Logitech Z-2300 Reviewed

Logitech has been carrying out excellent work recently, expanding from a computer parts company widely noted for mice and then keyboard products into a reliable multimedia audio brand. Even though their performance cannot be considered as having high-fidelity quality, they do give customers convenient yet dependable solutions for all those users that are a large section of the gaming and then computer industry.

The 9 (MSRP) Z-2300 provides 200 watts of total RMS Power, eighty watts RMS (2 x 40 Watts) into 8 ohms at 1 kHz at 10 percent THD (total harmonic distortion) for the satellites as well as 120 watts RMS into 8 ohms at 100Hz at 10 % THD (total harmonic distortion) for your subwoofer. Logitech claims a signal to noise ratio in excess of 100dB at 1kHz and a frequency response of 35 Hz - 20 kHz (albeit without +/- dB spec, which really tells the tale - the unit might technically play around 20kHz, but if you cannot hear it, it does not do much good). Consumers must remember that these audio specs do not often relate to actual conditions; they simply give a short preview of a product's capacity during stable conditions. Once you press "Play" and the material begins making demands on the product, the actual specs usually differ.

The Z-2300 offers THX certification, which mainly means it passed a general set of specifications that numerous designs could pass anyway without playing the politics and paying the fee to Lucasfilm. Nevertheless the insignia is very important for marketing purposes, specifically in the world of desktop audio.

A 2.5-inch smooth aluminum phase plug driver which has a top port is included in the 3.5-inch wide, 6.75-inch tall and 6-inch deep satellites. Ahead of the woofer taking over, the phase plug driver ought to raise and multiply the mid and high frequencies, being the only driver on the satellites. It appears to be tougher compared to the dual driver designs. The 11 x 11 x 15-inch (HxWxD) subwoofer employs an eight-inch long-throw woofer, also ported.

Setup and Operation

As with almost all Logitech products, you'll find set-up easy. The Z-2300 provides an outboard wired remote control that has a System Volume knob, Subwoofer Volume knob, Power LED, headphone jack plus a Power/Standby button. In case your output source is through only one stereo mini-plug, then just insert the 3.5mm cable of the remote to the source's audio output. If your source outputs via a pair of stereo RCA plugs, Logitech has an adapter to convert both of these plugs into a mini-plug for connection to the remote. Afterwards, plug the D-SUB connector of the remote to the subwoofer's back; ensure that all of the pins are lined up before pushing the plug, since they're easy to break. Connect the 2 satellite speakers to the subwoofer's back after putting them. Lastly, plug the subwoofer in to the wall.

Turn on the power switch of the subwoofer upon making sure the source is turned off. The Power LED on the remote device must light. Push "Play" on your source and that's it. Make use of the volume knob of the remote control to change the volume and the subwoofer knob to alter the bass output. To avoid needing to turn the unit on and off through the subwoofer's rear switch, make use of the remote's Power/Standby button instead - much simpler. The remote's headphone jack is terrific for simple headphone hook-up, automatically muting the main system whilst providing volume control through the master volume knob (the subwoofer volume knob is disabled). Z-2300's short hardwired cables, on both its satellites and remote, might be difficult in the setup procedure and might give you few placement choices.

Sound

Since Z-2300 can play loudly, it can considerably benefit various stuffs including movies and games. The subwoofer consists of a good punch, even though you have to get a suitable area where a leg wouldn't block it or the side-firing port due to the forward-firing woofer. The subwoofer kept up with raises in the subwoofer volume knob, but at the extremes, it clipped a bit and distorted. All in all, the subwoofer provides quality performance, considering its cost. Your remote's volume controls may be improved in general, but thinking about the prices, it is hard to debate.

The satellites provide a bag of combinations. The singular driver can not raise the frequencies's entire range well, which results to rolled-off high ranges and ordinary midranges. A clear sonic gap existed between the satellites and also the subwoofer, indicating a lower crossover stage that the satellites just could not handle. Moreover, the sound decreased much as the satellites point farther away from the listening spot which only goes to show that they have ordinary directional characteristics. Keep this in your mind when drawing the balance between overall sound quality, imaging and soundstaging.

High Points

- The Z-2300 is the best for movies and games as it can play quite loudly. You may need some good speakers for your computer if you want watching movies and playing games by downloading from online sites for example Apple's iTunes or Hulu.

- Taking into consideration the size of the unit and its affordable price, the subwoofer is incredibly good.

- Logitech Z-2300's appearance and size look rather expensive as compared to the price. The speakers look quite good.

- The remote control provides an easy touch; with good quality headphone jack.

- You can fit the gaming consoles conveniently while using the RCA connection adapter.

Low Points

- The Z-2300 tends to leave audiophiles searching for more in terms of musicality upon comparison of the product to ordinary bookshelf speakers. Even if bookshelf speakers don't suit well on your table beside a big, old 24-inch LCD monitor, if you have audiophile needs, then you would better retain this gear and pay audiophile prices.

- The remote control's non-lengthy, hardwired cables and satellites give limited placement options.

- The subwoofer's output might not completely turn off, even if the volume setting is defined at the lowest, which will make it harder during the setup process.

- The device doesn't provide a second input which is supposed to be very significant.

Conclusion

At a low price, the Z-2300 offers several advantages. The Logitech system provides good sound quality for movies and games, a nice array of convenient features and some crisp cosmetics. In the world in which downloads already control the songs business and are rapidly overtaking for DVD as the desired method to buy and possess movies, your pc needs appropriate speakers as well as the Logitech Z-2300 can be just what the doctor ordered. logitech z-2300