With the Z-5500 you have several options, including one that is merely stereo. However, when using the stereo mode the center speaker is not activated. When using the 5.1 mode, all speakers come into play, but the basic hookup is the same--stereo out of your computer, stereo into the Z-5500. It's the Z-5500s processors that create the 5.1 surround sound effect when you're using the Pro-Logic II Music effects setting. The sound a much fuller, and of course, you have the benefit on one additonal speaker. Essentially, 5.1 provides you with 2 front speakers, 2 rear speakers, 1 center speaker and a 10-inch long throw sub.

As for the nearfield speakers, that's old technology. The most incredible sound system available for OMB performers today, the Bose PAS, uses tiny speakers that are nearly identical in both size and design to the Z-5500 speakers. They are anything but nearfield when it comes to projecting sound. It's no longer a technology of moving larger quantities of air--it's how the sounds are processed. There have been lots of skeptics about both the Bose PAS and Logitech Z-5500 on this and other forums. Those who actually took the time to try these systems, skeptics included, were largely amazed at what they heard--you will be as well.

Good Luck,

Gary

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Travlin' Easy