The Definitive Xbox Surround Sound Thread

[Archivias]

For now this guide is open to adjustment, if you notice an error or would like have something added, please tell me. Once this guide is polished up I’ll edit this out, and hopefully get a mod to sticky it and delete all following posts.


The Definitive Xbox Surround Sound Thread

This thread is intended as a guide for those of you seeking help on the subject of surround sound, what it is, and its uses with the Xbox gaming system. Note the following thread will explain the basics of surround sound, but will only do so in relation to the Xbox system.

Contents:
1) First off, what is surround sound?
-Dolby Digital
-Dolby Pro Logic
2) Now that you know what it is, you want to know how you can get it
-Logitech Z-680’s
-Creative Inspire 5700
-A few words of advice on buying surround sound systems
3) Using surround sound systems with your Xbox
-Advanced AV Cables
-Digital Optical Cables
-Enabling the Effects

First off, what is surround sound?

Surround sound is a technology developed by Dolby as a means of enveloping the viewers in sound from not only the front, but the rear as well (and in newer systems, the sides as well). This is done to make it appear that the sound is coming from where it is being shown on the screen.
The best way to explain how surround sound works is to think of the relationship between the source of the sound in the game or movie, and the viewpoint of the camera. If the camera is facing north and a helicopter flies from south (behind the camera) to north (over and in front of the camera) the sound will come from the rear speakers, over the viewer (transition between rear and front) to the front speakers, hence creating the feel in the viewer that a helicopter really flew over. This makes a game or movie more involving and interesting for the viewer and is the reason for its immense popularity.

Surround sound technology is getting increasingly better as time goes on, but for now I will explain the most common surround sound elements we are likely to see in use with the Xbox System

5.1 Digital Surround Sound
This is the most common form of surround sound nowadays. The system consists of 5 speakers, Front Right, Front Left, Centre, Rear Left, Rear Right and a Subwoofer. The 4 surround speakers carry the majority of the sounds for a game or movie, the centre is used mainly for speech, and the subwoofer for bass effects. The “5.1” designation means that there are 5 full individually encoded discrete audio channels, and the .1 designates the low frequency effects, most often this is fed directly to a subwoofer to create the deep bass sounds we often feel more than hear. It is called .1 as it only carries roughly a 1/10 of the bandwidth of a full audio channel. Higher end systems often have 6 or 7 speakers as opposed to 5, to create a more fluent and smooth surround sound experience, however only a select few movies are encoded with these technologies now, as the years progress they will likely become more commonplace

Dolby Pro Logic (I and II)
Dolby Pro Logic was developed to create 4 channel surround sound from encoded 2 channel stereo sources. When Pro Logic was developed, the idea was that 4 channels of audio (Right, Left, Centre and Mono Surround) were matrix encoded onto 2 channels, broadcast, and decoded back into the original 4 channels by a Dolby Surround Decoder. In systems where the sound is stereo, but not encoded in Pro Logic, the system still splits up the sound into separate channels by using natural cues in the stereo signal, but there is little precision in how it does it, basically the system makes “guesses” about what sounds to put where, but it is not, by definition, surround sound.
Pro Logic II bettered this technology by splitting the encoded signal into 5.1 channels, thereby making a much better sound, and again doing it for non encoded signals but with no greater precision than PLI

Now that you know what it is; you want to know how you can get it.

A couple of popular surround sound systems in use today with the Xbox system are mentioned here.

Logitech Z-680’s
Quoted from the Logitech website
http://www.logitech.com/lang/images/0/966.gif
So you didn't make the concert, see the premiere, or really race in the Daytona. Who cares? You've got the sound system that brings it all right home to you. The Logitech Z-680 gives you THX-certified theater quality digital sound through optical and coaxial inputs for simple connection to nearly any audio appliance. And with the Digital SoundTouch™ Control Center's wireless remote, you can sit back, stretch out and let loose.
Let the bass pump through the 188-watt subwoofer. At 62 watts (RMS) each, four satellites and a 69-watt center channel provide crystal-clear midrange and highs.
Don't forget the built-in Dolby Digital and DTS hardware decoding. Connect the Z-680 directly to a PC sound card, Xbox™, PlayStation®2, DVD player, satellite receiver or other Dolby-ready source and get a true surround experience. You can also get 5.1 surround from a stereo input through the advanced Dolby Pro Logic® II system. Best of all, you can connect up to four audio sources simultaneously, while accessing each one at the touch of a button.
• Feel earth-shaking bass with 500 watts RMS of thunderous power
• Enjoy true 5.1 digital sound with your movies and games with built-in Dolby Digital and DTS hardware decoding
• Create 5.1 surround sound from stereo music, movies, and games with Dolby Pro Logic II
• Simultaneously connect four audio sources, including PCs, game consoles and DVD or CD players.
• Be in total command with the Digital SoundTouch Control Center's wireless remote
• Know that you're getting the truest possible sound quality with THX certification

Creative Inspire 5700
Quoted from Creative website
http://www.creative.com/iss/images/products/headers/prod439_hdr_1_6_1.jpg

Experience the full power of Dolby® Digital 5.1 and DTS® technologies right in your home with the Creative Inspire™ 5.1 Digital 5700. The decoder amplifier provides the most comprehensive connectivity to your set-top DVD player, console station or your PC, making this a superb speaker system that delivers awesome 5.1 cinema quality audio in your favorite movies, music and games.
Creative Inspire™ 5.1 Digital 5700 features a highly reinforced dual chamber Creative SLAM™ (Symmetrically Loaded Acoustic Module) subwoofer for thunderous bass and excellent dynamics. The satellites' contoured
face-plates together with the high-performance drivers provide optimum sound dispersion and sonic imaging.
• Maximum performance for 6-channel digital audio when combined with any Sound Blaster Audigy™ or Live!™ 5.1 series sound card
• Precise audio playback compatible with 24-bit/96kHz devices
• Features connectivity including Optical, Coaxial, Analog stereo and Digital DIN (Ideal for use with Creative Sound Blaster® Audigy and Sound Blaster® Live!™ 5.1 series of sound cards) for consumer devices, gaming and PC.
• Creative's proprietary CMSS™ and EAX™ technology, up-mixes any 2-channel stereo to a 5.1 sonic soundfield.
• Enhanced 5.1 sound quality in Dolby® Digital music and Microsoft® DirectSound® 3D, EAX™ and upcoming EAX ADVANCED HD™ supported games
• Unique arched center satellite and satellites with contoured face-plate and driver rims deliver optimum sound dispersion and sonic imaging.
SPECIFICATIONS
Feature Description
Audio Specifications
Speakers Rated Power Satellites : 7W per channel
Centre : 21W per channel
Subwoofer : 30W
Frequency Response 35Hz to 20KHz
Connectors
Connectors - Analog Front In
- Analog Rear In
- Digital DIN
- Digital Input (Coaxial)
- Digital Input (Optical)
General
Recommended Usage Home Theatre, Gaming (PC/Console), Music
Number of speakers 5 Satellites (for front, rear and center)
1 Creative SLAM™ subwoofer
Audio Format/Technologies Supported Dolby® Digital, DTS®, Dolby® ProLogic, CMSS™
Others
Bundled Accessories - Tandem Cable
- Optical Cable
- Digital DIN Cable
- Mini-plug to Digital DIN Cable
- Power Adaptor
- Desktop stands for satellite speakers
- Monitor stand for center speaker
- Quickstart guid
- User Manual
- Remote Control
Physical
Dimensions (H x W x D) (cm) Front/Rear : Approx. 9.2 x 9.2 x 11.2
Centre : Approx. 8.9 x 16.6 x 10.8
Subwoofer : 284 x 262 x 264
Subwoofer Enclosure Material Wood (Black)
Power Adaptor


Power Source 15VDC, 4A

Both these systems have Dolby Digital decoders and will therefore deliver genuine 5.1 surround sound from games and movies encoded with it, and are also capable of delivering pseudo surround in the form of Pro Logic, eliminating the need for any extra decoders or amplifiers.

