To all the sifus out there:

I have a budget of RM 2000 to get myself a decent set of speakers. I have a 42" Full HD LCD and a projector (native res:1024x768). Most of the time, I'm watching movies/shows through my PC (HDMI to LCD TV, VGA to Projector). Sometimes I watch movies on pirate DVDs. I also play racing games (alot) on my PC, so i need deep bass to recreate the cars' exhaust. So my question is which one should I go for? Here are a few Pros that I can think of:

Logitech Z-5500
Pros:
1. 5.1 THX certified system
2. has onboard decoder
3. has remote
4. multiple inputs accepted
5. has optical connections
6. Price : around 1500
7. The bass! the Bass!

Cons:
1. Haven't tested before.
2. Reliability issues? (anyone can confirm this?)

Bose Companion 5
Pros
1. The brand, it's Boooose!
2. Heard how it performed b4 and was blown away by it
3. Space saving, can simulate 5.1 effect if speakers are placed properly

Cons
1. Price: RM 1900
2. USB connectivity (strictly for PC only)
3. Satelites need to be placed at exactly 24 inches apart for simulated surround to work


Home Theatre system (anything like Sony, Pioneer, Philips)
Pros
1. 5.1 System
2. Has FM reception which other 2 candidates don't
3. Standalone - no PC needed, (includes DivX)
4. upscaling feature - pirate DVDs will still look quite decent on my TV
5. cheap (depends on model, prices start from RM 800~RM2000)
6. Scalability ( can upgrade in the future when you have the dough)

Cons
1. Size (if u're getting a set with huge speakers)

I do need to highlight that I'm watching it in my room where i sleep, so I don't really need a system which is too powerful. But I really don't mind if it is. My heart is telling me to go for Bose, but my wallet says Logitech. I just dun wanna regret after I get the system.

So, I would appreciate if anyone can share their ownership experience of either candidate to enlighten me.

Thanks and have a nice day!

This post has been edited by sterling^moss: Apr 8 2010, 02:41 PM


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HTIB or Bose

bose is good but not worth the money
So HTiB,Logitech Z-5500 or maybe you wanna try Logitech competitor Edifier S550 for RM1200

just pray that Logitech Z-5500 power circuitry in the sub won't die.

Z5500.. the sub can kick ur room

You can get a Pioneer HTiB setup where you get a full-fledged HDMI receiver (accepts 5.1 audio and video via HDMI and outputs video via HDMI) and an entry level 5.1 speakers with a massive sub. The receiver has two HDMI inputs (for PS3/BD player) plus coax and optical inputs (for B.yond and DVD players). All for RM2000.

Go to Harvey Norman and look for Pioneer brochures. Ask them about this setup. With the above option, you can still upgrade to a new receiver or a decent set of speakers later on.

Whatever you do, don't go for Bose. Simulated surround isn't surround; go for the real thing.


fuad

hi, thanks mate. really appreciate your comments. I think it's a sensible choice. Come to think abt it, Bose is definitely overpriced, so does the logitech. I'm no audio enthusiast but I do think that your suggestions offers scalability. I'll have a look at the receiver. The only problem is space at the moment, guess i'll need a proper rack for all the stuff that I've got.


I've read a few issues regarding the logitech, does it really have the overheating problem? any owners care to share their ownership experience?

I think you should go for HTiB better. Z5500 has limited capability and input. The bass is boomy tho it really can put out high sound pressure. The soundstaging is small cos its meant for nearfield usage. Since you having 42inch, i doubt you will sit very close.

I've read through some of the reviews online and the general consensus on the logitech is that it's good for movies (mostly due to the bass), but not so ideal for music (due to average normal and high note). After going through the reviews, my concern for the logitech is reliability, some mentioned woofer overheating, some say the knob on the control broken.

Would be grateful if anyone would share their ownership experience on either choice.

I would reckon the distance of me & my TV is around 10~12 feet ( 3.0m~3.6m) does that considered near/far field?

This post has been edited by sterling^moss: Apr 7 2010, 04:12 PM

i'm also eyeing for the logitech z5500. hope to hear more answer on this.

btw, if i were to use an AV receiver, can i connect it to the z5500?

If u love heavy bass then it alright, other than that it cant beat any avr but then again its cheap for a complete set. I have been using this baby for 1.5 year so far nothing wrong with it. No such problem like overheating, except some distortion sound from the woofer. Overall its a good buy for a small room use n for computer use too.

