Logitech Z5500 5.1 vs Logitech X-230 2.1

[hador7]

Hi guys,

I just bought a new Logitech Z5500 speaker system and have it hooked up directly to my computer via the 3 prong cable that comes with the Z5500 system.

I notice that when the Z5500 is ON but not playing anything, there is a low "zzzzz" sound that comes through the speakers. It's noticeable if you're within 5-6 feet and very noticeable if you are under 3 feet of the speakers.

My old speakers, X-230s did not have any sound coming through the speakers when it was not playing anything.

Do I have a defective Z5500 or is it suppose to be like this?

[evanx]

I don't have that sound in my Z5500. I use the analogue cables too. It's either the noise from the motherboard sound ports from EMI/crosstalk, your microphone being left on or that there is some EM interference with your speakers.

[hador7]

Thanks,

I'm going to try a digital optical input or maybe a digital coaxial input to see if it makes the sound go away.

The other issue I'm having is that I can't seem to get my rear left and rear right speakers playing 5.1 material. I'm using the onboard motherboard sound (Realtek). I have made sure to change the inputs to Line Out (Green), Center/Subwoofer (Pink), and Rear Speakers (Blue). Is there anything additional that I have to do to make them work?

[ppl4golf]

Have you wondered why it's called Z-5500 with the Z ??

Sorry I don't have the same problem but I just can't resist LOL.

It's probably because of crappy electronic noise from the sound ports...especially the rear speakers always seem to have some discharge.

[ppl4golf]

Thanks,

I'm going to try a digital optical input or maybe a digital coaxial input to see if it makes the sound go away.

The other issue I'm having is that I can't seem to get my rear left and rear right speakers playing 5.1 material. I'm using the onboard motherboard sound (Realtek). I have made sure to change the inputs to Line Out (Green), Center/Subwoofer (Pink), and Rear Speakers (Blue). Is there anything additional that I have to do to make them work?

You also need to set to 5.1 in the Realtek panel, use a simple but great sound decoder like AC3Filter.

[hador7]

Have you wondered why it's called Z-5500 with the Z ??

Sorry I don't have the same problem but I just can't resist LOL.

It's probably because of crappy electronic noise from the sound ports...especially the rear speakers always seem to have some discharge.

Lol, if that's what the Z stands for, then I gotta return this sucker.

But yah, it seems like I am only getting stereo right now. nothing from the center, and left/right rear speakers.

I tried setting up the 5.1 but the panel doesn't really show any options. I made sure that the blue and pink jacks are rear output and center/subwoofer output. What else do I have to do?

[bst]

I used to have this problem with my old cheap motherboard. I replaced it with a X-Fi, problem went away.

[empty265]

Thanks,

I'm going to try a digital optical input or maybe a digital coaxial input to see if it makes the sound go away.

The other issue I'm having is that I can't seem to get my rear left and rear right speakers playing 5.1 material. I'm using the onboard motherboard sound (Realtek). I have made sure to change the inputs to Line Out (Green), Center/Subwoofer (Pink), and Rear Speakers (Blue). Is there anything additional that I have to do to make them work?

Make sure that all your cables are located away from things that could emit EMI. (Especially power cables, wireless devices, etc.)

The input cable is especially prone to EMI, so either keep it away from power cords, or find something to shield it.

***

For the 5.1, usually there's a 'test mode' for both the Z5500 and for windows:

For your Z5500:

Press the 'test' button on your remote, verify that each channel is working.


For your computer:

Usually Realtek has options under 'sound', or it has a separate program that provides 'test mode'.

If testing fails, either:

1.) You didn't set your Z5500 to 6 channel mode (There's a switch behind your control unit, switch it so it displays "6 Ch Direct" when you press the 'direct' button on the remote)

2.) Your drivers / sound settings aren't set properly, fix it up by either getting updated drivers, or just tweak it till it works

***

If 'test mode' works, then it might be a problem with the program you're using. (e.g. There's a channel mixer in MPC that might need to be enabled, or a certain game might need to be set up for 5.1)