These are 2 prime examples of cheap, popular and effective surround sound solutions for your Xbox, but of course you are not limited to these 2 systems. It's up to you which system to buy, as there are plenty of other good multimedia/home theatre systems out there, all you need to do to make sure you can use a surround sound system with your Xbox is to make sure it has an optical digital input plug on it to ensure you can connect it to your Advanced AV pack.

Note: It is VERY IMPORTANT that the slot you look for is an INPUT slot and not an OUTPUT slot, as the signal goes from your Xbox to the speakers, not the other way around.

A few words of advice on buying surround sound systems

When buying a surround sound system, you must make sure of a few things

1) Ensure that it comes with the decoders you wish to use e.g. Pro Logic, Dolby Digital etc. Some systems advertise that they are 5.1 CAPABLE, This does not necessarily mean they will give out real 5.1 surround sound, all it means is that they are capable of it (having the correct amount of speakers and a subwoofer) but will only do so if connected to a proper external decoder.

GOLDEN RULE: If the system does not have a decoder, it WILL NOT output real surround sound unless you buy an external decoder, so choose your system carefully.

2) When looking at power ratings, ensure that you look for systems which rate power in RMS, and not PMPO. A short description of these is quoted here from another thread

PMPO stands for Peak Momentary Performance Output, and it’s basically a measurement of the performance of the speakers under perfect conditions which are impossible to achieve in real life, with no regard to anything else. PMPO is a marketing tool used to con people who do not know what it is into thinking they are buying a powerful speaker system when they are in fact buying a dud set of speakers that would be more useful as paperweights, seeing as no set of speakers could maintain its PMPO for more than a few milliseconds without blowing up.

RMS stands for Root Mean Square, and its called that because that is the process used to determine the average power output of the speakers over a long period of time (the maths behind it is rather complicated, at least it is for me, I've never been good at maths) This is far more accurate it averages out the best and worst performances of the speaker to give a true indication of what the speakers are capable of.

Basically PMPO is a bullshitters dream, simply used to make speakers seem more powerful than they really are, and is hence a dubious marketing tool, while RMS is the professional standard for determining a speakers power output and therefore the only thing you should look for.
Always be careful when it comes to buying a set of speakers that seem too good to be true, because chances are they will be

Using Surround Sound Systems with your Xbox

In order to use these and any other surround sound speaker systems with your Xbox console, you will need the following equipment.

Advanced AV Cable

Either the official Microsoft AV Cable, pictured top, or the Joytech AV Cable, pictured bottom.
http://www.gigastore.be/picts/I110305.jpg

http://comparestoreprices.co.uk/images/jo/joytech-av-kit.jpg
Note that unless your TV is S-Video capable, you will be unable to use the Joytech Advanced AV cable without an S-Video to Male RCA adaptor like the following.
http://www.rpelectronics.com/Data/35-499-S.JPG
The Microsoft Advanced AV cable allows you to choose between normal AV cables and S-Video for your picture, and as such does NOT require your TV to be S-Video capable

Digital Optical Cable

In order to get the sound from your Xbox to your surround sound speakers, you will need a digital optical cable. This plugs into your Advanced AV pack and into the input optical slot on your speaker system

Here is an example of an optical cable
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v364/Archivias/optical.jpg

An example of the optical input slot is shown here on the back of the Logitech Z-680 control center
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v364/Archivias/z680control.jpg

As mentioned, simply plug your optical cable into this slot, and into the optical slot of your Advanced AV cable and you’re done.

Also try not to be too rough with optical cables, and don’t bend them at sharp angles. Seeing as they are made of glass fibres which can break if you are too rough with the cable, which will result in degradation of the signal, care must be taken when handling optical cables.

Enabling the Effects

In order to enjoy surround sound through your Xbox system, you must enable the settings on your Xbox dashboard. To do this, turn the Xbox on without a disc in it, then go to Settings > Audio and enable Dolby Digital.
You’re now ready to enjoy the surround sound experience, so simply turn your Xbox on, turn your speakers on (make sure that the optical input is selected on your speakers) and have a blast with your favourite game or movie!

[Jamie 86]

Nice work there Archivias! :thumbsup: This thread would of helped me out heaps but you had already helped me out before you posted it. :D

I'm sure this will help a LOT of people out! :)

[Ausseta]

Thanks, won't have to worry about so many surround sound questions! :thumbsup:

[Baz]

I saw these real cheap, DSE brand surround sound system, would they be compatable with my xbox.

[Jamie 86]

I saw these real cheap, DSE brand surround sound system, would they be compatable with my xbox.
Ya got a link to them mate? :)

Personally, i wouldn't get any DSE one's, i'd go for either the Z-680's or the Inspire 5700's. Or, if you don't want to spend that much money on them, get the Z-640's. They are tops IMHO. Way better than TV speakers anyway, that's for sure! ;)

[Baz]

I would buy the Z-680s but i aint going to spend that much money on a surround system yet.

Here is the link-
LINK (http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.storefront/41a1c2b907e52960273fc0a87f9c072d/Product/View/A2691)

[Jamie 86]

Yeah, they're not the best, obviously, for that price. I'd recommend getting the Z-640's if you want a cheap 5.1 setup. :)

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/US/EN,CRID=2,CONTENTID=5047

I have them ATM and they have been great so far. :thumbsup:

[Baz]

thanx JB, ill look into those. I know a friend who has those speakers and they are great. I was unsure of the price but i thought they would have been alot more. Thanks again JB.

[Skooby]

This thread deserves a sticky me thinks. Good job Archivias :thumbsup:

[Random Gamer]

thanx JB, ill look into those. I know a friend who has those speakers and they are great. I was unsure of the price but i thought they would have been alot more. Thanks again JB.

Compatible with 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS decoded connection

Wasn't it mentioned that being merely compatible wasn't enough?
Does this system have the decoders?

Thanks, Ausseta.
I'm looking into a surround sound system and this information will prove very helpful.
Thanks. :D

[Jamie 86]

Wasn't it mentioned that being merely compatible wasn't enough?
Does this system have the decoders?

