XBOX 360 & 5.1 Dolby Digital Sound

[puphus]

Greetings -- I recently purchased a Xbox 360 console, in fact, it has yet to arrive. But, I'm now considering 5.1 speaker setup to take advantage of the Dolby Digital sound. I have an HDTV and it runs through my stereo system now, but it does not have a Dolby Digital decoder. I want to know if folks think it's worth it. Also, what is recommended for the Xbox system. I like the idea of wireless rear speakers similar to the Logitech Z-5450s. Anything other solutions similar to those? I'm just asking around for ideas now and might try to take advatage of some holiday deals if I can find something reasonable. Thanks!

[zero002021]

I recommend staying away from wireless equipment, but that's just my personal preference.

Check out Onkyo's home theater in a box options, they provide the best bang for your buck:
http://www.onkyousa.com/prod_class.cfm?class=Systems

[tys90]

For around $200 you can get the z-5500 set, which, IMO, is the best bang for the buck for a variety of reasons. Stay away from the wireless speakers like the previous poster mentioned.

If you don't need a set, you could get a seperate standalone decoder.

[Allos]

one note regarding Z-5500: it only has 1 optical input....might not be the best system if you are hoping to connect you ps3/ xbox360/ pc/ wii to it....

[XSNiper]

Save some money and just switch the cable when you feel like playing something else.

[Viper16]

wasn't there a topic about the optical cable and lack there of of inputs in the z-5500? well in that topic there was an individual that posted a "splitter" type of device that would go 3-in-1 optical meaning you could have three outputs go into the one optical input on the z-5500 and as long as you dont run all three at the same time you shouldn't have any sound issues, and should work just as good as if you were running it with one line.

[erwos]

I recommend staying away from wireless equipment, but that's just my personal preference.
The Z-5450 has been gotten really nice reviews, and don't seem to be as prone to interference as previous wireless speakers. Not everyone can string wire from their receivers across the room, unfortunately, so why not give them a shot?

More to the point, the Z-5450's decoder has two digital optical, one digital coax, one analog 5.1, and one line-in input - you should be able to hook up anything you want simultaneously.

[puphus]

I decided to give the z-5450s a shot. Great deal on Amazon until the 17th. I like the wireless rears and the dual optical inputs. Should be good.