I use my Z-5500s 2 to 4 days a week, they're awesome, and so far, not a single problem. In fact, just this past week I had a large party to play and it was the first time the Barbetta Sona 32C's have been out of the music closet since long before last Christmas.

Keep in mind that the Z-5500 was designed for individuals that wanted the ultimate blast from their video games and surround sound for movies on their home theater systems. It was not intended for transportating, therefore a certain degree of caution must be used with the lighter wires and small speakers. Pose placed a very delicate remote control reciever on top of his sub, which obviously had adverse affects. That being said, when he called for service, Logitech didn't hesitate to replace the unit at no charge. He didn't have to return anything, and he got to talk with real people--something that is quite rare these days.

I sincerely believe that a lightweight, three-piece system is the best way to go short of the Bose PAS, which is much too expensive at this point. The audience response for the Z-5500 has been extremely positive, everyone comments how clear, crisp and rich the keyboard and vocals sound, and they way I have my system set up the sound seems to be very evenly disbursed throuout the rooms I've played. The largest audience I performed for using the 5500 is about 125 to 130 people, which I believe is near the top of the range from the system. The sub is awesome, far more powerful than I need, and for someone playing disco, hiphop and some of the other new dance styles, 50 percent volume levels would blow the windows out of most clubs.

Someone posted something along the lines of "Talk me into buying the 5500!" I would not want anyone to buy anything based upin just my evaluation. The best advice I have is to buy the system from a vender who has a liberal return policy, take it home, hook everything up per the instruction manual, and at that point let your ears be the judge. If you'll recall, a few months back someone sarcastically said these are nothing but toys intended for video games--not for serious musicians/entertainers. He said that without hearing, seeing or touching the system. This year I will probably do about 200 jobs with the 5500s. If they survive one year of this kind of work, then the $300 I paid for them was a good investment. If not, the loss was not anymore than the cost of a good mic.

Good luck on whatever you decide upon,

Gary