Logitech Z-5500 vs Klipsch Promedia 5.1 (First post, gulp)

[Molinjir]

This my first post on these forums, so bear with me.

My problem is this: I've got a decent pair of 2.1 speakers, (Altec Lansing) but I'm looking to upgrade to 5.1. I've read dozens of reviews for both products, but I still can't seem to find which actually will work better for me. Price is certainly important, as I really can't go much above 250$( I'm still a kid), but sound quality is the most important part for me. My two main uses will be music and movies, mostly music. I listen to a lot of jazz, so crisp, clean delivery with high quality sound is pretty important. I'm not as interested in the bass (which I know the Logitech offering has in abundance), but more in the overall sound of the speakers. I'm not obsessed, but I do care to some degree about aesthetics. I've heard that the Logitech has better bass, but the Klipsch has better midrange and tweeter. I personally think the Logitech system is more attractive, but it's not too much of a deal. I'm currently leaning towards the Logitech (cheaper as well as better reliability reviews), but I'm still undecided. I know there are plenty of die-hard fans of both companies, so I'm not sure exactly what is best for my purposes. I usually play fairly quietly, in a fairly large room with decent aucoustics. Which would better suit my purposes?

Thanks in advance,

~Molinjir

 

[erikistired]

i've had logitech and klipsch systems and klipsch definately took the prize for clarity and music reproduction. the logitech was nice for gaming because they "rumbled" a bit more (dunno how to say it exactly). but for music i definately miss my klipsch speakers.

 

[Slick5150]

If you're interested in music, especially Jazz, definitely go the Klipsch route. I've owned the Logitech 680's (previous name of the 5500's) as well as the Klipsch set, and the Klipsch set wins hands down for music. Much better highs, much better mid range. The logitechs certainly deliver more boom in the bass, which is fun for games, but for overall all sound I can't reccomend the Klipsch set highly enough.

And by the way, welcome to Anandtech!

 

[Darien]

If you can still find them, the 5.1 version of the Creative S750 sounds like what you're looking for.

Between the Logitech and Klipsch, I have to give the nod to the Klipsch. They're more expensive, but they sound better in every aspect. Including bass -- it's much tighter than the boomy Logitech

 

[Molinjir]

Thanks for the prompt replies. How much does the creative sell for?

 

[fstime]

The Creative Gigaworks lack in the bass department compared to the Klipsch, however, they have a bit better satilites but I would still take the Klipsch, awsome subwoofer.

 

[Molinjir]

The only thing is, I've seen a lot of reviews saying that the Klipsch is unreliable. I don't know what to think exactly. Also, is it a dramatic increase for 50$? Also, the Logitech (at least the satellites, IMO) is quite a bit nicer looking. I've also noticed the lack of the remote on the klipsch, among other things. It's a nice little feature as well as well. Finally, I noticed it lacked the inputs that the Logitech had. Are any of these things serious problems?

Excuse my somewhat naive questions,

~Molinjir

 

[Penth]

It seems like this topic comes up every couple of weeks. I have the Klipsch and can't recommend them highley enough. I dreamed about getting the logitech speakers for a long time and then I got a hot deal on the Klipsch and couldn't be happier with them. I'm sure they'll last longer than any other part of my computer.

 

[imported_miahallen]

I'm a big music buff as well, JAZZ sounds INCREDIBLE on the Klipsch setup.

 

[jondl]

I can't comment on the klipsch set but i used to own the 5500s and i noticed that at low volumes you couldn't enjoy them at all. So if you're going to be listening at low volumes.. i would stay away from the 5500s. my 2c

 

[alcoholbob]

If you are really into music, you might want to consider a 2.1 or a stereo setup, for the money you can do alot better than either Klipsch 5.1 or Creative Gigaworks. Like...alot better

 

[Molinjir]

My only question is are the Klipsch reliable? I've seen a lot of reviews to the contrary, and a number of sites ranked the logitech a good deal higher. Thoughts?

