Mixing and Matching Speakers?

[Molinjir]

I got a set of Logitech Z-5500 5.1 speakers about a month ago, and I've been pretty happy with them. However, my parents recently got themselves new stereo speakers, so there is a set of Boston SubSat series II satellites sitting around. They are much better speakers than the logitech satellites (2 way, and a fair bit more expensive). They use the same connectors, so I was wondering (excuse my ignorance) if I can hook up the two boston satellites as my front L/R speakers? The boston's are an older product (1995, I think), and have an impedance of 8 ohms. Is it possible to hook up? If it is possible, could it damage either system, and would it be unbalanced?

Thanks in advance,

~Molinjir

 

[CrispyFried]

not sure what the z-5500 sats impedance is but if its lower that 8 ohms (theyre probably 4 or 5) then the boston sats wont harm the system but it will be unbalanced and colored. if the z-5500 impedance is greater than 8 ohms then dont try it, it will stress the logitechs amps, increasing distortion and heat.

 

[Molinjir]

It claims the logitech Amp impedance is 8,000 on their site .

# Signal to noise ratio: >93.5 dB, typical 100
# Input impedance: 8,000 ohms
# Drivers:

Is this possible, or do they mean 8.000?

 

[NanoStuff]

There's a complicated issue of correlation with the other mismatched speakers, which could have a negative impact on surround sound, otherwise it will be fine.

[edit] the 8000 ohms is the low level input impedance, irrelevant.

 

[Molinjir]

It's interesting. I hooked up one (couldn't find speaker wire for the other) and teh sound quality on Oscar Peterson Trio's Fly Me To The Moon is much, much better. Can I use the logitech wire on the boston speakers? It appears to be much thinner wire...

Thanks for the replies,

Molinjir

 

[NanoStuff]

Logitech wire will be fine.

 

[MUKid]

Assuming all the impedances and such match, I don't think it would matter much to mix and match computer speakers. When setting up home theater it doesn't work too well, because each of the speakers has its own tone. Putting one brand of speakers with another can make the whole setup sound funny. I mismatched some speakers on my home theater for a while and finally gave up and bought a whole new, matched set. They sound much better now than they did, and it's mostly because the tones match. But I think on a computer game, you wouldn't notice as much.

 

[Molinjir]

Eh, I listen to music. Mostly Jazz. It's sounding pretty interesting, because the bostons have much better midrange, so piano is a lot better especially, but they aren't as crisp, and the percussion is lacking a bit. My three remaining logis speakers (back L/R, center) are providing plenty of percussion though. It's just sounding a wee bit strange. I can always go back though.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: CrispyFried
not sure what the z-5500 sats impedance is but if its lower that 8 ohms (theyre probably 4 or 5) then the boston sats wont harm the system but it will be unbalanced and colored. if the z-5500 impedance is greater than 8 ohms then dont try it, it will stress the logitechs amps, increasing distortion and heat.

this is backwards. 4 ohms will stress a system like crazy. It will use double the power for the same voltage output.