What's the best 5.1 speaker set?

[StephenCampbell]

I recently purchased the Logitech z506 speaker set, and it sucks. I can't play opera loudly without the speakers crackling. Whenever a voice goes up high it cracks, and even loud orchestral passages. And there is a constant quiet cracking/hissing sound even when nothing is playing. They seem like cheap toys.

I'm willing to pay up to around $300 or even $350. I know the z5500s are good, but they've just come out with the z906.. are those any better?

Also, what kind of sound will I get from my Mac Pro if I just plug them in with a single 3.5mm cable? Do I not get actual 5.1?

Thanks!

 

[StephenCampbell]

Did I post this in the wrong forum...?

 

[CubeHacker]

You may be better off asking over at http://www.audiokarma.org/ forums

 

[palebluedot]

FWIW I have the z550s and I like them, have had them for a few years. The only problem I have is that the head unit sometimes gets a weird flicker on the backlight but it doesn't mess with the system or anything (I got one head unit replaced for this while it was still under warranty). Sound quality (esp. the sub) is nice though over SPDIF.