Thanks, Ausseta.
I'm looking into a surround sound system and this information will prove very helpful.
Thanks. :D
Are you talking about the Z-640's? If so then no, they don't have decoders. However, they are a cheap 5.1 solution to those crappy TV speakers. :)

"Thanks, Ausseta."? What did he do? :D Don't you mean Archivias? ;)

[Archivias]

Nice work there Archivias! :thumbsup: This thread would of helped me out heaps but you had already helped me out before you posted it. :D

I'm sure this will help a LOT of people out! :)

Funnily enough, it was helping you out that gave me the idea to write up this thread :D

Oh and for those who have been talking about them, the Z-640's are only 5.1 CAPABLE, which as the guide states and JB and Random Gamer reiterated, isn't enough. They will only give out 5.1 surround sound if you connect them to an external decoder as they DO NOT have in-built decoders

[Dominus]

Speaking from experience the DSE range of 5.1 setups is bog arse garbage! They may have a decoder but it sucks and the speaker output is usually horrible. I bought a set and returned it a few days later.

Although not mentioned here, there are plenty of excellent Home Theatre Systems (HTS) around for a decent price. I've got an LG 5.1 HTS that cost around $450, and I believe the RRP for $399 these days.

Actually here's a link:

LG Home Cinema System (http://au.lge.com/prodmodeldetail.do?actType=search&page=1&modelCategoryId=0201&categoryId=0201&parentId=02&modelCodeDisplay=FA-3000AWE&model=NOTHING)

Ignore LG's pricetag on the website :) But it's an awesome setup, with optical, coaxial and standard RCA audio slots, allowing you to have multiple devices hooked up to it at once...currently I'm running my TV, VCR, DVD, PS2 and Xbox off it :thumbsup:

[Dilmanator]

i just bought a set of altec lansing 251 or somethin like that. How does that compare? does it have a decoder. i bought it on ebay for 100 bucks. Heard the brand was good so thought what the hey.

[samueljay]

Hey Guys!
I have a set of Logitech X620s (which are a 6.1 version of the Z-640's) is there anyway to enable true 5.1 surround? Here is a link: http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/AT/EN,CRID=2177,CONTENTID=7169

I know it hasn't got a decoder of any sort.
Cheers
XB Sam.

[Jamie 86]

i just bought a set of altec lansing 251 or somethin like that. How does that compare? does it have a decoder. i bought it on ebay for 100 bucks. Heard the brand was good so thought what the hey.
Nah, i don't think it has a decoder, although i could be wrong. They're basically the same specs as the Z-640's, just a tiny bit less powerful in the case of watts. :)

[Archivias]

Hey Guys!
I have a set of Logitech X620s (which are a 6.1 version of the Z-640's) is there anyway to enable true 5.1 surround? Here is a link: http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/AT/EN,CRID=2177,CONTENTID=7169

I know it hasn't got a decoder of any sort.
Cheers
XB Sam.

The only way to get true surround sound from them would be to buy an external decoder, which would cost an arm and a leg

Golden rule, no decoder = no surround sound (just added that in to the guide)

[Random Gamer]

"Thanks, Ausseta."? What did he do? :D Don't you mean Archivias? ;)


:chortle: Thanks Archivias... :silly:

[Baz]

What is the cheapest surround sound system which supports 5.1 and has a decoder built into it. I a little tight on budget right now.

[Dominus]

Bazza mate, you're probably better off saving your money til you CAN afford a decent set. The low end cheap stuff is usually crap with low output and shoddy workmanship that will last a few months. Put your money aside and save up for a HTS!

[Baz]

alright, i'll do that. I think ill end up getting the Z-680's

Thanks Dominus, i was nearly going to buy some cheap system.

[Jamie 86]

alright, i'll do that. I think ill end up getting the Z-680's

Thanks Dominus, i was nearly going to buy some cheap system.
That's a smart decision mate, that's what i did. :)

[Spedsta]

Thanks a lot Archivas! This thread has cleared up quite a few questions I had. I will be buying Z-680s next week or so.

[Dilmanator]

i just got my aletc lansings 251 but im not quite sure. if it can do the dolby digital thing. Can some1 plz tell me? . i set them up and ran 4 channel sound via this plug thing it came with and it ran ok. If it doesnt have dolby digital, do sound cards come with that encoder? if so ill just hook em up to my comp and get a new pair. prob them z640 or wateva they r.

The sound card im planning to get is the soundblaster audigy 2 zs. Is it ne good? id 170 a good price?. Thanx all

[wolverine]

Thats all good if you want a cheap solution to home theater, but if you want to do it properly try starting with something along these lines

http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/prod_images/rxv550.jpg


After that go out and grab yourself a good set of speakers and a sub.
Next step is to go put in Ghost Recon2, after which you will start to understand what it feels like to live in Iraq, because you'll think your in a war zone

[Jamie 86]

Now that would be awesome! What setup do you have, wolverine? :)

[Paranoid666au]

It's a good idea to shop for your speakers first then match the reciever to the speakers.

The least you'll pay for a (true) home theatr system is around $1000. That's the reciever, speakers and sub (and some cheap cables that should do the job). And the kind I'm talking about here are package deals.

With any system you also have to set it up right, www.dolby.com might be a good starting point but there are be plenty of sites around.

1000 bucks might seem alot but once it's set up and you have you xbox hooked into you'll soon change your mind.

[Archivias]

Don't forget guys, I published this thread to help people out with the basics of surround sound, and to provide a few cheap, easy and effective solutions to peoples surround sound needs. Alot of people are not quite sure where to head when it comes to getting a surround sound system, or are just a bit unsure about how to set up and use the systems, and this guide is meant for those people.

We all know those high end systems would kick ass, believe me I've seen some awesome setups in action. Not everyone has the budget for the systems you guys are describing, and to go into detail about helping people choose and assemble one of those systems would just be far too complex, and like I said, the intention was to keep it simple and cheap.

Anyone who is looking into those high end systems, especially those that involve buying the components separately, had best look somewhere other than this thread for advice

[DangerBoy]

this is my system, it tends to rock my apartment building with the sub turned up anywhere above 2 or 3, Every game i have played on it sounds phenomonal.......................... halo 2 was another step up from everything else

doofdoofdoof (http://www.consumer.philips.com/consumer/catalog/catalog.jsp?fhquery=fh_secondid%3Dmx5500d_21s_au_c onsumer%26fh_location%3D%2F%2Fconsumer%2Fen_AU%2Fc ategories%3Ccatalog_au_consumer%2Fcategories%3Chom e_audio_video_gr_au_consumer%2Fcategories%3Chome_t heatre_systems_ca_au_consumer%26&productId=MX5500D_21S_AU_CONSUMER&activeCategory=HOME_AUDIO_VIDEO_GR_AU_CONSUMER&fredhopperpage=detail.jsp&language=en&country=AU&catalogType=CONSUMER&proxybuster=M1VFYEVCVEZ33J0RMRCSHQNHKFSESI5P#)

and the best thing about this system is that it was totally and completely free. (you gotta love ex-gfs)

[Placebo151]

hey all,
Just wondering if there is any other way of getting surround sound besides the Digital Optical cable thing, because my surround sound unit dosent have a Digital Optical input.
Thanks

[bort]

hey all,
Just wondering if there is any other way of getting surround sound besides the Digital Optical cable thing, because my surround sound unit dosent have a Digital Optical input.
Thanks

I have the same question. My decoder only has the 6 rca inputs ac3/dts and no optical :( Any clues?

