Product:	Z-5500 Digital Speaker System
Manufacturer:	Logitech
Price:	$399.95 USD
Details:	Hardware Decoding: Dolby Digital, DTS, DTS 96/24, Dolby Pro Logic II (modes: Music and Movie), 6 channel direct, Stereo x2, Stereo Wireless Remote, Digital SoundTouch control center (with LCD) 505 watts RMS, 1010 watts Peak Power Drivers: Satellites: 3” polished aluminum phase plug drivers Subwoofer: 10” high-excursion ported driver with 6th order bass reflex enclosure

"When there’s nowhere to go but up, choose the Z-5500. Experience music, TV, movies and games through this THX-certified, 505-watt 5.1 digital surround sound speaker system with digital equalization."

That is what Logitech says about their $400 powerhouse digital speaker system. The Z-5500 Digital system looks to not only connect practically every and any audio device you own but, do it with hammering bass and needle sharp clarity. That is what we're lead to believe after reading through the specifications available on their site. This speaker system looks almost too good to be true. THX, Dolby Pro Logic II (modes: music and movie), DTS 96KHz/24-bit, DTS, Dolby Digital, 1010 watts Peak / 505 watts RMS, and enough input source connections to shame most systems. But do the Z-5500's perform? Are they worth over $400 after shipping? Do they sound amazing? Time to find out.

Image Courtesy of Logitech

To start, here is some information about the speaker system, straight from Logitech:

• Onboard 5.1 Digital Decoding: Hear every detail of your favorite Dolby® digital and DTS soundtracks.
• THX Certified Sound: Settle for nothing less than the THX seal of approval for master quality.
• 505 Watts: Turn any room of your house into a powerful theater.
• 10" Long-throw Subwoofer and Tuned Bass Port: Get 188 watts of powerful, distortion-free bass.
• Aluminum Phase Plug Satellites: Combine the clarity of a tweeter with the richness and fullness of a separate mid-range.

• Digital and Analog Inputs: Add up to 6 components simultaneously.
• Digital SoundTouch™ Control Panel: Change volume on all speakers, set inputs and more.
• Wireless Remote: Control up to seven sources, even PCs and video games.
• Wall-Mountable Satellite Speakers: Just rotate the stands to switch from desktop to wall.

Hardware

• Drivers:
  Satellites: 3” polished aluminum phase plug drivers
  Subwoofer: 10” high-excursion ported driver with 6th order bass reflex enclosure
  Surround sound effects
• Hardware decoding:
  Dolby® Digital, DTS®, and DTS®, 96/24 soundtracks
  Dolby Pro Logic II (Movie and Music modes)
  6 Channel Direct
  Stereo x2
  Stereo
• Supported digital formats:
  Dolby Digital
  DTS and DTS 96/24
  PCM (uncompressed stereo): 44.1 kHz / 16 bit through 96 kHz / 24 bit
• Source Inputs:
  Digital optical for DVD or CD players, PlayStation®2, Xbox®**
  Digital coaxial for DVD or CD players or PC sound cards (requires coaxial cable, sold separately)
  6 channel direct (3 stereo-mini connectors) for 2, 4, or 6 channel PC sound cards OR
  6 channel direct (3 stereo-mini connectors) for 3 stereo analog mini audio sources, like CD and DVD players, Playstation 2, Xbox, or 2 channel PC sound cards (somedevices may require stereo mini to dual RCA adapter, sold separately)
  Analog stereo-mini (on side panel of control center) for portable CD, MP3,or MiniDisc® players

Technical Specifications

• 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
• Compatibility:
  PC/Mac
  CD
  MP3
  DVD
  PlayStation®
  Xbox®

As you can see, the speakers should be very impressive. However, it wouldn't be the first time that a product could not live up to it's hype and specs. Did Logitech pull it off? Time to find out.