After many weeks of searching the internet and looking round stores like comet and Curreys for a surround sound system, I wasn't really any better off than when I started. The main thing that I had learnt from my experience was that websites didn't give you enough information on the products they were selling and store associates didn't really know all that much either.
~ The Setup I Wanted ~
My problem was that I had recently got a new HDTV and a PS3 - quite a good set up. So now all I wanted was surround sound to complete my little entertainment centre. So for this, I wanted some good quality speakers that I could plug into my TV or ps3 that would output surround sound when playing games and watching DVD's or blue rays on the ps3 - simple? No not really.
~ Research ~
Firstly, not knowing much about
surround sound systems, I did some research on the type of connectors I would need and where to plug them in. As it turned out I could theoretically plug some speakers straight into the ps3 via optical cable to deal with games and films. So, pretty simple then...or not. I never thought it would be so hard to find some reasonably priced speakers! Almost all of the surround sound kits come with a DVD player which I did not need because of the ps3's ability to play them as well as Blue rays.... So after failing miserably to find any, I eventually came across the Logitech Z-5500 - and I'm glad that I did.
~ The Setup I Have Now Got ~
When I found these speakers I originally thought that they would not be suitable due to the fact that on the box it says they are to be used mainly for PC's - but this was printed long before the PS3 came about, apparently. Now my set up is:
This means that I can play my games and watch films with surround sound =)
Just a warning to any who want to use the same or similar set up to mine - they do not come with an optical cable so make sure you get one of those too!
~ The Speakers ~
In the box you get your centre speaker, two front speakers and two rear speakers as well as the huge sub woofer. The sub really is big and very heavy and may be a problem if you want it in a small room, also because when you open the box there is a warning telling you that you should not put any other electronic devices within 55cm of it. This is basically because they have not shielded it from the magnets used within it and as you probably know, strong magnets can seriously damage other devices. However, that is the only down side to them as the quality is really amazing! You also get your control centre to stand next to your telly of wherever and this is where you control the sound and effects etc. It also has a remote control that is very handy. I have never taken these speakers to over 20% of their maximum volume as they already start to blow my head off and literally shake the house!
~ Setting up the Speakers ~
I was pleasantly surprised to how easy these were to set up - just stick the cables into the back of the sub for each of the smaller speakers and then plug it into the power and ps3 (or pc if you want to) and away you go!
~ So What About if I Want to Watch TV in Surround Sound? ~
Well you can! But you have to buy something else I'm afraid. I have just got PlayTV for my PS3 which you plug your aerial into and then a USB cable into your console and it effectively works as a freeview+ box so you can watch, record, pause and rewind TV! And because this means you will be watching TV through your PS3, you will also get it in surround sound. Just to clarify this, it is because you're aerial AND surround sound speakers are plugged into the PS3.
~ Overall ~
I am very pleased with these speakers and in my opinion they are much better value than buying a typical home cinema system from Sony or Panasonic or who have you because most people already have a DVD player that they come with and so they limit you that one source of entertainment. This Logitech on the other hand allows you to use them with many more sources including PC's, mp3 players, DVD players and game consoles.
I hope many people will find this review helpful as I know how hard it is to find reliable information on these sort's of things. All of the information above is what I experienced first hand with little knowledge or advice and I can gladly report that this system worked out very well indeed for me.
Advantages: The Sound clarity, design of speakers, price, ease of setup, Disadvantages: size of the Sub, Wired and not wireless satellites, AND NEIGHBOURS MAY COMPLAIN ABOUT LOUDNESS!
rajaster 29.03.2009 (29.03.2009)
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