[zeus44]

What is the cheapest surround sound system which supports 5.1 and has a decoder built into it. I a little tight on budget right now.
Bazza.. just to let you know that you dont have to break out the big bucks for a system that gives you really good effects & performance..Walked into strathfield car sound with my son about ayear ago looking for a system for the little bloke,he ended up buying a Xms.968 active mini 5.1 .After one day of playing after set up ,i shot back down & got myself one.simple to set up,with all leads & cables supplied.Coaxial..opticial inputs-built in dolby digital & DTS decoder,multi DSP for different sound effects,I'v got my cd/dvd/Xbox running through it with top results, it rocks,you know your playing a game when you can here which side of the room the enemy is coming from.I payed $300 a year ago,so you know they would be less by now.Anyway's good luck in search...

[faccin]

hey everyone, i want to hook my TV up to one of those 5.1 systems not just my xbox, so that all the sound comes from the TV thru the speakers, wether im watching the footy on TV or playing the XBOX or Ps2, etc, is it possible to do so as my TV only has R and L speakers input/outputs
thanks for any help

[Archivias]

Do you know what speaker system you plan on using to do this?

(It is possible BTW, but I would prefer to know what system you plan on using before telling you what to do to make sure I get it right)

[felix78]

I have the same question. My decoder only has the 6 rca inputs ac3/dts and no optical :( Any clues?

I had a similar problem, being that the only digital optical input on my av reciever was used by the dvd player, but with a bit of ingenuity i fixed the problem.

I bought the Joytech AV cable (which has the optical port) and carefully sliced open the plug that goes in the xbox.

I then took the optical plug out carefully and exposed three wires connecting from the plug to the optical port. two of these wires can go together and it makes no difference.

You have to have an rca plug on its own that is going to be connected to the cable in the optical port's place.

I plugged an RCA/av lead into the digital coaxial port on the reciever and the other end into the rca plug on its own. Then i turned the xbox on and tried touching the wires in combination to the positive and negative terminals on the back of the rca plug.

The sound will come through in digital coaxial format whichever way you use the wires, but if you have the wrong combination the picture will go funny...

Once i found the right combination (two wires on one terminal, one wire on the other) I soldered the wires to the rca jack and hot glued the jack into the plug! Now i have digital coaxial output from the xbox and the wire can be as long as you like!!!!

This method worked for me, but remember you are doing it at your own risk...

I found a similar thing in a tutorial in the xbox scene website. (google xbox scene)

Hope it works for you!

felix78

[XBOXPLAYERPS2SUCKS]

I have the same question. My decoder only has the 6 rca inputs ac3/dts and no optical Any clues?

there is another way to get surround sound through stereo try looking at
jaycar for a (Surround Sound Experiments module) and a 12v DC transformer
I got one and it sounds a lot like Dolby Digital! It works great! :D
but just make sure your xbox is set to STEREO It does not work with
Dolby surround.

[Icefyre]

Hi all.. I must say.. ever since I set up a receiver.. sub woofer, surround speakers.. gaming has never felt the same.. it's soooo much different to playing on tv speakers.. specially when your sub kicks in :D

[felix78]

this is why we do it!

[BuG vBi]

I have a set of Logitech Z-5500s coming this week and am just wondering if the Advanced AV Packs are still available in stores? I remember there being some kerfuffle about HDTV not being supported in Australia and seem to recall the Advanced AV Packs being recalled a while ago. Did I just dream this up or will I need to resort to eBay and the like?

[Dominus]

Advanced AV packs should be around if you look hard, but the high-definition kit with component video won't be. I bought a 3rd party one of those on eBay and it has served me flawlessly for around a year now for what it's worth though :thumbsup:

[BuG vBi]

Aah, I see. I was under the impression that both kits were one and the same, and was beginning to worry. In fact, had I actually not been so lazy I would've found that DVD Crave actually have 10+ in stock. Thanks. :)

Now for the optical cable. I had read that it would only be about $10 or so for the cable itself, but Dick Smith's seem to be wanting at least $25. :( I guess I'll just set up the system and wait a few weeks until I can afford the Advanced AV Pack and some optical cable.

[Dominus]

cheapest you'll find is probably around $20 mate, I searched high and low for a cheapie, then just decided to pay $30 for a nice shiny one at JB hi-fi :D

[Paranoid666au]

You can get them from Jaycay. 19.95 for 1m and 27.95 for 2m. http://www1.jaycar.com.au/productResults.asp?whichpage=6&pagesize=10&keywords=&CATID=15&SUBCATID=567&form=CAT&ProdCodeOnly=&SPECIAL=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&priceMin=&priceMax=

[Jamie 86]

Aah, I see. I was under the impression that both kits were one and the same, and was beginning to worry. In fact, had I actually not been so lazy I would've found that DVD Crave actually have 10+ in stock. Thanks. :)

Now for the optical cable. I had read that it would only be about $10 or so for the cable itself, but Dick Smith's seem to be wanting at least $25. :( I guess I'll just set up the system and wait a few weeks until I can afford the Advanced AV Pack and some optical cable.
If you can find one BuG, you should get the Joytech Digital AV Cable instead of the Advanced AV pack, that's like $20 - $25 and comes with an optical cable.

The only problem with the Joytech is that unless your TV has S-Video then you'll need an adapter.

Just a suggestion. :)

[Paranoid666au]

Yea I got the Joytech one too, it works fine. SCART-RGB, S-Video, Sterio RCA, otpical out and an otpical cable, but no composite. I only got it for the SCART-RGB connection to a Teac tv I have. The advanced AV pack is good as you can use your own better quality cables

[BuG vBi]

My TV doesn't have S-Video by the looks of things. The adapter would only be a couple of bucks, yeah? Also, have you guys also tried the official solution and are able to compare the two? I'm all for spending as little as possible, and in fact would prefer to do so at the moment, but I don't really want to have spent $490 on speakers only to skimp on the connections and have the system sound like shit. $25 I can probably do this week but $55 will have to wait, so I'm hoping you guys can tell me the Joytech one is just as good as the official. :)

edit: I looked on the back of my TV while looking for an S-Video connection and noticed that it says "VHF+UHF+S+HYPER". I can't see an S-Video connection on the back so I'm assuming that "S" is referring to something else. I am also unable to find the extravagantly named "HYPER" connection, whatever that may be.

[BuG vBi]

Is this the same Joytech AV kit as the one recommended in this thread? I'm thinking not 'cause it looks a little different, but that may be just the way it's laid out. I can't find anything about a "Joytech Advanced AV" pack on the internet and this is the closest I could find.

http://www.buyquick.com.au/shopimages/products/AID/AID_AP2JUACA.jpg
http://www.buyquick.com.au/shop/product.asp?ID=AID_AP2JUACA

edit: I shot an email off to the necessary person through Joytech's website and got the following responses from one of their friendly people.

Thanks for your email. We have been changing the Digital AV Cable, as it was originally a European version which encompassed a Scart connector which is not a common connection. The new version which will be available for PS2 and Xbox will be launched at the end of April and will carry component instead of Scart which will make it much more user friendly.

You should be able to find it in Dick Smith Powerhouse stores and Harvey Norman when it is officially released.When I asked if there was a rough guesstimate as to when in April (in reading this edit I've realised he actually told me when in his first reply):

The cables are due to arrive on the 20th April, so should be instore by 29th.......give me a nudge nearer the time, as shipping by sea does have a few upsets from time to time.I guess if you need the Scart connector and were wanting Joytech's offering you'll need to grab it within the next few weeks.

