Advice on 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound system

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › Advice on 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound system - suggestions please

neilinnz

165 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 1

#22787 8-Jun-2008 09:52

Hi,

I want to buy some kind of surrounds sound system that works with a PS3 for watching films and playing games (more for watching films though).
I would also like to connect either my Bravia TV (U series) and/or Sky TV box to it as well as be able to listen to music from an iPod.
So I think? i need a surround sound system with at least 3 or more inputs. I know the ipod won't be surround sound but can it come out of all speakers and sound great?
I don't know much about the different surround sound specs so any advice would be good. I'd rather get one that doesn't have a built in dvd player as I already have the PS3.
I don't want to spend lots of money, any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

BazNZ

258 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 6

#136406 8-Jun-2008 12:14

Hi neilinnz,
Well I can thoroughly recommend the Logitech Z-5500 Digital 5.1 THX certified Surround Sound Speaker system. http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/speakers_audio/home_pc_speakers/devices/224&cl=us,en## I was so impressed with my purchase for my PC I went and bought a second set for the TV & DVD in the lounge. These will be the best quality and most powerful system (500watts RMS) you can get for your money. Depending on where you shop...expect to pay anywhere from $395 - $450 http://www.pricespy.co.nz/pno_4746.html I challange anyone to find a better system in this price range!

stuzzo

534 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 5

#136433 8-Jun-2008 14:26

The Logitech system suggested above might be a good low cost alterative but it won't cover the high def. sound formats as it is not HDMI capable. Receivers for that are only just coming under the $1000 mark and that's only via PCM. Otherwise you could get a reasonable Dolby Digital receiver for around $350 but you'd need a speaker package on top of that.

As far as sound from the ipod is concerned putting it through a receiver will give you a reasonable sound but ultimately all ipod docks are analog (other than a Wadia unit) which means the that the sound quality is largely determined by the ipod DAC and analog output stage.

neilinnz

165 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 1

#136437 8-Jun-2008 15:01

Thanks for those replies.
I had seen the Z5500 before. Will that give me full surround sound from the PS3? and Sky?
I don't really want to spend more than $400 for now so a full hdmi one is out of the question I guess.

With the iPod I just want a convienient way to listen to my music too without having a spearate box.

stuzzo

534 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 5

#136448 8-Jun-2008 16:18

From the specs the z5500 will allow connection to PS3 and Sky. It has optical and coaxial in for Dolby Digital etc and you could use either a cable adapter or dock for your ipod. It's bloody ugly though!

Also be aware the rated total output of 505 watts is rated into 10% total harmonic distortion (THD). Normally you might expect figures rated at 1% (THD) ie you can say what you like for power depending how you work the numbers.