Logitech z640 (REBATES!!), and other 5.1/4.1/2.1 rigs + recommended Sound Card Discussions - set up a dream system cheap

[boha]

Funny thing:
I had my eye on these speakers a couple of months ago. I was really after a set of cheap 5.1s (cheap = non-digital) that sound decent. But not too expensive, and not too good -- when I want to listen to something with optimal fidelity, well, hell, that's where my receiver/components/seperates home audio/theater setup comes in! I am aware, however, that not everyone sees it this way.
But I digress: for one with selectively picky tastes, I find the Logitech z640s to be a great deal.
The funny thing? I saw these at buy.com (and newegg) for approx. $70 right when they came out -- but OOS (at buy.com, at least).
I walk into Best Buy, start chatting up the floor manager in the computer acces. section (who was conveniently the one manning the floor then), and basically ask him to pricematch buy.com. Now, he and I both know that BB doesn't PM online stores . . . but he's a salesman and knows I can wait to go home and order it (and save $30) . . . so we cut a deal at $80. I'm out the door, he/they still make a few bucks.

 

[step-dawg]

The Megaworks 550's are the updated version of the 510D's. I currently have the 510D's and really love them. great sound. I still think the Klipsch 5.1's beat it out but the price/performance ratio is great.

The 550's offer THX cert (whoopdy doo), a better control pod (with on/off switch, treble/bass control, headphone jack, and individual controls for center/rear channels), and a 99db S/N ratio (vs. the 95db in the 510D's). Hope this helps.

 

[zmatrix]

It's funny how when the Klipsch 4.1s came out, there was a lot of hoopla about those speaks, but when the 5.1 promedias came out, I haven't heard many people talk about it.

 

[Gruson]

You should ALWAYS spend a little more money and get the best. For $100, the Z560s are the best....hell, BB sells them for $199.

If that AMazon deal ever comes up again, it should be a no brainer to buy the z560s.

 

[neuroking]

I just got a set of Klipsch Promedia 5.1 and a Soundblaster Audigy 2 Platinum. All I can say is holy f^#@ sh@##! Coming from an older Logitech DSR-100 (I think that's they were - 4.1 setup), and playing a DVD-Audio disc... let's jsut say that it instanly catapulted me into audiophile status. I'm now looking for custom rigs to shut my damn noisey computer up (fans, etc.). I've heard the 560's and they're nice, but the Klipsch are amazingly precise. I mean not just good sound, but accurate and extremely well balanced. So much s that I will probably get a set a decent Klipsch speakers for my living room when I replace my current ones. I've played 3 DVD-Audio discs (not including the sampler from Creative, which is actually pretty nice as far as showcase CDs go: 1 Classical (Mahler Sym. 10), 1 modern (Bjork Vespertine), 1 pop/new wave (Gary Numan Anthology). All sounded amazing, and it was even the cheesey older Gary Numan stuff... hehe

Just my $.02+7.75% sales tax-.01 MIR-.01 IR = Free!
Brandon

 

[EXman]

I just got the logitech z640s from newegg.com for a Christmas present and just set them up tonight. I would have liked the 560's but they cost 2x the amount when shipped plus I don't really have a place that I can crank them up to really appreciate them. So far the 640s sound good but I haven't had a chance to crank them up. Definitely a nice upgrade from my two Benwin speakers. MP3's and Star Wars Episode II sound really good. The 640s were $67 plus $7 shipping I think. I think the retail around $100 at BB.

Me too just ordered from newegg.com with a Leadtek XP2000 TV card. These might not be the best but better than my headphones or my OEM compaqs plus my puter is in the family room so there is no BOOMING allowed!

 

[optimistic]

Originally posted by: bentwookie
couple weeks ago the 560's were $114(AR)@ amazon

640=50 w output (+centerchannel)
560=400w output (-centerchannel)

Last week z560 was 69 at newegg with 7 shipping.

err scratch htat it was the 640? Confusing model numbers. The lower number was cheaper model.

 

[h8r3d]

Originally posted by: Maelsturm
Am I the only one still using Creative PCWorks 4 point + woofer system?

I cant imagine how many years old it is, 3 or 4 at the least. Got it for about $100.

Im still using mine, and i see no real reason to upgrade. Im quite happy still. However, i assume in this instance, ignorance is bliss...

C-Man

 

[Johnbear007]

rigs?

 

[Jakev3]

No mention of the so called "Monsoon Speakers". I have a set and they sound so good.

 

[FOBioPatel]

Monsoon! They're notorious at CompUSA for stocking those badboys.

Still using my Altec Lansing 2.1 speaker system, and it's kickin' nice for me. But my comp can handle 5.1 output, so I would love to upgrade... eyes still set on those damn z640s...

 

[kindest]

Originally posted by: FOBioPatel
Still using my Altec Lansing 2.1 speaker system, and it's kickin' nice for me. But my comp can handle 5.1 output, so I would love to upgrade....

same boat iam in.. I have my eyes set on the Klipsch 5.1 setup however.
Got a wad of xmas money to blow.

