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The Z-5500 5.1 digital speaker set is the latest flagship offering from Logitech. It is an upgrade to the already existing Z-680 model, with some additional features and new styling. The Z-5500 digital audio speakers are a package deal, which include a set of four satellite speakers, a mammoth subwoofer, one centre speaker, a wireless remote control, and boast a control module with both digital and analogue inputs. The Z-5500 can be directly connected to a DVD player or gaming console without using any A/V receivers. This is due to the fact that the Z-5500’s control module incorporates Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby digital, DTS and DTS 96/24 processing.

The control module comes with a desktop stand and measures 9” tall and 4.5” wide. There is a silver knob which helps in controlling the volume. Six source devices can be simultaneously connected to the Z-5500. In addition to the coaxial and optical audio inputs, there are the 1/8” analogue minijack inputs. These three mini jack inputs can be configured either independently to connect up to three separate audio sources, or as a group to connect to the 5.1 channel PC sound card. It also has an auxiliary input for devices like the iPod and an output for connecting headphones.

The four similar or identical satellite speakers and a centre channel speaker include a desk-stand, which can also be converted into a wall mount if required. The Logitech Z-5500 5.1 Speakers are able to deliver an output of 505 Watts, with 69 watts going to the centre speaker, 62 watts going to each speaker, and the remaining 188 watts to the subwoofer. The subwoofer of this system is more powerful and larger than in many home cinemas. The advantage of a powerful bass is readily apparent when watching any intense DVD or playing an action packed video game.

The Z-5500 is a versatile set of high-end 5.1 speakers with the capability of producing powerful and crisp sound.

The Stanton T.90 incorporates all the features of a professional turntable required by a DJ, in addition to the bundled software and USB recording functionality. It provides a very neat and tidy solution to the problem of converting rare vinyl records into excellent quality audio files. The USB compatible Stanton T.90 combines a turntable, recording software, phone to line pre-amp and the PC audio card, all in one simple product.

The Stanton T.90 is an extraordinary and sleek looking model with a host of very well placed features. It measures a17 x 14.5 x 5.5 cm (including the tone arm). The T.90 is also lighter than many professional turntables in the market, because most of its exterior is made up of high grade plastic.

The turntable’s dizzying array of features include dual start stop breaks, a switch for selecting modes of 45, 33 and 78 RPMs, pitch control with 8% and 12% ranges, a reverse button, and key-lock mode for digitally modifying the speed of the song irrespective of its pitch. The Stanton T-90 USB also features a USB port at the back, power switch, coaxial output and stereo RCA outputs. This product comes with two pieces of softwares, the Cakewalk Pyro 5 and Audacity.

The device is also fully compatible with Windows XP and this connection has been a giant success. The T.90 can act as both a recording and playback device. Vinyl can easily by converted to a digital audio file in any format. The T.90 also lets one mix a turntable’s audio and computer’s output into the same output, therefore bridging or filling the gap between the analogue and the digital worlds.

To conclude, the T.90 turntable is a recommendable and versatile tool for all aspiring DJs. Moreover, the way in which it transfers vinyl into digital and seamlessly brings together the digital and audio worlds is also quite helpful.

Unlike a vinyl turntable, the Denon DJ DN-HS5500 is a direct drive scratch turntable, with an integrated controller and digital media player. With this kit around, it is quite tempting to completely go the digital way. Does that mean the Vinyl DJ era comes to an end? Well that’s the million dollar question. It won’t be easy as there are still a lot of vinyl DJ fans.

The Denon DJ totally eliminates the need for CDs, as this kit has the ability to combine a direct drive scratching turntable with the standard hard drives. This feature helps the artist in making extensive databases on the hard disk. The Denon HS 5500 gives you the freedom to download music from any digital file format and save it on the hard drive, as it supports both external USB devices and the iPod. It also features a MIDI controller, 4-way BPM counter, 5 built-in DSP effects and many more. The Denon DJ has a built-in audio player which helps in previewing the database from any location.

The Denon DJ features dual deck operation with two separate audio outputs. The power and creativity of a single deck is essentially doubled, as the DJ can then operate both decks operate each one, while having full access to all the features. This kit also has the ability to print the playlist for clients and is also compatible with the PC.

Bottom line, the DJ DN-HS5500 is a turntable with such extensive features, that you will never go back to vinyl again.