A 5.1 Connection Adapter of Sorts...For Game/Theater Audio
Written: Dec 21 '08 (Updated Jan 07 '09)
Product Rating:
Pros: Very unique function. Nothing else like it on the market.
Cons: Not true 5.1 surround.
The Bottom Line:
Unique adapter allows simulated surround sound. May be useful in multiple car amp systems. However, line level attenuation is severe and may be beyond compensation.
_______________________________________ UPDATE: Regarding purchase of these units via internet. I couldn't find this item locally, so I'm stuck ordering on-line. Regrettably, I ordered from 3 online stores, to whom I was directed via a Google search. All 3 claimed to have this item in stock. All 3 did NOT. After attempting to order from each online store, I emailed them within a few days to inquire as to why I haven't received an email notifying me the item has been shipped, only to learn the item is on back order. So, if you order on-line and do not hear from the vendor in a few days, you should inquire and be direct. Some vendors are building up orders and then ordering quantity from the manufacturer, which I think is a scam. Many on-line vendors make the buyer aware the item is 'out of stock' or 'backordered'. Those vendors are honest.
I ended up ordering from an ebayer. I found the same item on ebay for almost the same price, with the S/H being the variable.
Finally, be careful when ordering. There is ANOTHER LOGITECH ADAPTER out there being offered by some vendors and ebayers, which only has 2 mini-jack outputs (instead of 3 as listed below), and therefore are NOT the same 5.1 adapters. The picture and description should clearly indicate 2 RCA inputs (white and red) and 3 mini jack outputs (green, black and orange). That is the unit described below. I just want to make sure everyone is clear on this. _______________________________________________ FINAL UPDATE: CONCLUSION Sorry Logitech, but I'm not impressed. I connected this 5.1 adapter to my sound bar, which has discrete 6 channel inputs. The result: The sound bar sounded worse! I couldn't believe it. Yes, all the channels played. But the overall sound was inferior to the basic 2.1 channel sound I obtained when the sound bar was connected to left/right analog outputs from my TV.
From playing different CDs, DVDs and Cable TV, it is my conclusion that the 5.1 adapter either directs too little bass to the sub, or, because the adapter is a passive unit, is attenuating the signal too much. All passive adapters, crossovers, etc, will attenuate to some extent.
I do not like the result. Bass is noticably weaker, both in the sound bar itself and the separate subwoofer which is also connected to the adapter's sub output.
The separate sub's output has dropped to a fraction of what it was. This is the case even when the sub's adjustable input level is turned up to maximum.
Total loudness level of the sound bar is lower and weaker as well.
Finally, I hear no simulated surround sound of any kind.
Well, you get what you pay for, I suppose.
I think this adapter works well with Logitech speakers because Logitech designs the speakers to work within the parameters of this adapter. Attempting to use this adapter with other brand speakers may offer lackluster performance, as in my case.
Connecting this adapter to your high-end car amp system as I suggested below in my review may not derive such good results either. The attenuation is pretty severe. Adjusting the input levels on your car amp's inputs may not be enough, or may allow too much noise or distortion. ________________________________________________________ I recently purchased the Logitech 5.1 adapter, which is sometimes refered to as the Logitech 5.1 game console adapter.
I bought unit for very specific reasons which I'll detail below. Please note, as of this writing I do NOT yet have it. I expect it within the next several days. Once I receive it, I will expand my review of this unit.
The Logitech 5.1 adapter is actually a part of several Logitech computer speaker systems. In fact, I bought one such system and reviewed it as well, some time ago.
The 5.1 adapter is simply a small plastic box with jacks at both ends. In its original use, it is used to connect your audio system to a Logitech 5.1 computer system, of which Logitech makes several models.
This adapter is a passive unit. Meaning it requires NO power to operate.
At one end are a pair of Left/Right analog RCA jacks. Into these jacks you can connect the output of any device with a stereo output, such as the Line-Out of a TV, DVD player, VCR, Cable box, Walkman, IPOD, etc. Almost all newer audio/video equipment come with at least one set of stereo line-out jacks (typically colored white and red for left and right channel, respectively).
At the other end are 3 mini stereo jacks (sometimes refered to as 1/8th inch jacks or 3.5mm jacks). The jacks are color coded orange, black and green. One jack carries the left/right signal to a pair of front left/right speakers. Another jack carries the signal to a pair of rear left/right speakers. And the third jack carries the signal of the center speaker and the subwoofer speaker, 6 channels total.