 

[talbot3]

I am with Astrallite. If you are mainly listening to music, 5.1 is not needed. AudioAdvisor has wharfedale 8.2 for $135 a pair. Match those with an amp capable of driving 6 omh speakers and you should have a setup for music much better than logitech or klipsch sats. Later you can add a sub if you want.

http://audioadvisor.com/store/productde...vlar%20Bookshelf%20Speakers%20-%20Pair

 

[0roo0roo]

klipsch

 

[bigboxes]

Klipsch sound so much better, tighter and accurate. Sounds like you've made up your mind on the Logitech. If that's what you want get them. No use trying to keep asking others to reconsider their recommendations. As for the call for audiophile speakers, yeah they would sound even better, but not pratical. Most peeps have a reasonable limitation on space which is why we choose pc speakers. I wouldn't use my Klipsch Promedia speakers for my hi-end setup. I don't. I have a monster cable out to my Denon when I want the big sound. Most of the time I just use my Klipsch speakers. I have to keep the sub turned down all the way cuz it's too damn loud!

 

[bigpow]

I've tried both, Klipsch sounds better (when working).
What I would want to try is the new Logitech Z5450 (with wireless rear speakers), saw one @amazon within your budget

 

[Molinjir]

I'm pretty sure that I'll be going with the logitech (budget constraints), but I'm a bit worried about the sound quality. I'm sure it will be better than what I have now, but i've heard the midrange is weak on the logitech.

Thanks again for all the tips (I really have been debating the two a great deal)

~Molinjir

 

[WaTaGuMp]

Originally posted by: Molinjir
I'm pretty sure that I'll be going with the logitech (budget constraints), but I'm a bit worried about the sound quality. I'm sure it will be better than what I have now, but i've heard the midrange is weak on the logitech.

Thanks again for all the tips (I really have been debating the two a great deal)

~Molinjir

For your price range you wont be dissapointed with the Logitech, I use the 5300 and for 150 bucks they are pretty solid overall.

 

[uclaChris]

I was in your same situation a few months ago and I ended up going with the logitech z5500 b/c of its balance in looks, sound and price. All these factors are subjective to each individual but overall I was and am still impressed with the Logitechs, and I upgraded from a Klipsch THX Promedia 2.1 system.

The logitech is definitely not an audiophile piece but it does offer clear, above average sound, I did find the bass a lil boomy at first but I was able to adjust it to my liking through my audigy 2 software.

 

[Ichigo]

So the majority recommended Klipsch but you decided to go with Logitech. What was the point of your post?

 

[alcoholbob]

Don't worry, I had this debate a long time ago with myself, circa 2001; Z-680s or Klipsch 5.1?

I went with the Z-680s, thought the difference wasn't that big. In the end I was "right", because the difference really wans't a $100 difference for someone who looks to upgrade my speakers every 5 years or so. If that was the only speaker I ever was gonna get, sure, the $100 would've been a smaller investment. I have a feeling Molinjri will be back in a few years asking for suggestions for bookshelves ; )

 

[Molinjir]

Again thanks for all the replies. I will almost certainly be going with the logitech offering, but perhaps, someday, <insert cliche here> I'll be back, either begging for forgiveness to all the Klipsch users for ever doubting the Promedia, or maybe just asking Bose vs B&W.

Thanks again for all the help

 

[alcoholbob]

Avoid Bose at all costs. Unless you are getting their "classic 70s" speakers, today's satellites use smaller drivers than the Logitechs, and they sell $2000 "bass modules" that don't even extend to 50hz. Oh yeah, Logitechs measure +/-4.5db 200-20KHz. I think the bose were around +/- 8-10db? Pretty bad.

You'll probably be asking ParadigmvsDynaudiovsAscendvsB&W at that time : )

 

[nib95]

Originally posted by: Ichigo
So the majority recommended Klipsch but you decided to go with Logitech. What was the point of your post?

I think Kilsch is more expensive.

 

[alcoholbob]

Originally posted by: nib95

Originally posted by: Ichigo
So the majority recommended Klipsch but you decided to go with Logitech. What was the point of your post?

I think Kilsch is more expensive.

And not worth it in a cost/benefit analysis if you are gonna sell the computer speakers in a couple years for real loudpspeakers.