Digital Trends

Logitech Z-5500

December 3rd, 2007 | by Brandon King

Curiously, however, the main control pod/remote is a desktop fixture as much as a useful control panel. And while the unit’s size is somewhat annoying on cluttered workspaces, it does offer quick access to a number of handy functions. The blue backlit LCD is easily readable and displays the current input settings. Nearly every aspect of the sound can further be configured using a button and the volume knob. Subwoofer power, surround channel volume (fade), surround delay, center channel volume and several other options are also available in different processing modes. You can additionally elect to pass the signal straight through from an external decoder, such as your PC card, or decode from the digital inputs. The microphone/auxiliary input also supports stereo. For analog audio sources, Dolby ProLogic II Music and Movie settings are available, as are stereo and dual stereo (mirrored audio on the rear channels).

We should point out, however, that the wireless remote feels cheap and is mostly pointless for desktop use. The only case where it might be useful is when using the Z-5500 instead of a proper home theater receiver. Otherwise, it will be cast into the basket of useless accessories. To be blunt, including it was a nice thought, but either make the remote match the quality of the rest of the system or leave it out entirely.

To make a long story short, we’ve used the Logitech Z-5500s on a daily basis for over a year, and had zero operating, setup and configuration problems. They’ve fueled parties, late-night work sessions and served as sound source for many a DVD. In that time, we’ve played nearly every genre of music on the planet – even a shameful Kenny G track or two (hey, we had a “worst music ever”-themed get-together!) – and the Z-5500s have powered their way through it all. From thumping techno to soft vocal and jazz tunes, we were always pleased with the results. The sound signature is accurate, clear, crisp and expansive.

We did have to tune down the bass a little, and boost power to the four surround satellites in order to get a nice, even sound field. Still, this took a very small amount of fiddling, and with all of it done with the control pod rather than PC software, we quickly hit a configuration that has remained untouched for nearly our entire ownership period. Having auditioned a little over a dozen 5.1 PC setups, we can safely say these are the best-sounding computer speakers we have heard. They even beat out the Klipsch ProMedia 5.1s that failed twice within a year and which served as our previous home setup. (Though on the sound quality front the battle was close…)

As a quick note, most audiophiles will suggest that buying a low-end receiver and several bookshelf speakers will provide better sound than any available PC-ready speaker set. For the most part, this is true, but requires matching speakers, pricing multiple components, turning on separate power sources and powering all that on the same circuit as the rest of your office equipment. We would caution that in a world where a 1500 watt PC power supply has just been announced, you may be tripping surge protectors every time you try to use your printer or document shredder as well. Also, a single solution offers a single point of contact for any problems, and our past experience with Logitech’s hardware has been exemplary. The Z-5500s compare favorably to the sound you’ll get from a dedicated setup, and add a level of ease and simplicity that is undeniable.