Hello everyone,
I need some help/recommendations on how to connect the speakers (satellites+sub) from a Logitech Z-5500 system to a receiver I am looking to buy.
My Logitech audio setup has a problem with the control pod so I will send the pod back to Logitech. They will send a complete new system which I am planning to sell and keep my old speakers and buy a receiver.
The reason I'm doing this is because I want to upgrade my sound to better quality, but for now I don't have money for standalone speakers, so for a while I would like to use the Logitech speakers.
I believe there won't be any problems with the satellites (they have no electronics), but the sub has the amplifier built in. I have 2 options here: I can bypass it by doing a wiring job and use the receiver's amplifier to drive the sub, or to figure out how to link the Logitech sub amplifier with the receiver.
I know that Logitech made it difficult for users to mess with this system, that is why they are asking only for the control pod whenever there is a problem.
I have found out that there is no connectors/wires and so on marked down, so that no one can make the system work without their control pod.
But if that is the case, I will bypass all their electronics and just use the speakers themselves.
If anyone has any thoughts on how to proceed with this, what to look for, please let me know.
Also if you have a recommendation for receivers I will greatly appreciate it.
I am still reading reviews and various forums including this one, to find the best one for my budget.
I am willing to spend around 500 CAN$ + tax on a good receiver, so I am looking for the best one in this price range.

Thank you.

Does anyone know if a receiver will be able to drive this sub-woofer by itself, or if subs usually need to have a separate amplifier?

Subs are either active (they have their own built-in amplifiers) or passive (they use an external amplifier). If your sub is actually powered by the control unit, then it is a passive sub and will require a separate amplifier to run it. Your set-up would then be:
Receiver --> amplifier --> subwoofer

-- Edit --
From a quick look at the owner's manual, it appears that the control unit connects to the subwoofer via a proprietary connection. You may not be able to use the sub even if you have an external amp.