Labs

Logitech's THX-certified Z-5500 is the only kit in the group with a triple mini-jack input for connection to a PC sound card. An adaptor lets you connect a standard stereo input, such as from a set-top box. Alongside this are the more common optical and coaxial S/PDIF inputs, so you'll be able to connect any DVD player, games console or PC with an S/PDIF output.

All these inputs fit snugly on the back of the small and stylish control unit, the front of which is dominated by a massive volume control and small LCD panel. A basic remote control is provided, which is all that's necessary as the Z-5500 lacks the video-handling and extensive tweaking options of Yamaha's and Denon's

ADVERTISEMENT

AV receivers.

The control unit connects to the subwoofer and amplifier unit by a captive 2m cable, though this could be extended easily as it's identical to a PC VGA monitor cable. The subwoofer unit is immensely heavy and is capable of the most impressive bass effects in the group.

The satellites connect to, and are driven by, the subwoofer unit. They have removable front grilles and stylish stands, which can be twisted round to act as wall mounts instead. They may look a bit sci-fi for some tastes, but they certainly feel well made.

The speakers sound very bright, with an emphasis on the upper mid-range and treble. Whether you like the bright sound or not is down to personal taste, but it doesn't make the speakers sound unbalanced. The subwoofer is superb and there's enough power in the mid-range to make sure it doesn't dominate the sound. The overall effect is very pleasing, but Denon's DHT1356XP produces arguably more accurate sound.

By keeping things simple Logitech has managed to produce an excellent-value, superb surround-sound speaker kit. The AV receiver kits from Yamaha and Denon have more features, but only the more expensive Denon can better the Z-5500 for audio quality. It's our Best Buy home cinema speaker system.