Logitech Z-2300 Evaluation

From a great company well known for keyboard and mice production in to a dependable multimedia audio brand, Logitech has truly performed outstandingly in the current years. When their designs don't provide audiophile-quality performance, or even the characteristics of such, they do provide reliable, easy-to-use alternatives for the set-it-and-forget-it users who occupy a major part of the computer and then gaming industry.

The 9 (MSRP) Z-2300 gives 200 watts of total RMS Power, eighty watts RMS (2 x 40 Watts) into eight ohms at one kHz at 10 % THD (total harmonic distortion) for the satellites as well as 120 watts RMS into eight 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 plus a frequency response of 35 Hz - 20 kHz (albeit with no +/- dB spec, which really tells the tale - the system might technically play around 20kHz, but if you can't hear it, it does not do much good). But customers need to take note that such audio specs don't apply to actual situations; they simply serve to give us a short view of the performance of the product in stable conditions. Once you press "Play" and the material begins making demands on the product, the real specs usually differ.

The Z-2300 offers THX certification, which basically means it passed a broad set of specs that many designs could pass anyway without playing the politics and paying the fee to Lucasfilm. Although, the mark indicates much with regards to marketing, particularly in desktop audio's small-speaker world.

A 2.5-inch smooth aluminum phase plug driver that has a top port is included in the 3.5-inch wide, 6.75-inch tall and 6-inch deep satellites. As the only driver on the satellites, such phase plug driver must boost the mid and high frequencies earlier than the time when the wooer takes over. This often proves harder than with dual driver designs. The 11 x 11 x 15-inch (HxWxD) subwoofer uses an eight-inch long-throw woofer, also ported.

Setup and Operation

The setup process just isn't difficult, like all of Logitech's products. The Z-2300's remote control is outboard wired and contains a System Volume knob. If as single stereo mini-plug is your output source, then just plug the 3.5mm of the cable into the audio output of your source. However, if the source output is by two stereo RCA plugs, the Logitech company can provide an adapter to turn these plugs into usable mini-plugs for the remote's connection. After that plug the remote's D-SUB connector into the back of the subwoofer, making certain to line up all of the pins just before pushing in the plug (they could bend and break easily). Connect the 2 satellite speakers to the subwoofer's back right after putting them. Finally, plug the subwoofer to the wall.

Turn on the power switch of the subwoofer upon making certain the source is turned off. There should be some blinking light on the remote control's Power LED. Push "Play" on the source and that's it. Use the remote's volume knob for master volume changes and it is convenient subwoofer knob for bass output changes. To avoid having to turn the unit on and off via the subwoofer's rear switch, utilize the remote's Power/Standby button instead - much simpler. The headphone jack of the remote is very useful for convenient headphone hook-up, because it mutes the main sytem automatically as it continues to present volume control via master volume knob. The Z-2300's relatively short hardwired cables (on both the satellites and remote) can also present a challenge during set-up and can likely limit your placement options.

Sound

The Z-2300 plays loud, that can benefit various types of material, for example movies and games. The subwoofer includes a good punch, even though you should have a suitable area where a leg wouldn't block it or even the side-firing port as a result of forward-firing woofer. The subwoofer can keep up with the rise in the subwoofer volume knob, but at times, it clips a little and distorts. Considering the subwooer's price, it is a good deal actually and provides good performance. Your remote's volume controls might be improved in general, but considering the prices, it could be hard to debate.

The satellites give a mixed bag option. The single driver couldn't reproduce the full range of frequencies completely, creating somewhat rolled-off highs along with a barely acceptable midrange. 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 location which only goes to show that they have ordinary directional characteristics. When assessing the overall sound quality, sound staging and imaging, better think about these things.

High Points

- The Z-2300 plays loud and definately will do your movies and games justice. You might need some good speakers for your computer if you'd prefer watching movies and playing games by downloading from online sites such as Apple's iTunes or Hulu.

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

- The Logitech Z-2300's fit and finish is quite respectable when you consider the cost of buying the system. The speakers look quite appealing.

- The remote device has a smooth touch on it, with quality headphone jack.

- The RCA connection adapter enables you to fit the gaming consoles easily.

Low Points

- The Z-2300 will leave audiophiles searching for more in terms of musicality when you compare the system to even the most elementary bookshelf speakers. Bookshelf speakers do not nicely fit on your table alongside a huge old 24-inch LCD monitor, however , if there are audiophile needs on your desk, then better stick to this gear and pay the required prices.

- The remote control's short, hardwired cables and satellites provide a fewer number of placement choices.

- The subwoofer's output is not going to turn totally off, even at the lowest volume setting, which created for a number of tough moments when attempting to set up the system.

- An additional input isn't provided by the unit, even if such input could be highly necessary.

Conclusion

The Z-2300 offers a good deal of advantages, considering its affordable price. High quality of sound for games and movies is offered by the Logitech system along with other significant features and appealing aesthetics. In a world where downloads already control the music business and are quickly taking over for DVD as the desired approach to purchase and possess movies, your computer needs suitable speakers as well as the Logitech Z-2300 could be just what the doctor ordered. logitech z-2300