This post has been edited by Dickong: Apr 7 2010, 05:14 PM

if you guys are worried about the logitech z-5500 overheating problem then you should try edifier s550 for RM1200
worth every single cent.
even better than logitech z-5500 and cheaper and it won't overheat that easily.

plus the cool subwoofer design,dual passive radiators.
full blown remote control that controls everything,treble,bass,subwoofer,surround and center volume.
two way satellite better compared to logitech's full range speaker

the only problem is that it doesn't have optical input

This post has been edited by power911: Apr 7 2010, 07:00 PM

go for home theater system for btr surround and sound. thr no way a speaker build for pc can matcn home theater

listen to his advice

although this edifier speaker isn't designed for pc but for home theater
but still it's better to choose home theater stuff

This is the Todoroki HTP-RS50. Price is RM2000. For another RM1000 is the HTP-RS70 where they upgrade you to a receiver with DTS HDMA/Dolby TrueHD decoding but the speakers are the same.


This is the HTP-819SW. Price is RM3500.
The difference between the HTP-RS70 is the speakers where they upgrade to a better looking speakers although the sub is still from the Todoroki line.

By the way, if you have a HD source, you can sit about 2 meters from your 46" HDTV. It'd feel more immersive.


fuad

Wonder why the HTP-819SW speaker look nice but subwoofer color black pula....

i've actually tested HTP-819SW system at SenQ b4. But i do remember correctly that the amplifier was silver not black. What I did was I brought my own CD to play (the kings' singers, and Diana krall - Live in Paris ) it was rather good. It could be due to the the environment where i tested it ( the set was right at the middle of other home theatre systems) I remembered the high notes (like cymbals) was not very impressive.

There's no doubt that the bass was good the double bass from Diana Krall's concert was good but not too much that drown out other stuff.

I din manage to test out the surround though coz at that time they din have any DVD for me to test.

Be a bit careful on the Pioneer AVR... better check the spec carefully.
One of my friend got one of such sets.. not sure which range that was going at 2999 think 1-2 years back and after pay and bring back only to find out much later that the AVR only let hdmi pass through. Ended up need to buy optical and coaxial as the AVR do not take audio through HDMI... Now all hdmi direct to tv as no point to use the AVR for pass through only...

I've checked. Both the lower end and the higher end packages that I mentioned have audio and video HDMI input (no video processing) and outputs video via HDMI. Tested the HTP-RS50 using a BD player playing an MPCM track.


fuad

i don't mind abt that, since i'm watching videos through my PC anyways. So the upscaling is done on the PC part. I only have one question, is the price reasonable?? I'm not familiar with home theatre system prices. So far I haven not seen any traditional shop out side selling this set (at least in m'cca where I am). I only see them in SenQ where the price is fixed.

I've read more reviews on Bose, seems like you need to place the speakers at exactly 24inches apart in order for it to work. So if you have a TV which is wider than 24inches horizontally then you'll have a problem. There is one plus thing about Bose unit as well is that it has its own sound card. So, another problem if you have yr own sound card.

i'm currently using my trusty old Altec lansing ATP3, so I know nothing abt surround yet. Most of the reviews on the Bose end with a note saying that the simulated surround on Bose is good, but not enough to replace the real stuff. So, it makes me wonder how is it gonna be...

For a 5.1 setup with two floorstanding speakers, decent fronts, a 10" powered sub, and a HDMI receiver, the packages is very reasonable for an entry level 5.1 HDMI setup. What you're buying is not going to sound like it costs five times the amount, but it gives you the flexibility to upgrade slowly to better systems should you want to; that option is not what you can get with the other systems you want.


fuad

I dont agree with you that s550 is better than logitech 5500 becos before that i have test it together n found that edifier s550 is no where near logitech 5500

If you ask one of our fellow forumer here, he would have raised his hands and legs to vote for Z5500 as it 'beats' the crap out of Seaton Submersive sub .

On a serious note, a separate system would be ideal as upgrade itch would probably gets the better of you within a short span of time

I totally agree with u, if u are serious about HT then follow what htkaki have said.

This post has been edited by Dickong: Apr 15 2010, 06:30 AM

I'm trying to get the best quality with the least $$ spend. At the moment, I'm 'not yet' serious abt HT . I've been using my old ATP3 for like 6-7 yrs now, and I hope I won't catch the itch to upgrade (though it's very tempting I must say) cos it's an expensive hobby.

Z5500 bass is very boomy. Even when i watch movie, i dun set the bass high cos the bass not tight. It does shake the room but in a bad way. But dialog from z5500 satellite is not bad tho.

