Logitech Z-680 5.1 speakers

[dassbaba]

I've been doing some research and i'm thinking of buying the logitech z-680 5.1 speakers. According to many reviews/customers ive read from the z-680's are really good and better than nearly all of the speakers in its range. It's bass is great, and the sound quality is the best and only matches up to the more expensive klipsch speakers.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProdu...-121-105&depa=0
(newegg link)

However, the people that didn't like the z-680's said that there is hissing sometimes, (when noise isn't coming out of the speakers) and it's unbearable for some. It seems odd for high end speakers, but i have seen more than a few complaints. Then after more googling, i saw that people claimed to fix this problem by downloading new firmware (which i didn't know was possible for speakers) and by getting digital cable connecting the speakers to their computer.

I'm fairly certain i'm getting the z-680's with "monster cable" as the brand is called. Before I buy them I was wondering if anyone had anything to say.

I didn't know that getting expensive "monster cable" makes high end computer speakers better, is it one cord to connect the bass to my sound card? I'm not sure how many of these high end cords i'm supposed to buy, could anyone give me an idea or link to what i'll need?

Also, i'm getting an Audigy 2 ZS Gamer to go along with the speakers, can't have new high end speakers w/o an audigy 2

 

[Asmo]

What do you want to use these for?

Audigy 2 is a poor soundcard, and logitech makes better mice than speakers.

This is a hifi forum, both the audigy 2 and logitech speakers are frowned apon, if you are just looking for a 'fun' system for games and dvds for your pc, then they will do the job, I would recommend the klipsch ultras over the logitechs, they far suprass them imho.

Only benefit to the logitechs is their decoder which makes using them with your tv, video game consoles, pc, etc easy to use.

 

[dassbaba]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asmo What do you want to use these for? Audigy 2 is a poor soundcard, and logitech makes better mice than speakers. This is a hifi forum, both the audigy 2 and logitech speakers are frowned apon, if you are just looking for a 'fun' system for games and dvds for your pc, then they will do the job, I would recommend the klipsch ultras over the logitechs, they far suprass them imho. Only benefit to the logitechs is their decoder which makes using them with your tv, video game consoles, pc, etc easy to use.

i see, well what would you suggest for a substitute of the price range ($100 for sound card, $300 for speakers)

 

[SumB]

You can't install new firmware for the Logitech's as they don't connect to a PC via a data port of any kind. The new pods didn't fix the white noise anyway. I had a set and couldn't stand it.

There are better speakers available for the money, so unless you value the decoder and have a high tolerance for noise, there are better options.

 

[dassbaba]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SumB You can't install new firmware for the Logitech's as they don't connect to a PC via a data port of any kind. The new pods didn't fix the white noise anyway. I had a set and couldn't stand it. There are better speakers available for the money, so unless you value the decoder and have a high tolerance for noise, there are better options.

like what, fill me in

 

[pnrgi]

in terms of a money/performace ratio i think the z680's take the cake. Sure they are no audiophile grade, no speaker in the 200$ range will, but, with the encoder encluded in the cost of the speakers, and a decent sound quailty from the speakers, it does the job very very well for 200$.

 

[SumB]

The MegaWorks 510D and 550 are the first that come to mind. I've owned the 550's and their midrange is remarkable in the realm of PC speakers.

 

[Asmo]

Chaintech or emu 0404 easily for $100~
Headphones (lots in the $200~ area check out sale forums for used great deals)
Headphone Amp ($100~) Headsave Classic, cmoy, etc.

That'll give yah ur best music bang for buck.

 

[dassbaba]

thanks for the advice audiophiles, i appreciate it

 

[cadobhuk]

For under $300,Creative Gigaworks S700:
http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_g...266601&prsrt=1
These are successors to Megaworks 550 and are much better.While 550 are way better than z680.The s700 competes with Klipsch Promedia Ultra(and costs less),with not as great sub but little better sattelites.

 

[insomniac]

I think the Z680's sometimes get an unfairly bad rap around here. Not too say that all the criticism isn't undeserved. But I think for certain purposes and at that price point, it's a quite attractive option. While they aren't up to audiophile standards and not exactly the most neutral powered speakers around, they still sound very good. If your uses are games, movies and certain types of music, such as hip hop, rap, dance, etc (pretty much anything that benefits from extra visceral impact), the Logitechs would be a great solution. And for a lot of people the sound quality will be just fine. Some will even prefer the overemphasized bass. For just over $250, you get a lot of features (the dolby/dts decoding) and A LOT of power. The build quality is also excellent.

I've previously owned these and never experienced the white noise or at least it never bothered me. So I can't comment too much on that issue. I sold them to move to a 2.1 system as I really didn't need the surround speakers.