The Logitech Z-5500 is a full home system capable of true surrounding sound with a 5.1-channel setup. Does it live up to the price tag or are you better off with something cheaper for similar or better sound? Our experts have run the tests for you with this Logitech Z-5500 review to give you an in-depth answer.
PRO TIP:
Logitech Z-5500 can be difficult to find in the market nowadays and is priced over a thousand bucks. A budget-friendly and available option is its successor, the Logitech Z906, which you can check down below!
What We Like
- THX certified system
- Can connect up to 6 different products
- Wireless remote control
- 2-year limited warranty
- Subwoofer
- Four satellite speakers
- True surrounding sound capable
- Digital SoundTouch control center
- Ultra linear amplifier
- Excellent frequency response
- A lot of power
- Can decode Dolby Digital and Dolby TrueHD is decoders are updated
What We Don't Like
- No TrueHD passthrough
- Not all components are matching colors
Design
Our experts were pleasantly surprised by the Z-5500. It is a notch higher than regular bookshelf speakers and soundbars as the Logitech combo is capable of full surround sound audio.
It comes complete with a subwoofer, four satellite speakers, and a center speaker. Not to mention, the rocking system is THX certified. What does it mean to be THX certified? It is a world standard set up to give peace of mind to consumers about the quality, performance and consistency of a product.
The Z-5500 will consistently give you great sound on a daily basis and was tested by THX experts as well as our audio team. What’s great about the Z-5500 device is it’s quite compact. From the sub to the speakers, it’s a small package considering all it comes with.
Logitech Z-5500 Features
Speakers
Let’s take a look at the speakers, which is where all the enhanced sounds will be from. The satellite speakers are 62 watts each, with a frequency response of 33 Hz to 25 kHz overall with the help of the subwoofer.
The entire unit is compatible with not only your TV for cinematic surround sound at home, but you can also connect it to your PC computer, gaming console, DVD player, and anything else that needs an audio boost.
Subwoofers
The subwoofer with the combo is a 10-inch design, which is a common size and can generate enough power for a regular-sized space. The ported driver will allow for more expansive bass with the help of the in-built amp. The compact and square design of the device makes it easy to place anywhere you need to.
Sound Quality
As our audio engineers mentioned, the Logitech Z-5500 digital system is certified by THX, which ensures exceptional sounds at any volume and top-notch construction. You can connect the home theater unit with up to 6 devices to build a more complete unit.
The combo has real-time digital sound equalization that takes each speaker and improves the overall quality of sound generated from every component.
Remote Control
The Logitech Z-5500 digital surround sound unit comes with a wireless remote control, which gives you command over everything, but our team members weren’t too fond of the quality. It feels a little lightweight and the control pod has similar functions.
What’s great about the control pod is the LCD display screen. Our experts always prefer a speaker set with a digital control panel as it’s easier to check the control unit for the status. You can gain access to the volume knob, volume settings, Dolby TrueHD, and even processing modes from the control unit.
You may wonder why Logitech bothered to include a remote with the speaker set if all the inputs and Dolby Digital decoding can be set via the pod. Our expert engineers postulate that it may be for handheld convenience, but our team members prefer the control unit.
Connectivity
There are digital inputs for up to 6 devices with the right speaker wire. You can do it via 3 stereo mini plugs, an optical cable, or opt for the digital coaxial cable. The Z-5500 also features a stereo microphone port with all the inputs found on the back of the speaker parts.
If you were looking for a wireless connection, our experts are sorry to say that the speaker system requires cables, but with the right wireless kits, you could convert it into a cableless hookup.
Ports
There are ports available for up to 6 components, but one thing our team members felt the need to point out is that the headphone out port will cancel the speaker feature when plugged in. This will only affect PC users that are looking to keep PC content to themselves by using headphones.
The speaker set features many connections, and our audio experts say to look at your TV, PC [1] or other units you wish to connect to make sure they are compatible.
Power
For small components, the Z-5500 set packs a punch that was surprising for our team. Whether it was hooked up to a PC or other systems, you switched from mediocre sound to booming music and movie content in no time at all.
The total RMS power is 505 for the entire unit. Our audio engineers remind everyone that the RMS continuous power is what you want to measure. It is the rating at which every unit in the product set can be played at without risking damage.
The satellites make up 317 watts of the RMS rating and the subwoofer takes the other 188 RMS left. As for the peak power, you get a total of 1010 watts, which is quite impressive but our sonic experts only suggest playing it in short bursts.
Setup
Each of the speakers has small holes at the bass, making them compatible with wall mounting. Keep in mind that the speaker combo doesn’t come with wall mounts or the necessary hardware. You must purchase wall mounts separately and find the appropriate screws that match the holes in the speakers.
The speakers are best placed on a flat surface. The floor is excellent for home theaters and on the desk is recommended for PC use. Our audio team found that stands and wall mounts can angle the speakers either up or down, and the subwoofer cannot be placed anywhere but on the ground.
As the Z-5500 is not a wireless combo, you have to keep the Logitech Z-5500 digital unit close together, which may impede on placement flexibility. Our recommendation is to keep them all together at the front of the room near your TV.
The placement is easier with the PC, as you can arrange the small speakers around your monitor and place the subwoofer on the ground where you see fit. For extra range, our team says to look into your own speaker wires because the ones that come with the package are very thin and not very long.
Price and Warranty
The price is one of the most important parts of the Logitech Z-5500 review and for all that you get for the money, the Z-5500 is not a bad idea for your PC or home theater. There are satellites and a separate subwoofer plus a Digital SoundTouch center that gives you command over the bass and your music.
Our sound technicians advise looking for products with extensive warranties. In the case of the Z-5500, that’s what you get. The device comes with a 2-year limited warranty and a 1-year parts and labor warranty. Two members of our team have had the Z-5500 in their home since the mid 2000s and are still happy with it to this day.
(For other Logitech products, we have a complete comparison of Logitech Z623 vs Z625 here)
Logitech Z-5500 Review Conclusion
Our team members conducted separate Logitech Z-5500 reviews and compared results. The home theater combo has digital inputs, Dolby Digital decoding, PC, and other device compatibility that impressed our team. The setup is easy, although it lacks placement flexibility afforded by some other models.
If you are in search of superior quality speakers, you can also consider purchasing the products below:
