Logitech Z 5500 or Logitech G51?

[husbob]

Hi everyone, this is my first post and i hope to become a frequent user of this forum :)

now ive just built a new system and ive got the speakers and sound card left to get. ill be doing a lot of gaming, movies and some music.

i just wanted some opinions on the 2 suggested speakers, as well as some sound cards. i was leaning towards the G51 with an auzentech prelude, although ive been hearing a few negative comment about the G51, like its overpriced, not powerful enough etc.

Is the z 5500 really that much better at double the price? and same with the auzentech prelude, is it really that much better than an X-FI xtreme gamer considering its double the price? obviously a cheaper option would be better as im not rolling in money lol, but if its really worth the extra money i know to start saving.

[apexracing]

For PC speakers, you really can't beat the Z-5500. They're worth the extra cost.

From an audiophile view point, they obviously fail. But an audiophile typically spends $250 just on a subwoofer. :D Considering what you get for the money, the Z-5500 is a good package.

[Darks0ulz]

The Z5500s arn't that expensive if you wait for a sale. I bought mine for $140 after rebate from amazon while they also had free shipping on it. Worth every penny.

For your soundcard, if you're using using an optical connection then the prelude will be useless. The signal is just passed through the soundcard and processed by the speakers, so the DACs in the soundcard arn't doing anything. Therefore if you're using optical, then just get the cheapest card that can support optical connections.

However, if you're using analog connections, then the prelude will be worth it. But you're paying a premium for what you're getting. In this case, analog > optical if you're using a Z5500. This is because the DACs on the prelude are way better than the ones on the z5500. So if you're using a z5500 + Prelude, the analog cables are better.

If I had to choose between the creative and the auzentech, I would go with the prelude. I have a prelude + z5500 + hd555s and I love my music. However, you're paying for what you get. And not to mention, creative drivers suck. But auzentech drivers are made from creative ones -shrug-.

[ROBSCIX]

If you look around you can find ONKYO HTiB systems for under $200 for a entry level system. This would give you receiver, satellite speakers and a sub woofer.
From a upgrading standpoint this is a good way to go.

@shoponkyo.com the SR600 system is $189.... not a bad deal considering what you get.
You may have already bought the speakers. If you go for the receiver and speakers you can always add better speakers and subs.. I also say go for the Prelude.

[vegettoxp]

Z 5500 Baby! I bought mine last year and I enjoy them every second!

[Sparky]

I'm hoping to get a Z5500 set at some point this summer, my old Z560 got blown by a friend, I repaired them, but they aren't right and the left rear speaker stopped working again. Sigh.

[Donnie27]

I second the "SR600 system is $189" move:up: