What are the major differences between Logitech Z906, 2010 and 2016 revisions?

[Ferather]

So my father decided to copy my desktop speaker system for computers (he will also be using a TV as a monitor). He got the Z906, but it seems to be a much newer revision.
I could instantly tell the main unit seemed lighter than my original 2010 rev, I also noticed it no longer uses a 2 pin plug-in power lead, and instead fitted.

The newer manual is also a bit different, while the main specs remain the same, the main text is now 'Ultimate THX', not present on the front of the older manual.
I did a little Googling, but did not find much, ideally I wanted a list of what's changed. I did find some videos related to sub changes.

I also noticed the site specs for the optical ports specifies up to 1080p, which can only be for HDMI passthrough (1080p applies to HDMI).

Old vs New Logitech Z906 Subwoofer Comparison (Stary vs Nowy Subwoofer) - YouTube
Old Logitech Z906 and New Logitech Z906 subwoofers bass - Youtube


Does anyone have any more detailed info between the two?

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[Lucky8]

Went to L's support. They said new revision is just THX certified . So he just Google it. Then I thought maybe he is right anyway. Maybe the latter revision got some differences in the crossover in order to tweak the accuracy . The only way to know for sure is to measure the sound output in both systems while playing THX content as source

 

[wino]

Older version is also THX certified.

 

[Ferather]

It is, but the newer version says Ultimate THX (manual), older just says THX (manual). Would be nice to have a 2023 version, with 6 channel SPDIF PCM support, maybe a PowerDAC too?

ESS ES9038PRO (Page 42) | Cirrus Logic CS42528 | Both are 8 channel DAC's, in this case it would be a 6 channel one.

 

[Lucky8]

Older version is also THX certified.

I know. That's why I can only assume the first release didn't follow up some technical strict guidelines to be fully certified. As THX is only a quality standard it would be rare if there are substantial upgrade on it for 2023. If so, maybe ( and helpe me out here ) full sampling per-channel?

 

[Ferather]

That standard probably changed, or they changed the LFE to suit a change made by THX. The first revision Z906 is full THX, but an older revision of THX my guess.
Confusing when the OEM does not really say anything about it. There is probably also more digital parts, or better-newer parts.

I am going to hold back from upgrading my older revision for a while, hoping for a newer revision.


Thanks guys.

 

[Ferather]

So my Dad got the latest version, and it 'sounds' like it has had a few other improvements (amp-dac), although not drastic, it could also be due to my unit is 13 years old.
I installed my DTS DCH drivers, and I quote the response ended up as: "The best quality I have heard", he is 65 and used to buy all pioneer.

I convinced him to go all optical, no analogue, and with DTS Interactive out.

He is using optical from PC to Z906 optical in 1, and from Samsung TV to Z906 optical in 2. Optical HDMI 2.1 from devices to Samsung TV.
The Samsung TV has built in DTS and Dolby Digital encoder, the DTS also has upmix, DTS sounds much better.

He also has the option to use just PCM out, and then use the Z906 to upmix 2ch to 5.1.

 

[Lucky8]

I'm up for that amp-dac .
Hey, it seems that Logitech got your dad's seal of approval . Pioneer, if you are old enough as me, was one of the king in those days.

So, if you father went all digital and now has ( technically ) a more advanced audio unit than yours... does this means you'll start drinking wine and walking on slippers ?

 

[ixi]

Better two ADAM Audio T8V/T7V/T5V monitors and logitech can be put in graveyard. Later on buy wladoooooh (aka subwoofer) and enjoy music how it was meant to be enjoyed.

 

[Ferather]

@ixi, not at £227 a speaker, or up to $1000 per pair. Z906 hold its price @ around £300 with 5 sats and a LFE. You would think for the price those ADAM would be significantly better, but it also uses class-d.
The only thing I would bother comparing is 1 channel THD and stereo THD, price means nothing (higher price does not mean better audio output), if THD is worse.

THD and THD-N is ultimately the measurement of pure audio (without change), frequency range and amp means nothing if THD is too high.
I have seen high grade amps doing 10% THD 1 channel, and 0.08% over two, those ADAMS are 1 channel driven.

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Not super shocking, although I would prefer to see Ohms and sine wave stats. 10x worse though.
You will be surprised how many people like colour in their audio, I don't myself.

Some mastering techniques include clipping to get the output to 'Sound like that'.


0.5% THD(+N) at 8 Ohms, as far as I know, is also worse than 0.5% THD(+N) at 4 Ohms.

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My upgrade path is purer audio (True Sound), so something like the DMAS, no amp or buffers. Working with a PowerDAC means its all PCM up to then, PCM stats are amazing for THD.

It also possible for Logitech to make a 8 channel DMAS, since its an all in one kit. With 8 channel SPDIF.