All About the Logitech Z-2300

Logitech continues to be doing excellent work recently, expanding from a computer parts company popularly recognized for mice and keyboard products in to a trusted multimedia audio brand. They offer dependable and straightforward solutions to a large niche of the gaming market, although their overall performance isn't top class.

The 9 (MSRP) Z-2300 provides 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 and 120 watts RMS into 8 ohms at 100Hz at 10 percent THD (total harmonic distortion) for your subwoofer. According to 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 certainly won't be good should you couldn't hear it. Consumers must remember that these audio specs don't often relate with actual conditions; they only give a short preview of a product's capacity during 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.

The Z-2300 offers THX certification, that mainly means it passed a general set of specifications that numerous designs could pass anyway with out playing the politics and paying the charge to Lucasfilm. However, the badge means a great deal 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 use a 2.5-inch polished aluminum phase plug driver along with a port on top. Ahead of the woofer taking over, the phase plug driver ought to raise and multiply the mid and high frequencies, being the sole driver on the satellites. This often shows more difficult than with dual driver designs. 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 your source outputs via a single stereo mini-plug (as do most computers and MP3 players), simply plug the remote's 3.5mm cable into your source's audio output. However, in the event 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. Afterwards, plug the D-SUB connector of the remote to the subwoofer's back; make sure that all of the pins are lined up before pushing the plug, since they're easy to break. After placing the two satellite speakers, connect them to the back of the subwoofer. Conclusively, plug it to the wall( the subwoofer).

Switch on the subwoofer's power switch after making sure that the source is switched of. The remote control's Power LED should blink. Push the "Play" button on the source, then you are done. The remote control's volume knob enables you to make alterations on the master volume as well as the easy-to-use subwoofer knob for bass output alterations. To avoid needing to turn the unit on and off via the subwoofer's rear switch, use 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 while providing volume control via the master volume knob (the subwoofer volume knob is disabled). Z-2300's short hardwired cables, on its satellites and remote, might be difficult in the setup process and might give you few placement choices.

Sound

The Z-2300 is capable of playing loudly that is good for movies and games. The subwoofer packs a great punch, even though the forward-firing woofer means you may have to find a location where a leg doesn't block it or even the side-firing port. The subwoofer can manage raises in the subwoofer volume knob, however in extreme situations, it clips a bit and also distorts. Considering the subwooer's price, it is a good deal actually and provides good performance. The overall quality of volume controls of your remote can be much improved, but being attentive to the price, it's tough to complain.

The satellites supply a bag of combinations. The sole driver cannot reproduce the frequencies' whole range sufficiently, bringing on some rolled-off high ranges and an average midrange. There exists a noticeable sonic gap between your satellites and subwoofer indicating a low crossover point which the satellites cannot possibly handle. The satellites also showed fairly directional characteristics, meaning that as they pointed away from the hearing position, the sound degraded significantly. Keep this in mind when drawing the balance between overall quality of sound, imaging and soundstaging.

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 along with other sources like Hulu, you are likely going to require better speakers for your computer.

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

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

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

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

Low Points

- The Z-2300 will leave audiophiles searching for more in terms of musicality when you compare the system to the simplest bookshelf speakers. Bookshelf speakers do not accurately fit nicely on your desk with a huge old 24-inch LCD monitor, but if you've got audiophile needs, stick to audiophile gear and pay the audiophile prices.

- The short, hardwired cables of the remote control and especially the satellites limit 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 during the setup procedure.

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

Conclusion

At a low price, the Z-2300 provides several advantages. The Logitech system provides good quality of sound for movies and games, a good selection of convenient features and some crisp cosmetics. In the world in which downloads already control the music business and are quickly taking over for DVD as the preferred approach to purchase and possess movies, your computer needs proper speakers and the Logitech Z-2300 could be exactly what the doctor ordered. logitech z-2300