Logitech Announces Two New Speaker Sets: Z-5500 Digital 5.1 and Z-2300 2.1

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/news/CA/EN,contentid=9547,crid=34' target='_blank'>http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/news/CA/EN,contentid=9547,crid=34</a><br /><br /></div>It's Logitech speaker week! Kevin Wolff <a href="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/articles.php?action=expand,6564">just reviewed</a> a set of 2.1 speakers, and today Logitech has announced two new sets that look, frankly, awesome. I have a set of Z680's, and they rock. The Z-5500's look like they'll rock even more. 505 watts of power? Ye gods man! 8O<br /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/5018.jpg" /><br /><br /><i>"The Logitech Z-5500 Digital speakers, a 5.1 surround sound system with THX® certification, can pound out 505 watts of power, thanks in no small part to a 10-inch subwoofer with enormous — and adjustable — bass. But the Logitech Z-5500 Digital speaker system isn´t just about loud bass: It offers premium performance at any volume. It features 96/24 digital decoding capabilities for both the PC platform and home entertainment systems. The new 96/24 format is now being used on some enhanced DVD and audio discs, High Definition PC audio systems as well as advanced signal processing of all audio including PlayStation®2 games, Xbox® games, DVD movies and more."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/5557.jpg" /><br /><br /><i>"...the Logitech Z-2300 speakers, a stylish three-piece 2.1 channel system, can crank out 200 watts RMS and 400 watts of total peak power — far more than competitive speakers in this price range. The two satellites have 2.5-inch polished aluminum phase plug drivers that provide rich, dynamic sound. The Logitech Z-2300 speakers will be available in the U.S. beginning in October for a suggested retail price of $149.95. "</i>

[Brandon Miniman]

These came out too late for me -- I just picked up a set of Klipsch Promedia 5.1 Ultra speakers...I did so because I had the 4.1s before, and they impressed me until the end. Although the 5.1 Ultras lacked the THX certification that most other Klipsch speakers carry, I was impressed by their power when I demo'd them at an electronics store. When looking for new speakers, I cosidered Logitech's Z-680s (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/CA/EN,CRID=2,CONTENTID=5048) but was discourage from doing so by the single 8" sub, which I felt didn't provide enough boom. I heard these too, in person, and they felt underpowered, even with a 500watt power rating.

But with news of the Z-5500, including a contuation of THX certification, 10" sub, and great amount of user-adjustablity, I think I'll go look for my sales receipt from the Ultras. Or maybe I'll just wait for some reviews to be published.