Personally my set is nothing wrong with it. Going into 4th year+ already. Keep the sub well ventilated away from stuffy corners.

finally, we get the opinion from one of the owners. Thanks mate, your input is very much appreciated.

why you compare 2.1 and 5.1?? 2.1 sure bose lor..

dont get involved too much in HT stuff as it will poison u like me which i already spend more than i expected but the result of the spending is well deserved as of now i do not watch movie in theater (unless friend invite) due to my HT set is better than watching in theater..

For my computer i'm using the logitech z5500. like someone here said before. the sub can kick ur whole apt(if u're living in one).
i used to game a lot(4 years ago) when NFS hot persuit was launched. was even equiped with logitech momo stering sets. with pedal shift. the sound was amazing.. worth it.. been using it for 4 years now. and no problem.. i've even kicked it at max volume for more than 3 hours.. no issue..just need to put a fan facing the heatsink back of the sub.
the volume, once it's maxed out, if u keep turning the knob, it even goes higer with a boost unit 1 to 11.. so, it's pretty damn good..


i'm not sure bout Bose companion but i'm using Bose Acoutimas 16 for my home theatre system. running it with a 7.1 compatible marantz amp.. i have to tell you it rattles my house.. something even rattlse above my plaster ceiling and it get's pretty annoying.

other home theatre system, i'd be skepticle. was never really into any other brand coz i've tested a few and never quite liked it.. after living with bose for the past 10 years, i'm not quite sure if i'll ever take a step back in home theatre system.

i hope this helps.

My personal comparison btwn Z5500 vs HT separates, is like when using Z5500 your imagining listenin to it with curtain in front of the speaker (curtain btwn listener n speaker).

Make no mistake, for such 5.1 computer speakers, Logitech Z5500 is king...but if u bring in the HT separates, I can only say that the clarity the Z5500 produces is far from the HT separates.

I have the Bose Companion 3 and 5 as well as the Logitech Z5500.

The Logitech lasted maybe a month max before needing to change the fuse then after the second time it happened I got fed-up and just put it aside.

I much prefer the Bose for computers because I don't really like having 5 speakers and a huge subwoofer just to listen to songs on my PC plus it's a lot neater.

But that's just my opinion based on what I've experienced. Price wise the BC5 is of course pricier than the Z5500 but since you're considering either of them I assume you don't mind the difference.

Logitech Z-5500 is horrendous when it comes to reproduction of mids and of the low frequencies, its bass is what i'd call cheap mega bloated boomy bass that is painful to even listen to, it doesn't provide you with a heart-stopping punch that resonates through your body but instead throws a heavy boomy growl that makes you nauseous, Z-550 coupled with its technical failures is undoubtedly one of the most over-rated set of speakers i've ever used.

BOSE Companion 5's simulated surround is sufficiently realistic but its shrill, overpowering, earpiercing and fatiguing highs and inaccurate underwhelming bloated bass makes this set of 2.1 one of the most overpriced speakers in the market. BOSE speakers only sounds pleasing in their showroom with their provided demo tracks but never in a realistic environment such as your room.

for that kind of price, i'd go for Focal XS, its soundstage, imaging and audio quality is certainly one of the best if not the best 2.1 in the market for the price range

This post has been edited by ReiszRie: Sep 21 2010, 01:45 PM

this thread remind me when i was a newbie about HT stuff.thinking about bose home theatre Rm18k.After made some survey,ask sifus in Lyn,end up with klipsch Rm10-12k.haha..my vote goes to HT..

Yah for that kinda price you can start with Klipsch Quintet for around RM2900 but you'll need to add an AVR onto that.

ya,its a bit expensive because u need to have AVR to make it works,but its last long bro.trust me..

logitech z5500 is just an overrated overpriced pc speakers...

i think better get the htib as its a proper surround system. the logitech's ok but a pc system wont beat a proper HT system.No offence to logitech lovers.

A demo will let u hear the difference and also theres room for upgrading with htib.

TS can also consider a set of Klipsch HD500 for his budget.

This post has been edited by ReiszRie: Sep 21 2010, 02:52 PM

i personally using logitech z5500. while the input is limited. but for performance vs price, still the best at rm1500 compare with others ht around rm1500.

At RM2000 budget....I would go for the typical Sony/Pioneer Home Theater package.
Relatively low investment and you'll get many features, including Radio, Karaoke.
Besides, the receiver support mutiple input source, including USB and iPod.
Besides, Sony, Pioneer and the like offer decent sound for movies, with power woofer for strong Bass.