Replacing z-5500 satellites?

[strikeblue]

I've had my z-5500 for some time now, and while they are very good in video games, it seems to be lacking in mid-bass for music. The satellites are actually not very good because it's only single driver with no tweeter and it's very small. I'd like to consider replacing the front and back surrounds with polk audio monitor 40 ii bookshelf speakers. I believe they are compatible because they are both 8 ohm impedance and the z5500 has enough power as long as I don't increase the volume too much.

Would I experience an improvement from this set up? I use these as PC in my bedroom so not quite a full blown HT system. The crossover frequency for the sub is not adjustable and stuck at 150 Hz instead of the more standard 120Hz. I've read about people saying that there wouldn't be much of an improvement because of the amp in the subwoofer. Can somebody clarify on this?

Here are some specs:

z5500:
# Total FTC power: 505 watts RMS
Sub-woofer: 188 watts RMS (into 8 ohms, @ 100Hz, @ 10% THD)
Satellites:
Left/Right: 62 watts RMS x 2 (into 8 ohms, @ 1khz, @ 10% THD)
Center: 69 watts RMS (into 8 ohms, @ 1kHz, @ 10% THD)
Rear Left & Right: 62 watts RMS x 2 (into 8 ohms, @ 1kHz, @ 10% THD)
# Total Peak power: 1010 watts
# Maximum SPL: >115 dB
# Frequency response: 33 Hz — 20 kHz
# Amplifier: Ultra-linear, high-capacity analog
# Signal to noise ratio: >93.5 dB, typical 100
# Input impedance: 8,000 ohms

polk audio 40 ii:
Overall Frequency Response 47Hz - 25kHz
Lower -3dB Limit 57Hz
Upper -3dB Limit 24kHz
Nominal Impedance 8 ohms
Recommended Amplifier Power 20 - 125 w/channel
Efficiency 89 dB
Crossover 2.3kHz, second order high and low pass
Inputs Dual (bi-amp) 5-way binding posts

 

[SirMaster]

I don't think it would work very well. The Z5500 amp has 10% THD. This is insanely high. Most audio equipment has 0.1% or lower. Even budget stuff is 1% or lower.

The biggest problem will probably be the crossover. The Z5500 have an internal crossover that stops lower frequencies from being sent to the satellites. This is not adjustable and is calibrated for the stock satellites only.

 

[strikeblue]

I dont think the THD will be too much of an issue as I haven't found any distortion in the sound. However, I am worried about the crossover as well. First of all, there should most definitely be an improvement in the high notes just because the polks will have tweeters whereas the stock satellites do not, right?

Using a tone generator I've found that the satellites receive sound pretty much entirely all the way down to 150Hz. However, the sub doesn't really seem to take over until at least 120Hz. The satellites still receive quite a bit of the sound until 120.

I'll phase out of the z-5500 eventually, but I just don't have money right now. Would it be possible to replace the surrounds, turn down the sub, and increase the midbass range in EQ so that satellites get more than the sub?

 

[af22]

don't bother, i've hooked all kinds of speakers to my logitechs. it doesn't work very well.