[Paranoid666au]

No that's not it. That appears to be the one to connect multiple consoles and doesn't appear to have an optical connection by the looks of the picture.

Mine has an optical connection right on the back of the plug that goes into the Xbox.

[Wakaba]

I looked on the back of my TV while looking for an S-Video connection and noticed that it says "VHF+UHF+S+HYPER".
These have nothing to do with the physical connections on the back of the TV. They are the frequency bands that your TV's tuner is capable of receiving, each one covering a certain range of MHz.

VHF - Very High Frequency
UHF - Ultra High Frequency
HYPER - 'Hyper' band frequencies

I'm not sure what the "S" refers to, but in that group of terms it's doubtful that it has anything to do with s-video. This is what an s-video socket looks like (whether it's input or output):

http://steiny.futariba.com/misc/svideo.jpg

[BuG vBi]

Thanks for all the help; I'll just wait for the updated cable from Joytech, until then I'll just hook it up with my current cables. And thanks for the explanation of HYPER. I was hoping for it to be a little more exciting than that, given the name, but reality will do. :p

[Baz]

Ok guys, I'm lookin at some Logitech Z-5500's. Just a few questions
1, Anyone here got any. If so, please let me know what you think?
2, What else will i need to make it work on my xbox?
3, Are they worth $599?


Thanks for your time,

:D Bazza :D

[BuG vBi]

Those are the speakers I've got coming, Bazza. I'll let you know what I think once they arrive. Also, I ordered them from ITZ Computers (http://www.itzcomputers.com.au/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=417) for $490 including postage, so if they pull through you might want to give them a go and save yourself $100. :)

[beavis]

These have nothing to do with the physical connections on the back of the TV. They are the frequency bands that your TV's tuner is capable of receiving, each one covering a certain range of MHz.

VHF - Very High Frequency
UHF - Ultra High Frequency
HYPER - 'Hyper' band frequencies

I'm not sure what the "S" refers to, but in that group of terms it's doubtful that it has anything to do with s-video. This is what an s-video socket looks like (whether it's input or output):

http://steiny.futariba.com/misc/svideo.jpg

I'd guess the "S" refers to Satellite.

[astro911]

Ok guys, I'm lookin at some Logitech Z-5500's. Just a few questions
1, Anyone here got any. If so, please let me know what you think?
2, What else will i need to make it work on my xbox?
3, Are they worth $599?


Thanks for your time,

:D Bazza :D

1.They are awesome speakers, I haven't got them myself but have played with them more than a few times when I was looking for a new 5.1 set up. They go extremely LOUD which is why I didn't buy them as I was looking something for my bedroom, so I would never use the potential power of the z5500 speakers so I didn't want to spend money on them. Heavenly bass though!

2.Apart from the advanced av-pack, you'll need to have an optical cable but i'm sure the logitechs would come with one. Does your telly have s-video?

3. No, I wouldn't pay that much, you can get them much cheaper http://www.staticice.com.au/cgi-bin/search.cgi?q=z5500

[Baz]

2.Apart from the advanced av-pack, you'll need to have an optical cable but i'm sure the logitechs would come with one. Does your telly have s-video?
I think mine does, is it just another yellow input port

[Archivias]

I think mine does, is it just another yellow input port

No it isnt, look at the picture in Wakaba's post, that is an S-Video port.

And FYI the speakers won't come with an optical cable, you will still have to buy a separate one

[Baz]

No it isnt, look at the picture in Wakaba's post, that is an S-Video port.

And FYI the speakers won't come with an optical cable, you will still have to buy a separate one
ok cool, how much for the optical cable?
Damn, i dont have an S-video input, any other way to get surround

[astro911]

My tv doesn't have s-video either. Just buy an s-video female to rca male plug like the one below at from jaycar etc. It goes in place of the yellow rca picture plug i think..

http://www1.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=PA3579&CATID=&keywords=s%2Dvideo+to+rca&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID=


My Creative 5600s came with an optical cable. I'm surprised if logitech haven't included one to be honest.

[Archivias]

ok cool, how much for the optical cable?
Damn, i dont have an S-video input, any other way to get surround

S-Video has nothing to do with the sound, its only for the picture, and the only reason you would have to worry about it is if you got the Joytech AV Pack instead of the official one.
The Joytech one doesnt allow you to hook up your TV via normal RCA, so you would have to buy an adapter (read the guide for more info).

An optical cable will set you back roughly $30 depending on the quality and where you get it from.

I'm beginning to wonder if anyone actually reads the guide at the beginning of this thread at all.

[BuG vBi]

I'm beginning to wonder if anyone actually reads the guide at the beginning of this thread at all.I read it, I read it! :p Thanks for making it. :thumbsup:

[Baz]

S-Video has nothing to do with the sound, its only for the picture, and the only reason you would have to worry about it is if you got the Joytech AV Pack instead of the official one.
The Joytech one doesnt allow you to hook up your TV via normal RCA, so you would have to buy an adapter (read the guide for more info).

An optical cable will set you back roughly $30 depending on the quality and where you get it from.

I'm beginning to wonder if anyone actually reads the guide at the beginning of this thread at all.
i read it also, i just dont remember alot

[nemeziz]

Hello everyone, i was about to buy the logitech z640 sound system, i dont have much cash, and i heard that with this system u dont need anything elese to connect it to ur xbox, is that true, can someone help me out, cos the av pack is expensive 4 me

[Dominus]

Hey nemeziz!

I have the z640's here and I used to use them for my xbox (now they're just PC), and they definitely do come with the connection you'll need to plug it directly into the Xbox, so go ahead and buy them :D Great set of speakers if you don't want/can't afford true 5.1 sound :thumbsup:

[BuG vBi]

I got my Z-5500s yesterday, and they're damn fine too. They're way too loud for my room but that's how it's meant to be, right? :) If anyone is considering going through ITZComputers.com.au for the Z-5500 speakers I'd suggest emailing to make sure they have them in stock first. I had to wait two weeks from when my payment cleared before having them shipped to my address, although when they were shipped it was very speedy. I was assured it was not the norm and came down to exceptional circumstances but I'll still be checking before ordering if I buy from them again.

Back to the speakers, they're awesome. And I haven't even got it set up for Dolby Digital yet, just a single connection going from the headphone jack on my CD player to the line-in port on the control centre. When I was testing the speakers with some heavy basslines from an old Chemical Brothers album there was a guy and his sister/friend/girlfriend walking by and I guess the guy could no longer resist the urge to break out into dance. I only saw him grooving away as I quickly glanced out the window but I'm confident he continued until he could no longer hear the music. :D

[Superstyler]

Yeah, the Logitech Z5500's are extremely hard to find. The only places not sold out are Harvey Norman (due to being way overpriced). I've put my order in for them from a computer store ($492) but I'm not expecting to get them until next week.

I have a question. The Z5500's support DTS 96 kHz / 24-bit digital audio streams. Will my Xbox output the 96/24 audio through the optical cable? Xbox streams normal DTS doesn't it??

Cheers

[Nado]

Didn't think Xbox does DTS...

