Mid-Range 5.1... a barren wasteland?

ProfessorUtopia

Limp Gawd
Joined
Aug 12, 2005
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147
My venerable Logitech Z-5300e speakers are failing and I'm looking for a decent, mid-range set to replace them. I'm stunned at how small the selection of 5.1 computer speakers seems to be, compared to 5 years ago. (As I recall, just about every half-decent set was 5.1, back then.)

I paid about $140 for what I have now, and I'd rather not spend more than ~$160 for a replacement set. I also want to ensure I'm getting something that will provide at-least the same level of quality.

I wouldn't consider myself an audiophile, but I do appreciate something a-cut-above. I'm apprehensive about the Creative Inspire T6160 system, but it's the closest match I've been able to find. Maybe I'm just not up on the times, but the price puts me off.

Any thoughts or opinions on how these would compare? Suggestions for other products would be very much appreciated!
 
At your price range, you are looking at logitech x-540 probably.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Surround-Speaker-System-Subwoofer/dp/B000JJM8XE"]Amazon.com: Logitech X-540 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker System with Subwoofer: Electronics@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41WrBdCDRjL.@@AMEPARAM@@41WrBdCDRjL[/ame]
 
possible options from least to highest ($90-$200):

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121044 / or the x-540s spaceman posted, which cost more but are much better.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-NS-SP1800BL-5-1-Channel-Theater-Speaker/dp/B001AVRD62/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top"]Amazon.com: Yamaha NS-SP1800BL 5.1-Channel Home Theater Speaker Package: Electronics@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31BnfVjBFOL.@@AMEPARAM@@31BnfVjBFOL[/ame]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882103492

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/details/544726540/jamo-a340pdd-3

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882676203

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/544678057/jamo-a320pdd-3

*goes on sale for half off on newegg like once a month per slickdeals

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...0897&PID=1225267&SID=u0t2916395f9fp0dd0c0s701

http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?sduid=0&t=2981517

but if you're set on no more than $160, then the first two (logitech & yamaha) are your probably your best options (i would go with the yamaha); though if you strictly need a standard 3.5mm audio jack connection to your computer and not have to fiddle with adapters or other possible connection issues, the logitech would be the one.
 
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I used to have that very set of speakers. I sold them and bought a good pair of powered monitors. 90% of my usage is music, which is stereo. I came to realize it didn't really make sense to have six mediocre speakers for surround sound. If you spend most of your time listening to stereo sources, consider buying a 2.0 or 2.1 setup instead.
 
Were that the case, I would almost certainly go with 2.1, Mr. B. However, I’ve found 5.1 to be a huge asset to me in FPS gaming. It’s not about the sound quality, so much as having vastly improved awareness of what’s going on around me.

I don’t know if my knowledge is outmoded, but I thought single full-range satellite speakers were generally preferable to dual-speaker satellites. Everything I’ve been looking at seems to utilize the dual-speaker design, in contrast to what I’m using now.

That aside, the Jamo A340 seems to be a solid choice for my purposes, though I’m gonna keep looking around a bit. Thanks for the *ah hem* feedback.
 
Dual woofers are fine. I have a 5.1 setup downstairs with three center channel speakers w/ dual 6 /12 woofers as my front 3. They do a great job. Even without a sub! My old sub went silent but it isn't really missed much.

You need a reciever for the Jamo A340. That is a heck of a deal there though. Very nice. Tempty!
 
most people these days go after HTIB based setups. you could always pick up a nice reciever and mooch off your 5300e's satellites until you can afford something better (there 8 ohm nominal impedance FYI)
 
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