In its original use, this 5.1 adapter is designed to then take your stereo signal and divide and channel the output to a Logitech active subwoofer which, in turn sends the output to the respective satelite speakers and the sub. In its original use, the connections are made via cables with mini stereo plugs at both ends.
However, Logitech now offers this device as a separate component for use in connecting other surround sound systems to an analog source. It is an item which I find to be unique.
For instance, I will describe how I am employing this 5.1 adapter.
I recently purchased an Envizen 5.1 Sound Bar. (I am hoping someone from Epinions will post this product so that I may review it in detail). The sound bar was very cheap, as sound bars go, costing only $112 including S/H.
The sound bar interested me because it has a claimed output of 90 RMS watts and a total of 10 speakers and is about 46 inches wide.
I ordered the sound bar because it was advertised as having both stereo analog inputs and 5.1 input.
Unfortunately, I could find no decent descriptions of this sound bar. As it turns out, the 5.1 input is a discrete 6 channel input such as those found on older 5.1 channel receivers and older DVD players. The sound bar itself has no decoder of any type. It is simply an amplified speaker system in its most basic form.
When I connect my Plasma TV line-output to the sound bar, I get only stereo sound. My Envizen sound bar features 8 mini 2-inch speakers, 2x center channel, 2x front left and 2x front right channels, 1x rear left and 1x rear right channels and 2x midrange/woofers. In the stereo mode, only the 4 left/right speakers and the 2 woofers play.
I want all 10 speakers to play, all 6 channels. With the 5.1 adapter I will be able to play the 2x center channel speakers and the far left and right 'rear' channel speakers, effectively producing a matrix surround sound of sorts.
I purchased 3 sets of cables from BestBuy. Each cable features a mini stereo plug at one end and a left and right RCA plug at the other end'. I bought the cheapest cables, $4.99 each. That was cheaper than ordering on-line and having to pay for S/H.
To connect I simply plug in the mini plugs into the adapter and the RCA plugs of each cable into the corresponding input jack of my 5.1 sound bar jack pack.
Of course the sound will not be true 5.1. But it will be pretty good I imagine. Plus, I'll get the full 10 speaker output of my new sound bar.
This 5.1 adapter makes for a very simple hook-up and operation. Once connected, I only have to set my TV line-out to 'variable' and I will then be able to control the volume with my TV remote. I'll turn the sound bar volume up once and there it will stay. Very simple and easy.
Also, I bought a small Fisher subwoofer for only $10 brand new! I'd like to review that item also. To connect it, I use a Y-cable with a RCA plug at one end and a pair of RCA jacks at the other.
The subwoofer channel output of the adapter plugs into a RCA jack on the Y-cable. The cable's RCA plug connects to the subwoofer input on the sound bar. And the cable from my Fisher sub connects to the other RCA jack of my Y-cable. Now, I've got a very convincing 5.1 sound system very cheap, with no visible wires, no speakers hanging on the walls and so on.
This Logitech 5.1 adapter may have many uses. You can employ it to connect virtually any mutiple speaker system for you home audio, computer or even your automobile sound requirements.
You can connect the 5.1 adapter and only use some of the outputs, to effectively output either 2.1, 3.1 or 4.1 channels, if that is what you need.
In an automobile audio system, you can employ this adapter to channel the bass to your sub amp and other channels to your multiple amp set-up.
This device needs no power of its own, so its uses are pretty limitless.
Once I receive the unit and run some audio and diagnostic tests, I'll update this review. If interested, check back in about 2 weeks. I should have this review updated by New Year's Day, if it arrives as scheduled.
Remember, I had to order this unit on-line. If you find it locally, it may only cost a few bucks.
This is a very unusual item with some interesting possibilities, and very inexpensive to boot. I look forward to 'playing' with it.
The Logitech 5.1 Game Console Adapter allows you to connect your PlayStation2 or Xbox video game console to a set of Logitech 5.1 multimedia speakers ...More at eCOST.com
5.1 GAME CONSOLE ADAPTER - CONVERT RCA PLUGS TO A SINGLE 1/8 ULTIMATE 5.1 Game Console Adapter Convert Rca Plugs To A Single 1/8 - 970150-0403More at Compuplus.com
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