 

[Smoot]

just got a set of Klipsch Promedia 5.1 and a Soundblaster Audigy 2 Platinum. All I can say is holy f^#@ sh@##! Coming from an older Logitech DSR-100 (I think that's they were - 4.1 setup), and playing a DVD-Audio disc... let's jsut say that it instanly catapulted me into audiophile status. I'm now looking for custom rigs to shut my damn noisey computer up (fans, etc.). I've heard the 560's and they're nice, but the Klipsch are amazingly precise. I mean not just good sound, but accurate and extremely well balanced. So much s that I will probably get a set a decent Klipsch speakers for my living room when I replace my current ones. I've played 3 DVD-Audio discs (not including the sampler from Creative, which is actually pretty nice as far as showcase CDs go: 1 Classical (Mahler Sym. 10), 1 modern (Bjork Vespertine), 1 pop/new wave (Gary Numan Anthology). All sounded amazing, and it was even the cheesey older Gary Numan stuff... hehe

I wouldn't exactly compare the z560's with the new Klipsch Promedia 5.1's, given the that Logitech's are a 4.1 setup. A better comparison would be to the Logitech z680's. I have teh z560's and wouldn't trade them for anything else in their price range right now. Bass control is not a problem whatsoever.

 

[AlwaysWong]

To slum the discussion back down, buy.com is selling the Creative Inspire 5.1 5300 brand new for only $49.95 shipped + tax. Now, I know this set has a pretty mild subwoofer, but I think they're supposed to be pretty crisp. Since I'm on a budget and the Z640's probably won't go down in price for another few months, I think this is a decent contender for $20 less. But if anybody has negative comments about the 5300's, please post before I buy a set.

 

[agent2099]

I'm going to pick up the Altec Lansing 621s from buy.com tomorrow. They seem to have the best price for them. $108 for the best 2.1 system under $200 is a steal.

 

[crazyinjun]

i have a question about logitech speakers....

what is the difference between the logitech Z640 5.1 speakers which are priced at 67 on new egg and the Logitech 4.1 THX certified speakers that are priced at 130 something bux. What is the best? what is the best price/performance? ....................ill be using these for my puter .....

 

[AlwaysWong]

Okay, new update for the budget conscious. New $20 rebate for the Z640 posted by greenthing on the FW forums. Buy.com has it for $69.41 shipped and as somebody else mentioned, if you bump your shopping cart up to $100, there is a coupon somewhere for an additional $10 off.

I was already set on purchasing the Inspire 5.1 5300 for $49.95 (also at buy.com), but now I'm swaying back towards Logitech since they've got a little more boom and are reviewed just as well as the Inspires (if not better).

$50 decision... what would yours be?

 

[RIGorous1]

don't buy the creative 5300... I have them and they weren't that great (actually I should say had since I got rid of them). At higher volumes I got distortion, like someone had taken a piece of wood and covered the speakers, muffled might be the word to call it. Reminiscent of FM quality audio in my car. Anyways the logitechs are awesome at this price and totally kick the creative's @ss. I'm so happy about that rebate that I'm putting my money where my mouth is and getting a pair of z640's for my sister right now!

Rig

 

[TheWart]

I agree with RIGorous1 in saying that the bass on the Z560s is just a little too overpowering for personal music listening imho. I own both these and the Klipsch and every time I come home I wish I had the Klipsch for music. That is the only shortfall of the Z560s for me, they are excellent in games and for loud music playing at parties etc.

 

[DrPizza]

I read someone's suggestion somewhere to put white batting or whatever it is (the stuff they have at fabric stores for stuffing crafty things) into the bass of the z560's.... they said it would tighten the bass up. I plan on getting the z560's soon (or klipsch 4.1's)... I can't vouch yet for this method...

 

[Greg03]

Any seasoned shoppers and AT'ers want to give a *awesome dude* some good advice on how long to wait, and when to buy?

I burst out laughing - lemme guess...you're 16-21, white, male, have a killer car stereo, and live on a quiet cul-de-sac in the burbs?

hehe

 

[FOBioPatel]

hmm... this belongs in off topic thread - but if you're curious, it's me, awesome dude!

Originally posted by: Greg03

Any seasoned shoppers and AT'ers want to give a *awesome dude* some good advice on how long to wait, and when to buy?

I burst out laughing - lemme guess...you're 16-21, white, male, have a killer car stereo, and live on a quiet cul-de-sac in the burbs?

hehe

 

[RIGorous1]

For those of you who are squeemish about this rebate I just called up the sales rep. department at logitech and they said that you CAN buy these speakers at any retailer. So jump on this bad boy!

Don't believe me? Call yourself and see!

 

[Ark]

Just ordered Z640 for my son from buy.com
I was going to jump on this deal before rebate, but with rebate it will be really cool deal.

 

[FOBioPatel]

definitely a cool deal, wondering how prices will be affected when the Creative Megaworks 6.1 come out... the gradual migration to 6.1 surround sound systems may get these prices to drop, the question is - can you wait? or is it time NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW.

??