[Matt160977]

I got my Z-5500s yesterday, and they're damn fine too. They're way too loud for my room but that's how it's meant to be, right? :) If anyone is considering going through ITZComputers.com.au for the Z-5500 speakers I'd suggest emailing to make sure they have them in stock first. I had to wait two weeks from when my payment cleared before having them shipped to my address, although when they were shipped it was very speedy. I was assured it was not the norm and came down to exceptional circumstances but I'll still be checking before ordering if I buy from them again.

Back to the speakers, they're awesome. And I haven't even got it set up for Dolby Digital yet, just a single connection going from the headphone jack on my CD player to the line-in port on the control centre. When I was testing the speakers with some heavy basslines from an old Chemical Brothers album there was a guy and his sister/friend/girlfriend walking by and I guess the guy could no longer resist the urge to break out into dance. I only saw him grooving away as I quickly glanced out the window but I'm confident he continued until he could no longer hear the music. :D

I brought this Z-5500 digital system last month and I absoluately love it! :D

Of course, its loud! :chortle: Hopefully, the neighbours did not noticed where the sound came from... but eventually, they might anyway. :chortle:

Yeah, the Logitech Z5500's are extremely hard to find. The only places not sold out are Harvey Norman (due to being way overpriced). I've put my order in for them from a computer store ($492) but I'm not expecting to get them until next week.

I have a question. The Z5500's support DTS 96 kHz / 24-bit digital audio streams. Will my Xbox output the 96/24 audio through the optical cable? Xbox streams normal DTS doesn't it??

I brought it from my local EBGames after agreed with the manager to reduce $100 off from RRP.

It does DTS support when you are playing DVD movies with DTS surround mode. But with this 96/24 audio - I am not sure about this but I doubt this will work on xbox - I rememebered I read it somewhere in the Z-5500's manual saying that its only for PlayStation 2 console.

[fireb0lt]

Are the cables for the Z5500's long enough guys? I want to upgrade to them but the special cable connections worry me.

[Superstyler]

Hmmm, so it does DTS but a question mark on the 96/24 DTS still. My guess is that it will, as any normal DVD player is capable of doing this.

But someone can simply test this by putting on a movie DVD on the Xbox with a 96/24 soundtrack. If the input signal contains 96/24 DTS data, the display will indicate this in the upper right corner with "96..24".

I believe the front speaker cables are 4 meters long and the rears are 7.5 meters.

[pistol]

what are the Ligitech X530's like? EB has a sale and they are reduced from $150 to $90.

Would these do for a standard bedroom?

SOrry if this has been asked before - I have no idea about surround sound / speakers :cry:

[Paranoid666au]

Hmmm, so it does DTS but a question mark on the 96/24 DTS still. My guess is that it will, as any normal DVD player is capable of doing this.

But someone can simply test this by putting on a movie DVD on the Xbox with a 96/24 soundtrack. If the input signal contains 96/24 DTS data, the display will indicate this in the upper right corner with "96..24".

I believe the front speaker cables are 4 meters long and the rears are 7.5 meters.

96/24 should work because the Xbox just passes the raw signal through to the amp. I don't think I've come across a DTS 96/24 disc though, has anyone else?

[dej]

has anyone mentioned spherex? the wireless ones? I got an email saying www.gamestate.com.au will be offering those soon!

anybody tell me if they're good or not?

[Declan_Vee]

In regard to speaker wire lengths. The Z5500's I bought had "stand-alone speakers" and individual wires for them. I had read about them being hard wired, so maybe there are different versions or something. If and when you go to get the speakers, I'd ask to have a look inside the box.

[Mister_E]

Oh man i never stumbled across this thread before!

I have emailed many online retailers about the z 5500's and am very keen to purchase! Seems none of these online retailers like answering any email enquiries!

I will be putting them in my room, connecting to my samsung lcd and new 360 (omg only 20 or so days!) and it seems they are too loud for a bedroom - --- LOL ----- sounds(excuse the pun) good to me!

My only question is with the 360, the lcd, and the z 5500's - what else do i need to buy in the way of cabling?

[Jamie 86]

Oh man i never stumbled across this thread before!

I have emailed many online retailers about the z 5500's and am very keen to purchase! Seems none of these online retailers like answering any email enquiries!

I will be putting them in my room, connecting to my samsung lcd and new 360 (omg only 20 or so days!) and it seems they are too loud for a bedroom - --- LOL ----- sounds(excuse the pun) good to me!

My only question is with the 360, the lcd, and the z 5500's - what else do i need to buy in the way of cabling?
Unless the 360 comes with one (which I don't think it does) you'll need an optical cable:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TosLink

I won't recommend one to get though because I'm not sure of what's a good price/brand/etc.

That's all you should need, unless you're getting a Core of course? ;)

[Mister_E]

nope not getting a core - friggen still annoyed - cant work out who and when to buy these bloody speakers....

argh i wish someone in here worked or sold them - my business would go to them straight away.

[Jamie 86]

nope not getting a core - friggen still annoyed - cant work out who and when to buy these bloody speakers....

argh i wish someone in here worked or sold them - my business would go to them straight away.
Where about's are you, Mister_E? :)

[Mister_E]

Sydney...

[Jamie 86]

Sydney...
So you can't find a set at all?

[Mister_E]

no i can find them, im jsut working out who to buy them from...

at the moment best deal i can find is $450 - and i wanna pick them up for that price (or have delivery included.)

ive still got anoth 14 odd days or wtvr it is until i get the 360, but i wanna make sure i get the speakers at a good price before they come down again...

reason being i got my samsung when it was at 2000 - and got it for 1500... now the tv is priced at 1600 or something.... so i should pushed harder :(

[Jamie 86]

no i can find them, im jsut working out who to buy them from...

at the moment best deal i can find is $450 - and i wanna pick them up for that price (or have delivery included.)

ive still got anoth 14 odd days or wtvr it is until i get the 360, but i wanna make sure i get the speakers at a good price before they come down again...

reason being i got my samsung when it was at 2000 - and got it for 1500... now the tv is priced at 1600 or something.... so i should pushed harder :(
$450 is a decent price. I did a little bit of searching and that's one of the cheapest. :)

The prices are always going to be like that though, as soon as you buy them, a few weeks later you'll find them somewhere else, cheaper. I'd say go for the $450 and try and knock the price down a bit. ;)

[K3niChi]

looking at staticice, msy has Logitech Z-5500 for $435, VIC, NSW, QLD stores

[Mister_E]

yeh - heading over to MSY right now to pick them up for 435 bucks...

sounds good to me - and i dun wanna wait forever...

[Jamie 86]

yeh - heading over to MSY right now to pick them up for 435 bucks...

sounds good to me - and i dun wanna wait forever...
Good choice, Mister_E! :thumbsup: Don't forget to pick up an optical cable. :)

[Mister_E]

christ, wish i had got that message from JB online before i left....

Ok - what do i need an optical cable for!?

EDIT - LOL sorry i cant believe i actually wrote that - i wont delete wat i said...

Yes i know i needed an optical cable - but i was in too much of a rush before i left home to think about it... bloody hell!

anyway, for the next couple of days am i going to be able to get any use out of these speakers at all...

Logitech z5500's with Samsung 26 inch lcd and standard xbox atm until the 360 is out...

ah please someone help me

[Jamie 86]

You could connect them to your PC? I'm guessing you don't have an advanced AV cable with optical out for your Xbox; or a similar cable?

