Onkyo Home THeater HTS580S 5.1 vs Logitech Z-5500

[Sirrion]

Trying to debate between the two and I'm having some trouble.

Currently i am looking for a HT set for my computer ONLY. My computer is about 70% games, 20% mp3's and 10% movies/misc. Right now I have a Audigy2 zs Platinum but im considering returning it for the X-fi Plat very shortly. Nonetheless of these two speaker sets, which would be best?

Onkyo HTS58OS System $250 Shipped

OR

Logitech Z-5500 $235 Shipped

So for the purpose of gaming, with the Audigy 2 zs soundcard, which of these systems would be the best overall sound quality for my games? Or if anyone else has a recommendation that's better for under $275 please let me know.

 

[HDTVMan]

I use optical output from my pc to my Kenwood receiver with Onkyo speakers and to me is sounds way better than any just speaker units. Enough that friends of mine are starting to do the same. I never have to crank it up and I cant hear any distortion because the output is low. Its overkill but way better amplifier in my receiver than I believe they cram into most speaker kits.

The cool part is I also have several other computers that I hook up to the additional stereo in lines.
I can change the sound field on the receiver instantly without having to back out of a game.
Headphone jack right on the receiver for my headphones when I want them.
Speaker B are in the living room so I can put sound in other rooms as well as it doubles as a stereo.
FM stereo for those retro days.

I certainly dont think you can go wrong with the Logitech Z-5500's either. They are THX rated which means they must reproduce excellent sound and have excellent location ability. Meaning it will produce sounds that sound like its between speakers if that makes sense. Giving you a more realistic perspective to where you enemy might be coming from. Although I feel my home stereo setup does this well also even though its not THX.

In all fairness my Receiver/Speaker combo is my previous home theater setup which cost around $500.00 together but maybe todays theater in a box can rival it. I googled your onkyo selection but didnt find a review on it. Also my receiver combo takes up more space. If your limited to your space then the logitech might be the better selection.

One final factor is what output from your sound card are you capable of using to the receiver/speaker set? If you are forced to use 3 mini din connections then you need a receiver with 6 channel inputs. Or if you plan on using optical then your receiver needs that also. Then there is coax.

Hope I didnt confuse you more.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

X-Fi is going to be a waste on the 580 HTIB set because it doesn't have 5.1 analog input.

THX for computer speakers is mostly marketing. THX certification is much easier to get for a computer speaker set than a HT set.

I'd suggest skipping the X-Fi and keep using your A2 zs. It's still a great card.

With money saved from not buying a new soundcard you could get a better HTIB that has 5.1 analog input so you can easily hook up your computer.

 

[Excelsior]

Yeah, the 780s are hard to beat for the money.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Excelsior
Yeah, the 780s are hard to beat for the money.

lol, I just noticed Excekkebt! in your sig

:laugh:

 

[bakeybake]

where can you find z-5500's for that price 235 shipped???

 

[alcoholbob]

Just deals sells it for $219 before shipping, It's possible that or some other site was offering it at that price.

It's no surprise here, street prices have to be lower than retail for Logitech products because they aren't actually direct competitors to Klipsch and Creative/CSW, and need a lower street price.

This used to be given--Dell was selling Logitech Z-680s for $200 shipped when it first came out, back when Logitech more or less honestly placed itself where it was. Now marketting has taken over and retailers are jacking up the prices.

 

[Excelsior]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: Excelsior
Yeah, the 780s are hard to beat for the money.

lol, I just noticed Excekkebt! in your sig

:laugh:

Haha, I had to do it.

 

[Eureka]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjelloWith money saved from not buying a new soundcard you could get a better HTIB that has 5.1 analog input so you can easily hook up your computer.

From the link....

iPod® compatible: Just add the Onkyo DS-A1 docking system (sold separately) to add your iPod to your home theater system and enjoy your entire digital music collection.

Why??

Norm

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: cevilgenius

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjelloWith money saved from not buying a new soundcard you could get a better HTIB that has 5.1 analog input so you can easily hook up your computer.

From the link....

iPod® compatible: Just add the Onkyo DS-A1 docking system (sold separately) to add your iPod to your home theater system and enjoy your entire digital music collection.

Why??

Norm

You're asking me why people that buy ipods without even considering other products would want to buy a matching accessory to hook it up to their stereo when a $1 adapter cable could do it from the output?

Uhh....

 

[alcoholbob]

It's actually around $7