Speakers: Logitech vs. Klipsch

[brettjrob]

I am looking to upgrade my Altec ATP3 30W speakers to a more serious system in the near future. My sound card is TBSC and I mainly listen to music, although I do some occassional gaming (but not much in the way of DVD watching). I'm looking to spend less than $200. After doing some research, it looks like the brands I should be focusing on are Klipsch and Logitech.

The first thing I noticed when browsing through online stores is how much cheaper the Logitech systems are than the comparable Klipsch systems. In my price range, Logitech has a 4.1 400W offering (Z-560) for $150, while Klipsch's 200W ProMedia 2.1 system is $180! Now I don't have my heart set on surround sound since I'm mainly listening to mp3's, but I am also unable to see what the advantage is of the Klipsch 2.1 that would justify their higher price. Is the sound quality of the Klipsch significantly better?

As far as the higher-end systems, I *could* maybe go with the Logitech Z-680 ($285) but would really prefer not to, especially if it's not much more than a 560 with center channel. The ProMedia 5.1 Ultra system is not an option for me.

Any advice from those who've heard both sets of speakers would be appreciated!

 

[helloguy]

I've not heard of the klipsch, but I own the logitech, I can say that they're good for movies and games,but for music, I think the altec 621/641 beats it coz I've heard of the altecs. You'll know when u've a chance to listen to them. There're lots of choices out there for 2.1,find a day to demo the systems in shops or your friend's house.

 

[Kutter]

If your primarily interested in listening to music then you could save some $$$ by going with a nice 2.1 setup rather than a surround setup. I would go with either the Klipsch speakers or a set of Harmon Kardons. Harmon Kardon's has several lines of speakers that come in at various price points.

 

[NYHoustonman]

Go for the Z-560's. I just got them and they're great. I've heard about them not being really 400W, but if that is in fact true (and yes I've seen the pictures) then Logitech would be even worse off than a company like NVidia. They are great speakers and work good for anything (anything for me meaning games and music). Just look at the reviews (search on Yahoo or whatever)... Some even put them ahead of the Klipsch 4.1's, while most put them at at least the same level. I'm done rambling, but I definetly vote for the Logitechs.

And if you do go with them, give them a break in period... I've heard of people blowing their subs because they jack up the sound right away. I, myself, put them fairly high at the start, around 65%, and they were still well above what I would listen to normally.

 

[Rankor]

Try and do a google search for Z-5300 speakers from Logitech. I bought these to replace my 640s. Decent speakers.

There's a review on the unit here.

 

[brettjrob]

Thanks for the replies, I decided to go with the Z-560's. It seems like too good a deal to be true, but we'll see what happens... ordered from NewEgg so they should be here by Wednesday.

NYHoustonman, I also saw some pictures where the speakers were labeled as 15W, which is a little unnerving. But I suppose if the audiophile reviewers could compare them to the Klipsch they must sound good anyway!

 

[Johnbear007]

klipsch

 

[Slick5150]

For music, EV SonicXS 2.1 or Monsoon PlanarMedia 14 . Best overall quality for music listening

 

[Pacinamac23]

I would go with Klipsch. The problem with the Logitechs is that their satlites are not so hot and they try to make up for it with the sub. They certainly have a lot of bass but it does not blend in well with the mid-lows and mid ranges nearly as well as Klipsch speakers do.

 

[dotZIP]

Well, it depends on what you use them for. Logitech has the decoder so if your into movies, it works out great (especially if you have soundstorm). For certain types of music, it is also pretty good like hip hop. Oh yeah, and price. Klipsch speakers have slightly higher quality when you're listening to a broader range on the sound spectrum. If you don't have digital outs, why buy features you don't use?
So buy based on what you need it for.

 

[corkyg]

I believe Klipsch is worth the extra cost. Klipsch has been making quality audio transducers/speakers since the late 50s. The famous Klipsch Horn was found in many high priced custom audio systems before computers existed as consumer items. Logitech is basically a cheap peripherals house - they offer good value, but when I want good speakers and other audio components, I would go with those who know audio engineering. In general, you get much better audio components if you use those designed for home entertainment systems rather than those designed for computer users with a minimal knowledge of audio technology.

 

[dragonballgtz]

I would go with the Logitech Z640 5.1 Speaker . They sound really good for a $66 5.1 setup.

 

[ArcticChill]

Here a review for the Logitech Z-640: Logitech Z-640 Review

I recommend Logitech for movies and games, but for music creative and other speakers are better as I heard of.

 

[yhelothar]

yup too bad you made your decision so soon...
logitech's has very boomy bass and muffled highs...
great for games and movies.. but horrible for music..
hope you like them
I would have gone with Altec 621, or the klipsch 2.1

 

[brettjrob]

Ah, you guys are killing me all responding after I made my decision . However, I seriously doubt I'm going to be disappointed considering that I'm coming from an Altec ATP3 setup. I'm not an audiophile and I'm not really picky; unless it's blatantly obvious that the speakers aren't well-balanced, I'll be happy. I'm a high school student so even the $160 for the Z-560 was a lot of money for me, and there's no way I could've gone much over $200, so really it was between Z-560 and Promedia 2.1. I'll let you all know what I think when they arrive on Wednesday.

 

[screw3d]

I think you would be happy with your purchase. The Z560 is very very good value for the money you pay. Isn't it saying something when your speakers is compared to a set that costs about 50% more?

 

[NYHoustonman]

Yea, basically in every single review I've read, it has been said that the Z-560's sound AT LEAST as good as the Klipsch 4.1's, so IF these speakers really are that (relatively) weak, then it doesn't matter as they sound just as good and are just as powerful. There is NO WAY I can see paying $100 extra for a different name. These satellites are nice, everything sounds great, even compared to my dad's theater setup (not quite as good, but still close).

Edit-Just saw, nice choice. Just don't crank them up the second you get them in, I've heard that you have to "break them in."

 

[brettjrob]

Originally posted by: NYHoustonman
These satellites are nice, everything sounds great, even compared to my dad's theater setup (not quite as good, but still close).

That's the other thing, my parents don't even have a home theater, so I'm sure this setup will sound far better than anything I'm used to.

Just don't crank them up the second you get them in, I've heard that you have to "break them in."

Yeah, I've read enough reports of the sub blowing that I'll be sure to give 'em 20 hours or so to break in. I live in a townhouse so it's not like I'm ever gonna be able to really crank em up to full volume anyway!

 

[screw3d]

Originally posted by: NYHoustonman
Yea, basically in every single review I've read, it has been said that the Z-560's sound AT LEAST as good as the Klipsch 4.1's, so IF these speakers really are that (relatively) weak, then it doesn't matter as they sound just as good and are just as powerful. There is NO WAY I can see paying $100 extra for a different name. These satellites are nice, everything sounds great, even compared to my dad's theater setup (not quite as good, but still close).

Edit-Just saw, nice choice. Just don't crank them up the second you get them in, I've heard that you have to "break them in."

If there's anything that describes the Z560s, there are definitely NOT weak, despite the lower wattage ratings on the satellites and the subwoofer.

 

[Xenon14]

I have the Altec Lansing 641's. They're not as powerful as the z560's, but they have tweeters like the Klipsch. I got mine for $130... great sound, you should look into that.

 

[yhelothar]

ATP3 are great speakers for music..
if you liked powerful... logitechs sound very powerful... heavy bass and midrange... but they lack definition