[Mister_E]

JB - i only got as said above ay - no other cables... dad probably has some cabling downstairs hooked up but i wont be allowed to touch that...

friggen hell - so without any cabling i wont be able to use the speakers xbox and the lcd?

yes i have a lap top - if that helps with anything?

[Jamie 86]

I was going to suggest plugging them into your PC's sound card using the provided cables, so you can test them out. :)

[Mister_E]

well i guess that is my only option?

shi t is there no other way to connect em up!?

[Jamie 86]

well i guess that is my only option?

shi t is there no other way to connect em up!?
There's also coaxial. Although, you probably won't have the cables required?

[Mister_E]

nup - looks like its not happenin eh!?

[Jamie 86]

nup - looks like its not happenin eh!?
Not unless you have the required cables. :(

You could connect your music device to it if you really want to test them out immediately? Just use the cables provided; I've connected my iPod to my 680's with them. :D

[Mister_E]

would it work into a laptop (headphone jack) if you had the right adaptor?

[Jamie 86]

would it work into a laptop (headphone jack) if you had the right adaptor?
There should be a cable in the box with three plugs; green, yellow and black. That whould allow you to connect the 55's to your laptop. That's how I connected my iPod to my 680's. :)

[Mister_E]

JB - after fiddling with the spekers last night, i have worked it all out.

The only way i was able to listen to the speakers were through my laptop - however i had to use the 3.5mm cable my brother has that is used for most ipods or mp3 players etc...

I do not have the extra cabling - i mean the xbox adapter things - to allow me to connect with an optical cable... <------- this however i did not know, and went and coughed 24 bucks on an optical cable before i came home and realised it was all for nothing!

So it now leaves me with a kick arse sound system that cannot be used, apart from stereo through my laptop headphone jack.

What i really wanna know now is what i will be receiveing with my 360 - in terms of connections etc - so i can work out -
a) if keeping the optical cable is neccessary
b) what else i need to purchase

Any help on this would be tops - i thought it was clearer in my mind now but apparently not =)

I dont think buying the xbox adapters etc are worth it with 7 days until i get my 360!

[Jamie 86]

You won't need anything else. You're getting the "Premium" pack aren't you? The premium comes with the HD cables with optical out so all you'll need to do when you get your 360 is connect the optical cable to the AV cable and then into the control centre; switch it to the optical input on the 5500's and she should be ready to pump out some sound. :)

Don't forget to change the 360 settings to surround/DTS or whatever in the dashboard.

[Mister_E]

Yes i am getting the premium pack...

Thanks JB, im glad to know i dont need any further cords and adaptors etc - driving me insance, stereo this, rca that, optical etc etc blah blah...

grr...

10 days or wtvr till the 360 and i cant even use the speakers properly until i get it either...

life can be a bitch sometimes!

[Kruesader]

could someone just tell me what i need for surround sound.

I will connect my 360 to my HD tv with the HD cables provided, i have this sound system http://bose.com.au/site/index.aspx?path=products&CTRL=PG&pfid=3&pgid=8
what do i need to buy, how much is it and what do i need to connect to what?


thanks.

[Mister_E]

Optical cable? i dont know!!

What are the specs of the speakers - i.e. how many watts?
Looks real nice, i have bose speakers in my car - they are very clear - but not the loudest things ive heard thats for sure.

[E-Vader]

could someone just tell me what i need for surround sound.

I will connect my 360 to my HD tv with the HD cables provided, i have this sound system http://bose.com.au/site/index.aspx?path=products&CTRL=PG&pfid=3&pgid=8
what do i need to buy, how much is it and what do i need to connect to what?


thanks.

It's a bit hard to tell from that site (they really need to put more information in there) But if there is an Optical input on the unit which should look something like the attached picture you will need to plug the optical cable from the 360 to that.

As far as I'm aware (don't have a 360 yet) the supplied HD cables have that type if input on them, So all you will need is a optical cable which you can get for around $30 or so from any audio store.

The 360 dash will also need it's audio setting switched to DD5.1/DTS if it's anything like the original Xbox.

EDIT: doh forgot to attach picture :D

[samueljay]

Hey All!
:) Getting my Z-5500's in a few weeks/months! Just before i get them, just wanted to know how you plug in the red and white cables that most devices have as the back of the control panel doesnt have that connection in it.
Cheers
Sam.

[Paranoid666au]

You need an Sterio RCA to mini jack.

EDIT: Here's one from Jaycar http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=WA7016&CATID=&keywords=RCA&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID=

[samueljay]

You need an Sterio RCA to mini jack.

EDIT: Here's one from Jaycar http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=WA7016&CATID=&keywords=RCA&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID=
thanks mate appreicate your help :)
Cheers
Sam.

[captwawa]

Howdy all

I am a proud owner of a new Panasonic 42' plasma + Logitech z-5500 system which I am trying to set up the best way possible. I also have a Panasonic DVD and set top box for Digital TV.

My issue is that both the xbox and DVD have digital optical output yet the z-5500 only has the one optical input (neither has a digital coax - which would solve the problem) so I am wondering maybe I should get the HD AV pack for xbox optical audio - but I can't find it sold locally anywhere (WA) I have read elsewhere on this forum tho u can get one from say the u.s and it will work fine - is that the best option and how much should I pay? Otherwise would anyone suggest I use the optical for the DVD and use standard red/yellow/white cabling for xbox and if so should i plug them directly into the TV back or try via the z-5500 which is better?

The other question is cabling the system - I went to JB hifi and the guy said to spend $199 on belkin cables and that is for one set! I thought I need RGB's for connex between set top box 2 TV / DVD 2 TV - is this really necessary - maybe some cheap RGB's for set top box to tv and spend some cash on the higher quality images from DVD's???

Sorry to ramble but I just want some help from someone who has been there - if someone has a z-5500 or similar could they advise on how to connect the best way as it is driving me crazy

many thanks for reading this crap at the very least

captwawa :halo:

[GOOOSE]

oooh yeah just picked up my z-5500 and set them up. god they r awesome in my room. can't believe the sound and the bass that come out of them. so,so,so, sooooo gooood
just thought i would brag a bit, sorry

[cjcampbell]

ok, i know this thread hasn't has a post in a little while, but i just bought some Z5500's today, stupid me seems to have forgot a cable.....

I have the premium pack 360, so the AV cable that came with it, with the component connections, also has the little square optical out put on the plug, so now do i just need a optical cable to run from that connection to the input on the back of the control centre?

i hope thats all i need :S i really want this up and running.

so basically HD AV cable + optical cable + z5500 control centre optical input = beautiful surrond sound?

[Jamie 86]

Yep, that's all you need, just the optical cable. :)

You'll love the 5500's mate, I've got the 680's and without surround sound it's just not the same. Have you got Condemned? If not, give it a hire, I've actually looked over my shoulder a couple of times because I thought someone was standing behind me! :D

[Vaku]

32" HD LCD tv and Z-5500's in the next month or so for me, cant wait =D
can you setup multiple devices in the 5500's? tv/360/dvd etc? im assuming you can.

[ryan_a87]

hey gang, i was thinking about getting this sound system

Logitech® Z-5450 Digital 5.1 Speaker System - http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/US/EN,CRID=2177,CONTENTID=10928

its like $100 more but u get wireless rear speakers, seems alot better then having to run wires thru the ceiling or just have them laying across the ground

but is the sound quality any different

[cjcampbell]

I had Condemned, might rent it again though just to see how good it is hehe.

