiver if you're going to buy one).
 
Xaeos said:
I hope that Corsair goes through on completing a good pair of digital/analog input 5.1s for PC use. It has been ages since the days of Klipsch Pro Media Ultra 5.1 that anyone's come up with a really nice set of PC-focused speakers, and Corsair seems to be going well with their 2.1 models. However, if I did want to equip myself with a good pair of 5.1s or 7.1s today, I'd be sure to get at least good, mid+ grade, home theater grade stuff, with out any proprietary anything. If you have the time it may be cheaper to build it yourself if you know what you're doing, for the $400-800 price range (without receiver. Do NOT skimp on a good future-friendly receiver if you're going to buy one).
Click to expand...

Yeah the Klipsch Pro Media seemed like the last good 5.1 PC speaker set, but it's long been out of production
 
sp3000 said:
What would you recommend then. I was also looking at

http://www.amazon.com/Energy-Classic-Theater-System-Black/dp/B001202C44

and

http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-RM705-Theater-System/dp/B000WGJX5A/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1315294588&sr=8-3

as possible options.
Click to expand...

both these option are terrible as well, onkyo 9300thx is much better system (it also includes proper Onkyo receiver)

$700 is not much for proper 5.1, but here's my suggestion:

Onkyo TX-SR707 Thx Select2 Plus 100 watts channel 7.2 Receiver
http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...t2-Plus-100-watts-channel-7.2-Receiver/1.html

$325 + s&h

2x Infinity Primus P163 - $85/each
http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Prim...CB32/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1315422576&sr=8-1

1x Dayton Sub-120 from parts-express - $150 + s/h

Future expansion:
1x PC251BK center - $150
another 2x P163 for surrounds
second Dayton Sub120
 
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For the wire, how long will the runs be? 5 ft? 10 ft? 20? Depending on the length, any old wire will do, as long as it is at least 14 AWG. I use some old lamp cord a friend had lying around for my setup. Mark one of the wires at both ends so you don't get the sound out of phase, and you're good to go. The "quality" of the wire really doesn't matter as long as the conductor or insulation doesn't have any breaks anywhere. You really shouldn't bother buying purpose-built speaker wire unless you don't have anything else laying around, or you need a long run (like 20-30 ft. or more, say, for a big home theater room).

As was mentioned, to install the wire all you really need is a set of wire cutters and wire strippers. Strip a little bit of insulation off each wire end, then either stick the bare ends in the spring clips or insert them into the binding posts and tighten the posts down. When the posts are loosened, there should be a hole in the base for you to put the wire in. Pretty simple. Banana plugs can be used on most binding posts, but at this price point, I don't know how many speakers and receivers will actually include binding posts for every connection.
 
BoredSysAdm said:
both these option are terrible as well, onkyo 9300thx is much better system (it also includes proper Onkyo receiver)

$700 is not much for proper 5.1, but here's my suggestion:

Onkyo TX-SR707 Thx Select2 Plus 100 watts channel 7.2 Receiver
http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...t2-Plus-100-watts-channel-7.2-Receiver/1.html

$325 + s&h

2x Infinity Primus P163 - $85/each
http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Prim...CB32/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1315422576&sr=8-1

1x Dayton Sub-120 from parts-express - $150 + s/h

Future expansion:
1x PC251BK center - $150
another 2x P163 for surrounds
second Dayton Sub120
Click to expand...

Are Onkyo speakers better over other HTIB solutions? I notice people recommend their HTIB over others.


For the wire, how long will the runs be? 5 ft? 10 ft? 20? Depending on the length, any old wire will do, as long as it is at least 14 AWG. I use some old lamp cord a friend had lying around for my setup. Mark one of the wires at both ends so you don't get the sound out of phase, and you're good to go. The "quality" of the wire really doesn't matter as long as the conductor or insulation doesn't have any breaks anywhere. You really shouldn't bother buying purpose-built speaker wire unless you don't have anything else laying around, or you need a long run (like 20-30 ft. or more, say, for a big home theater room).

As was mentioned, to install the wire all you really need is a set of wire cutters and wire strippers. Strip a little bit of insulation off each wire end, then either stick the bare ends in the spring clips or insert them into the binding posts and tighten the posts down. When the posts are loosened, there should be a hole in the base for you to put the wire in. Pretty simple. Banana plugs can be used on most binding posts, but at this price point, I don't know how many speakers and receivers will actually include binding posts for every connection.
Click to expand...

The front speakers will be about 2 ft, and the rear speakers will be about 5 ft back. So the wire length won't be too long.
 
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I notice someone said that the Marantz receivers are a bit better than the Onkyo TX-SR707. Is Marantz a more high end company in general?
 
sp3000 said:
I notice someone said that the Marantz receivers are a bit better than the Onkyo TX-SR707. Is Marantz a more high end company in general?
Click to expand...

In general, Marantz puts a bit more into the quality of each component than into the number of features. So usually, if you compare a receiver of similar price, Onkyo will have more features but Marantz will for example have a stronger amplifier components in the receiver. Denon and Harman Kardon have similar quality to Marantz IMO.
 
Denon and Marantz are actually the same company now, called D&M holdings.
both are great.

Marantz tends to focus more on music and niche features (like phono stages), and Denon on new technology and Home theater, but both have excellent products in both categories (denon has some great phono cartridges and headphones, and Marantz has really excellent Home Theater pre pro seperates)

i like to reccomend Marantz to people who want to use their system for music as well, as IMO, they are the only company with sub $800-1000 HT recievers that do it really well.

Onkyo makes some great components for the price, and they have some really nice entry level stereo integrated amps too...
 
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BoredSysAdm said:
both these option are terrible as well, onkyo 9300thx is much better system (it also includes proper Onkyo receiver)

$700 is not much for proper 5.1, but here's my suggestion:

Onkyo TX-SR707 Thx Select2 Plus 100 watts channel 7.2 Receiver
http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...t2-Plus-100-watts-channel-7.2-Receiver/1.html

$325 + s&h

2x Infinity Primus P163 - $85/each
http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Prim...CB32/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1315422576&sr=8-1

1x Dayton Sub-120 from parts-express - $150 + s/h

Future expansion:
1x PC251BK center - $150
another 2x P163 for surrounds
second Dayton Sub120
Click to expand...

Even then, will Energy 5.1 Take Classic set sound better than z-5500 by a lot?
 
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mknlb50 said:
Even then, will Energy 5.1 Take Classic set sound better than z-5500 by a lot?
Click to expand...
I'm not huge fan of neither of these options. In my opinion both system are sub-par.

Are Onkyo speakers better over other HTIB solutions? I notice people recommend their HTIB over others.
Click to expand...
Yes, Onkyo HTS systems are better than most other HTIB ..

I forgot to mention another good deal on very good 5.0 system:
http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/544158919/jamo-s506hcs3?s_c=site_search
 
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