Z-5500

The Logitech Z-5500 (pronounced zee-fifty-five-hundred) is a Multimedia - Home surround sound speaker system with THX Multimedia Certification.
History
The Z-5500 is the successor to the Z-680. Both systems have about identical specifications, both feature 505 watts RMS power. The main changes are that the Z-5500 has a more streamlined look,improved DAC (Digital-To-Analog) Chip and the speaker cabinet technology is improved.
Features
The Z-5500's features
Basic
Total power
*505 watts RMS
*1010 watts PEAK
Distribution:
**Subwoofer 188 watts @ 100Hz
**Left 62 watts @ 1khz
**Right 62 watts @ 1khz
**Center 69 watts @ 1khz
**Left Rear 62 watts @ 1khz
**Right Rear 62 watts @ 1khz
(All the speakers are rated at 8ohms with Single Channel Driven - The output of the amplifier is rated with 10% THD (Total Harmonic Distortion)
Input flexibility
Total usable input devices: 3 (One Digital Coaxial, one Optical and one Analog Multichannel or Stereo)
Digital S/PDIF
See S/PDIF
*Optical
*Coaxial
Analog
* x3
**The Z-5500 has three 3.5mm TRS inputs, these can be combined for 5.1 surround sound, or separate for three stereo inputs
*Analog 3.5mm AUX x1
**This fourth analog connector will be mixed with the three analog inputs.
Output
System
Up to 6 channels, 5.1 surround
*Left
*Right
*Center
*Rear Left
*Rear Right
*Subwoofer
Auxiliary
*3.5mm headphone output
**This connector will disable the main speakers when a device is plugged in to it
Audio Processing
*Dolby Pro Logic II
*DTS 96/24
*Dolby Digital
*Stereo
*Stereo x2
** This will duplicate the stereo signal and send it directly to the rear speakers without processing
Easter Eggs
The Z-5500 has many , some aren't mentioned in the user manual
Boost mode
This will increase the volume of the system beyond the volume knob by turning the volume knob about 180 degrees after the maximum is reached; you will see "Boost 1" all the way to "Boost 11"
Boost mode 22
This is the same as "Boost mode" only the volume can be increased to "Boost 22" instead of 11. This can be achieved by holding down the "Mute" button on the control pod while turning the volume knob.
Second Skin
This will change some appearance aspects of the control pod. The control pod must be in standby mode to enable; holding all buttons down except "level" will enable this mode.
Diagnostic Mode
This will display advanced signal information upon switching the input, by holding down the "Input" and "Effect" buttons in standby mode.
Volume offset
This will slightly increase the volume of certain frequencies when the analog input is selected. This will normalize the volume of analog signals (direct) to match the louder sounding signal of digital inputs (optical and coaxial). To use this feature, hold down the "Mute" button and turn the volume knob. This only works when an analog input is selected. The system should be on.
Reset to factory defaults and display firmware version
This will reset the control pod to its factory defaults and also display the firmware version. To do this, hold down the "Input" and "Settings" buttons while the system is in standby. This is useful before returning or sending in for RMA.
Components Used
The z-5500 is using the following Speaker Drivers:
Satellites:
Subwoofer:
It also has TDA7294 based Integrated Amplifier,and Cirrus Logic CS42526-CQZ DAC (Digital-To-Analog Converter)
Criticism
Although the Z-5500 has gotten great reviews from users, it has also received various criticisms from many audiophiles and others in the world of sound. This is because of its sound quality which is said to be lacking in mid-range frequency response.
While the speakers and subwoofer are fairly durable, the control pod has shown to be most prone to malfunction (although failure rates are still quite low). Logitech currently has no process or intention of replacing individual components of these systems outside of warranty, even when the customer is willing to pay for it. For systems that break down within the warranty period, Logitech only requires the defective control pod to be returned in exchange for a brand new set, leaving a large number of "podless systems". Without the control pod, the satellite speakers can be still plugged into any receiver or amplifier; however using the subwoofer without the control pod is more difficult, though believed to be possible.

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