I had the chance to buy thr 5450's or the 5500's, he offered the 5450's for 400, but the price difference between the 5500 and 5450 wasn't that great, and the 5500's have better rms i believe.......

now i need to go buy my optical cable......

assumably you would be able to connect your xbox using the optical, a dvd player using the coax and a pc using the cables you get with it, or get an RCA adapter to connect the tv to it....

is that right, or am i just dreaming?

otherwise you could buy an RCA selector thing (dunno their name lol) but thats just another remote, think i need a universal remote next hehe maybe the logitech one *drools*

[AJMitchell]

Hey, I've recently got (a little) cashed up. I've never owned a 5.1 sound system before and am eager to do so.

Can anyone recommend a good cheap system to hook up my 360 to?

I didn't really want to spend more than $500 bucks and was aiming for around the $300 buck mark. Can you get a set with wireless rear speakers for that amount? I have a conveniently placed powerpoint behind the couch.

It doesn't need to crack window panes or cause aneurysms in small animals when its on. It just needed to be surround.

[cjcampbell]

AJ, i was at EB yesterday, the guy offered me the z-5450's for $400 and they have wireless rears so if your eb can do that for you, go for it, they were marked at 800 lol dunno why he dropped so much :S maybe he loves me

good and cheap don't always go together, no doubt you could get some for $300 or under, but it would be cheaper to get some tin cans and connect them to a string :P

i love my Z-5500's, just got the optical cable, now i am going to play the xbox YAY

[AJMitchell]

Thanks for the tip, although from the sound of it that guy musta wanted your body not your money!

I guess I'll just have to head into EB and see what I can get...

[numb nuts]

A mate of mine recently bought a new sound system and was spending around the $4000 mark on the set-up. One thing all the sales people told him was to avoid wireless setups because the sound quality was just not there. It would be worse on a $500 set of logitechs. Get the wired setup and spend a bit of time running the cable, buy extra from dick smith if you need too. I have had a set of logitech Z-680s for a couple of years now and I have been very happy with them.

[ryan_a87]

so whats the difference between the Z-5500 and the z-680?

hey seem to be around the same price

[samueljay]

Z-5500's are the new model :) Z-680's are the previous model :) I have wanted either of them for so long... :drools: lol! hehe maybe I'll get them one day! :)

[ryan_a87]

and newer means better i assume?

[will851]

what are the Ligitech X530's like? EB has a sale and they are reduced from $150 to $90.

Would these do for a standard bedroom?

SOrry if this has been asked before - I have no idea about surround sound / speakers :cry:


i noticed this didnt get answerd and would like to know this myself as i have seen kmart sell these pretty cheap

[J Man]

Hi Guys

Just thought i would add to this thread.

If anyone is looking for a good, cheap set of speaker for their Xbox360, Bing Lee have the following on special at the moment for the bargain price of $149. They gave it to me for $140. I am in Sydney and two stores (Alexadnria & Crossroads) i rang had them on special so I assume it is across the board special at all stores.

http://www.yamahamusic.com.au/products/avit/htsystems/TSS-15W.asp

This system normally retails for $299, obviously Yamaha maybe a little over stocked and need to move a few.

I know there are alot of people who love the Z5400/5500, hey i was hoping to get a set as well (but at $300 it was going to have to wait until the new year), but if you are in the market for a small system to fit into a small room like me then I dont think you can really go past this.

I set them up on the weekend and i must say i am extremely happy with them. they sound great playing games and watching movies. The sub is good, it is really small but packs quite a punch. And the system doesnt take up much room at all which is perfect for my computer room.

Anyhow i just wanted to let everyone know incase someone was interested in replacing their old speakers.

[V1pErS11]

Hey Guys. I don't really know much about surround sound but I'm saving up for very good speakers. I found these not sure if they are as great as the website describes but it would be helpful if anyone could offer their opinion on these. http://creative.com/products/product.asp?category=4&subcategory=113&product=9306
I'll get a decoder with it as well.

[Matt K]

Hmm

I have a Sharp Audio System that was made from around 2000-2003. Do you guys think it has a optical cable thingo? Because i havent checked the back of it and its currently getting repaired.

[Nima_]

Thought I'd add my two cents, the Z-5500's are really decent for the price you pay.. Wireless rear speakers have funny faults from time to time. I've seen too many come back through work..

[Etora]

Got a Z-5500 and i'm really happy with it. The sound is perfectly clear and the sub's shaking the walls down. And for $365 i couldn't be happier with the purchase.. :thumbsup:

[Traveler]

Wireless rear speakers have funny faults from time to time. I've seen too many come back through work..


Plus you have to plug in power cables for the rears anyway so not really wireless if you have no power points near-by.

[CelibateRifle]

does anyone know the cheapest place in melbourne for the Z5500's? I know MSY have them for $348, but they've been sold out for ages now.

Cheers

[donkey33]

I'm after some of these too I think.

Would they be good enough for a decent sized area with a Bravia 46 inch x-series? Watching movies and playing 360/PS3, etc?

[Mister_E]

Yep... there are obviously louder speakers on the market but bang for buck these should win hands down.

I paid 430 for mine a while ago...so now if they are down around 350 then you are laughing.

[CelibateRifle]

Yep... there are obviously louder speakers on the market but bang for buck these should win hands down.

I paid 430 for mine a while ago...so now if they are down around 350 then you are laughing.

well a week ago they were.. i just had another look at the updated MSY price list and they've been jacked up to $414. At least they might have stock now

[b3nbo]

im getting a pair of Sennheiser HD555's for Christmas. What's the best way to hook them up to my Xbox 360 and PS3 to get the best sound quality?

[Mister_E]

im getting a pair of Sennheiser HD555's for Christmas. What's the best way to hook them up to my Xbox 360 and PS3 to get the best sound quality?

I'd probably opt for neon carbon fiber tipped cable ties from Kcid Daeh - google it, they are a german company i think.

Let me know if you have any issues.

well a week ago they were.. i just had another look at the updated MSY price list and they've been jacked up to $414. At least they might have stock now

Still worth it mate... i rarely have mine up past halfway even when no one is home and i feel like playing it up really loud.... so i doubt you would have any issues with volume etc.

[pferris]

Hi guys - does anyone know if these http://www.zalman.co.kr/ENG/product/Product_Read.asp?Idx=211 would work with the Xbox 360 and the Logitech x530 to give "better" surround sound on these speakers (rather than the psudeo surround)

[davep]

I dont thin kthe 360 outputs PCM over USB, and you definately wont be able to install the supplied software. Have you already got the x530's? There is the Logitech game console adapter, which looks like just the stereo RCA to 3 x 3.5mm steroe jacks, probably not overly helpful...

This is more the type of thing you want here:

http://jazzspeakers.english.eyp.com.tw/eyp/front/bin/ptdetail.phtml?Part=DE005&Category=200011096

A small, standalone digital audio decoder with 3 x 3.5mm stereo output jacks..

Cretive sell one called the DDTS-100, found here:

http://www.digitan.com.au/product.php?productid=40737&cat=0&page=1

Not in stock though..