Logitech Z Cinéma 2.1 Speakers

RRP: $549 NZD
Total RMS ouput: 180 Watts
RMS power per satellite: 35 Watts
RMS power subwoofer: 110 Watts
Quoted frequency response: 20kHz-35Hz
Signal-To-Noise Ratio: N/A
Satellites: One 1" dome tweeter, one 3" midrange driver
Sub: One 8" long-throw woofer
Output level (SPL) N/A

The price of this system does NOT influence any of these ratings, except "value".
Ratings are based on computer 2.1 speakers ONLY.

Treble: Compared to the exceptional treble produced by the FX6021, this set does very well. In its favour it extends higher, is smoother and plays louder without saturation. In the FX6021's favour, is its ability to pick up the smallest background sounds more effectively and its great sonic blending with all 6 identical drivers in each satellite. Overall the treble is about equal to the FX6021, but personal preference will help you decide on which set YOU prefer. 9/10

Midrange: About on par with the MX5021(my former favourite computer speakers) but lack the amazing dynamics the MX5021 can produce. However, warmth is a real strength here, as is clarity. Kick drums sound powerful and male vocals are also very good. No cabinet buzzing issues or the like are found here. 9.5/10

Bass: Since this sub is almost identical to Logitech's older Z-2300 sub, I wasn't expecting quality bass but was expecting enough to shake my walls. For people who love deep, throbbing bass this is a great set. As for quality, it very similar to the Z-2300 sub but I was happy to see Logitech fixed the issue of blending the satellites with the sub. I found the overall bass produced by this sub very impressive. However, at volumes under 2/5 or in quiet media, the sub had a strange habit of continuously turning off then on again. This is VERY frustrating and so I suggest this set for people who like their music loud, all the time. 9/10

Imaging: This set includes the so-called "SRS Tru surround HD" sound processing techonlogy which is meant to virtualize 5.1 speakers from just 2.1. When this feature is engaged during games I felt like I was more surrounded but it failed to make me play any better or locate enemies. In music, it makes everything sound terrible, trebles are bright, deep bass is reduced and mids become recessed. In movies however, it helped to liven up vocals and ambient sounds which increased overall enjoyment. Conclusion: this technology is only good for movies! With SRS disengaged, imaging during music playback was quite impressive, the satellites dissapear as sound sources relatively well for a computer set, and treble dispersion is quite good. 8/10

Volume: Compared to most sets I have tested these have quite a dissapointing maximum volume(they have a USB input). I quite often will play these at 85% max volume with ease. Max volume is only slighter higher than the Logitech X-230 set which is 32W RMS! However, I found this lack of maximum volume very assuring that I will never damage the system :) 7/10

Overall Sound Quality: Apart from a few issues and the low volume bass problem, very very good. This is an extremely versatile system thanks to its huge bass and quality satellites. 9/10

Looks: I'm not a big fan of the design of this system. I dislike the hard, boxy shape of the satellites and I feel the remote is far too large for a computer speaker set. The subwoofer is OK. 6.5/10

Build Quality: Probably the best I have ever seen in a PC speaker set. Metal is used in the satellites and they have reassuring weight to them. The sub however, is lighter than the Z-2300 sub and I was disappointed when I first picked it up. The remote is very solid and nice to use. 9.5/10

Extras: Not many extras are included with this system. Features such as bass and treble can be both accessed through the remote, and only the remote! Thats right, no knobs or power switches on the speakers themselves at all. SRS is easily activated with the remote, as is play/pause/next buttons for iTunes, etc. A software CD is included with this set but is only fully compatible with Vista or Xp Media Centre edition. I found the software provided with this set extremely intrusive as every little adjustment you make to the volume, or bass etc makes an annoying display pop up, luckily this can be turned off. 8/10

Value: For $550 of your hard earned cash these do not display very good value, I suggest you find a pair second hand like I did. Generally they are a very good set, but a few isses stop me from recommending them for the retail price. These are my favourites only beacause sound quality is paramount to me. If you find them for a good price and don't mind the problems I have mentioned, then go for it! 5/10