Logitech Z-2300 Reviewed

From a great company famous for keyboard and then mice production into a reliable multimedia audio trademark, Logitech has absolutely done outstandingly in the present years. They give dependable and straightforward solutions to a big niche of the gaming market, even though their performance is not top class.

The 9 (MSRP) Z-2300 gives 200 watts of total RMS Power, eighty watts RMS (2 x 40 Watts) into eight ohms at 1 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 that subwoofer. Based on Logitech reports, a ratio on signal to noise greater 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 bear in mind that audio specifications rarely represent real-world conditions; they simply provide a brief snapshot of a product's performance under stable conditions. If the unit starts to demand a lot from the product, once you push the "Play" button, the real specifications often vary.

Without having to pay to Lucasfilm, the Z-2300 actually offers a THX certificate, which goes to show it has been able to pass a broad specs set that many other designs could pass as well. However, the badge means a lot for marketing purposes, especially in the small-speaker realm 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. As the only driver on the satellites, such phase plug driver must boost the mid and high frequencies sooner than the time when the wooer takes over. This often shows more difficult than with dual driver designs. The 11 x 11 x 15-inch (HxWxD) subwoofer utilizes an eight-inch long-throw woofer, also ported.

Setup and Operation

The setup process isn't difficult, like all of Logitech's products. The Z-2300 provides an outboard wired remote control with a System Volume knob, Subwoofer Volume knob, Power LED, headphone jack plus a Power/Standby button. If as single stereo mini-plug is the output source, then just plug the 3.5mm of the cable into the audio output of your source. To achieve the remote's connection, Logitech can provide the adapter to change the 2 plugs into a mini-plug, if you use two stereo RCA plugs as source outputs. After that plug the remote's D-SUB connector in to the back of the subwoofer, making sure to line up all of the pins ahead of pushing in the plug (they can bend and break easily). After placing the 2 satellite speakers, connect them to the back of the subwoofer. Conclusively, plug it to the wall( the subwoofer).

Turn on the subwoofer's power switch right after making sure that the source is switched of. The remote control's Power LED should blink. Press "Play" on your source and you're ready to go. Use the remote's volume knob for master volume changes and it is convenient subwoofer knob for bass output changes. If you want to turn the unit off and on over and over via the subwoofer's rear switch, then you can also choose to use the Power/ Standby button of the remote. The headphone jack of the remote is great for convenient headphone hook-up, because it mutes the main sytem automatically as it continues to present volume control via master volume knob. Nonetheless, the short hardwired cables, on the remote and satellites, of Z-2300 might be challenging on the setup process and may give you limited placement options.

Sound

Since Z-2300 has the capacity to play loudly, it can considerably benefit various stuffs such as movies and games. The subwoofer includes a good punch, even though you have to get a suitable area where a leg wouldn't block it or even the side-firing port due to the forward-firing woofer. The subwoofer can manage raises in the subwoofer volume knob, however in extreme situations, it clips a bit and also distorts. All in all, the subwoofer presents quality performance, considering its cost. Your remote's volume controls might be improved in general, but taking into consideration the prices, it is hard to debate.

The satellites provided more of a mixed bag. The single driver could not reproduce the whole range of frequencies completely, creating somewhat rolled-off highs and a barely acceptable midrange. There exists a noticeable sonic gap between your satellites and subwoofer which indicates a low crossover point which the satellites cannot possibly handle. Additionally, the satellites show average directional traits, which means that as they point far from the listening area, the sound lessen drastically. Keep this in mind when drawing the stability between overall sound quality, imaging and soundstaging.

High Points

- The Z-2300 plays loud and definately will do your movies and games justice. You will need to buy high-quality speakers for your own computer, since online downloads for example Apple's iTunes and Hulu are very popular nowadays.

- Considering the size and cheap price, the subwoofer is amazingly good.

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

- The remote control offers a great convenient touch, with a needed headphone jack.

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

Low Points

- With regards to musicality, the Z-2300 appears to leave audiophiles finding more, compared to the basic bookshelf speakers. Bookshelf speakers do not nicely fit on your own table alongside a large old 24-inch LCD monitor, but when there are audiophile needs on your desk, then better stick to this gear and pay the mandatory prices.

- The short, hardwired cables of the remote control and especially the satellites limit placement options.

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

- The device does not provide a second input which is meant to be very significant.

Conclusion

The Z-2300 offers a good deal of advantages, considering its affordable price. The Logitech system provides good quality of sound for games and also movies, along with a package of convenient features. In a world in which downloads already control the songs business and are rapidly overpowering for DVD as the preferred approach to buy and own movies, your personal computer needs proper speakers and the Logitech Z-2300 can be exactly what the doctor ordered. logitech z-2300