Logitech Z-2300 Evaluation

From an excellent company popular for keyboard and then mice production into a dependable multimedia audio trademark, Logitech has definitely done remarkably in the current years. While their designs don't provide audiophile-quality performance, or even the characteristics of such, they do provide reliable, easy-to-use solutions for the set-it-and-forget-it users who occupy a substantial part of the computer and then gaming market.

The 9 (MSRP) Z-2300 provides 200 watts of total RMS Power, eighty watts RMS (2 x 40 Watts) into 8 ohms at one kHz at 10 percent THD (total harmonic distortion) for the satellites and 120 watts RMS into eight ohms at 100Hz at 10 percent THD (total harmonic distortion) for the subwoofer. According to Logitech reports, a ratio on signal to noise of more than 100dB is at 1 Kilohertz while the frequency response is 35- 20 Kilohertz, but with no +/- dB specification, it will not be good in the event you couldn't listen to it. Buyers should remember that audio specifications rarely stand for real-world conditions; they just provide a brief snapshot of a product's performance under stable conditions. When the unit starts to demand a lot from the product, as soon as you push the "Play" button, the real specifications often vary.

Without having to pay to Lucasfilm, the Z-2300 actually provides a THX certificate, which goes to show that it has been able to pass a broad specs set that many other designs could pass also. However, the badge means a lot for marketing purposes, particularly in the small-speaker world of desktop audio.

The 6.75-inch tall, 3.5-inch wide and six-inch deep satellites employ a 2.5-inch polished aluminum phase plug driver along with a port on the top. As the only driver on the satellites, such phase plug driver must increase the mid and high frequencies earlier than the time when the wooer takes over. Compared to dual driver designs, this seems to be harder. The 11-inch wide, 11-inch tall, and 15-inch deep subwoofer also engages an 8-inch long-throw ported woofer.

Setup and Operation

The setup process is not difficult, like all of Logitech's products. The remote control of Z-2300 is outboard wired and includes 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, in the event the source output is by two stereo RCA plugs, the Logitech company provides an adapter to turn these plugs into usable mini-plugs for the remote's connection. Then plug the remote's D-SUB connector into the back of the subwoofer, ensuring to line up all of the pins just before pushing in the plug (they can bend and break easily). Connect the 2 satellite speakers to the subwoofer's back after putting them. Lastly, connect the subwoofer to the wall.

After making certain your source is turned down, turn on the subwoofer's on / off switch. The remote control's Power LED should blink. Press "Play" on your source and you are all set to go. Utilize the volume knob of the remote control to alter the volume and the subwoofer knob to change the bass output. To avoid having to turn the unit on and off through the subwoofer's rear switch, make use of the remote's Power/Standby button instead - much easier. Since the remote's headphone jack mutes the main system instantly, it is outstanding for effortless headphone hook-up, whilst it still provides volume control with the use of the master volume knob. The Z-2300's relatively short hardwired cables (on the satellites and remote) may also present a challenge during set-up and can likely limit your placement options.

Sound

The Z-2300 plays loud, which will benefit many types of material, for example movies and games. The subwoofer packs a nice punch, although the forward-firing woofer means you might have to find a location where a leg doesn't block it or even the side-firing port. The subwoofer kept up with raises in the subwoofer volume knob, but at the extremes, it clipped somewhat and distorted. Overall, the subwoofer presented great performance, taking into consideration the price. Your remote's volume controls could be improved in general, but taking into consideration the prices, it is hard to debate.

The satellites offer a mixed bag option. The singular driver can't boost 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 point that the satellites just could not handle. The satellites also exhibited fairly directional characteristics, meaning that as they pointed away from the listening position, the sound degraded significantly. Remember these things when determining the balance among quality of sound, soundstaging, and imaging.

High Points

- The Z-2300 is best for movies and games as it can play quite loudly. Considering the rise in popularity of movies by the download from the likes of Apple's iTunes and other sources like Hulu, you are most likely going to need better speakers for your computer.

- The subwoofer is remarkably good, considering its size and very low cost.

- Logitech Z-2300's appearance and size look rather expensive in comparison with the price. The speakers look pretty good.

- The remote control offers a wonderful handy touch, with a needed headphone jack.

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

Low Points

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

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

- The output of the subwoofer will not totally switch off, even if the lowest setting is at its lowest, which makes it more difficult throughout the setup procedure.

- An additional input is not provided by the device, even if such input could be highly necessary.

Conclusion

The Z-2300 provides a good deal of benefits, considering its affordable price. Good quality of sound for games and movies is offered by the Logitech system along with other significant features and appealing aesthetics. In a generation of proliferate computer usage in which the music industry has been taken over by Internet downloads already, you may have to purchase suitable speakers for your computer if you belong to this generation of computer users, and Logitech Z-2300 could just be the best product that you are searching for. logitech z-2300