Logitech Z-2300 THX-Certified 2.1 Speaker System with Subwoofer
by Logitech
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Logitech Z-2300 THX-Certified 2.1 Speaker System with Subwoofer
Customer Review: You will get these if...
Summary: 5 Stars
I am an extreme music/multimedia enthusiast...I won't say audiophile because I have never had the money to really do it right....But, Hard Rock, Classic Rock, Hair Bands, Symphony ( huge Bach fan) So... I purchased the Z-2300's a couple of weeks ago...and if you care to read on, I will provide you with several lines of evidence that suggest that THESE speakers are 2nd to NONE in this price bracket.
Seven years ago I began to travel extensively with my wife. As a result, I sold my Sony component rack system and Cerwin Vega LG-15's as well as other acoustic goodies...all for a set of Bose MediaMates ($99 pr.). Wow, Bose...clarity....yes....but full sound...( ie bottom end) ...almost...or not....and for a while I found that depending on placement, (and we're talking RADICAL room placement) I could use room accoustics to bolster the sound those babies put out....but NEVER to my full satisfaction. A few years later I GAVE them to my appreciative Father-in-law on a trip home and graduated to a pair of Audio Engine A-2's. Well, at twice the cost of the MediaMate's, the A-2's were, in my opinion, twice the sound. OK....right? Well...After a blown speaker right out of the box was replaced...I took em' on the road....yeah they packed well in my suitcase...but after 6 months of RADICAL room placements to try acheive FULL sound, I was nearing my tolerant end to the A-2's. The fact is, I travel alot: my music & my movies are on an external HD - and if I can replicate their artistry and true effect while away from 'home', I am trully lacking nothing in the recreation dept. The A-2's failed me the day I came home and the master speaker (w/the amp in it) was blown...for NO understandable reason. AudioEngine's customer service is 2nd rate to calling India and asking for help, (no offense, but they, (AudioEngine) are NOT offering professionalism to the caliber that their product attempts to represent.
THUS.....and here it is.....are you still with me? I hope so...
I dropped the cash on the Z-2300. I researched extensively for days prior to choosing. The fact is, I was tired of having to play Mr. Sound Engineer/ Acoustic decorator just to get acceptable range out of my speakers so I could sit back and rock out if I wanted....or watch a movie and really expeirence it!! Granted, any auxiliary speakers are a huge step forward from the built in one's in today's laptops....but MAN!! If I'm gonna drop 1 or 2 HUNDRED dollars on a set of speakers...bro, they better ROCK MY WORLD....WHENEVER....and HOWEVER I want!!! Right?
So.....let me tell you (faithful readers...this has been quite dragged out, I admit) these Z-2300's are IT. Let me qualify is important.......read on:
When I got them and hooked them up, I was intitially........INITIALLY....let down. The clarity wasn't there. It's true. But you know what? You know that 'break-in' period of? The 2-3 days of soft listening to adjust them.....blah....blah....blah! My friend, this is a DUAL break in:
1. Yes, your speakers are waking up to the reality that their life is about to consist of rocking out...better deal with it...and stretch out a bit too.... OK.....but!!!
2. The prime listener's EAR... is also adjusting to the spectrum available to him/her.
THUS, my first 2 days with the Z-2300's was one of slight disappointment....not because of lack of bass....I mean come on, the bass was SO gratifying - it was/is ridiculous. The mids and highs just weren't there - initially. And, truth be told: The spectrum of sound put out by the satelites provided with the Z-2300's are somewhat poor...yes, limited mid-bass/mid-range....( of course if you know how to run an EQ - no biggie...we can 'make it right [ take my advice, and read on] ) especially standing them up side-by-side with Bose or Audio Engine's clarity.
So.....here is MY final take on all this:
I prefer the Z-2300's 2 to 1 over the Audio Engine's A2's! And 3:1 over the Bose MediaMates. Here it is...the down and dirty: these audiophile folks are all like, "oh this system is lacking mid range, the bass all sounds the same, and the other thing!" Well, ya know what? I am a 33 year old dude who rocks out harder than most....bro, let me tell you, I rip it up at least 3 times a week...and push my system to what it can do for me - because THAT IS MY RECREATION....I rock out - or I watch a movie with the intent on EXPERIENCING the movie - Fact is: with my earlier speakers, I was able to do this to some extent....but NEVER to my satisfaction. I'm sorry, but I was grew up in a time where ROCK was LOUD and AWESOME!! Sure I dig an occasional bass track or some classic hip hop....and these 2300's tear it up - huge! But I listen to Rush, ok? And while sure, Neil Peart's cymbol's aren't quite as piercing into my head as I would like - the mid-low and low end is SO full and wonderfull that I have fallen in love again with all my old stuff ~ because it rocks so hard now ~ I'm a rocker, people....and if you are too.....
If you are looking for clarity and audio precision so that you can experience all the nuances of your media - than my man, the Z-2300's are not for you - M-Audio, Bose, among others are calling you. However, for the rest of those about to ROCK?......
Need I say more?
Customer Review: Looking for PC speakers? Buy These!
Summary: 4 Stars
I had been looking for a set of PC speakers for a long time. I've owned a couple different brands, but wasn't satisfied with their performance.
I read a lot of online reviews, and these came up as the best over and over again. CNET's review of these sealed the deal, and I bought them. I've owned these for 4 days, and all I can say is WOW.
These are absolutey the best PC speakers I've ever heard, and I've heard a lot of them. I'm sort of an audiophile, so I appreciate good-sounding, quality speakers and audio equipment, and I am very satisfied with Logitech's Z-2300's. If you are considering a speaker system for your PC (you can also hook these to other devices like a X-Box, Playstation, television, DVD player, MP3 player with the included adaptors), look no further. They might be expensive, but for the money you cannot find a better system. Klipsch's new ProMedia system is the closest competitor to these, but I do not think it's better, plus it's more expensive, costing about $200 and up. Bose has nice ones, but you'll pay $300+ for them.
These are not your garden-variety computer speakers, but premium, high-end units that in my opinion, are unrivaled in terms of all-around sound quality. These are so good, that they've attained the holy-grail of sound systems, the THX-certification seal. This is an award not handed out often; not many speaker systems, top-end or low-end, attain this rating. It sets the benchmark for sound quality and speaker performance. How Logitech managed to get it with a speaker set costing under $200 is beyond me, but they have.
They include features found on systems costing hundreds more (think Bose, Harmon Kardon, Klipsch, Creative Labs) like 400-watts of RMS power, a 200 watt, 8-inch long-throw pressure driver subwoofer (award-winning design touted as one of the best), and polished aluminum one-piece phase-plugs for the satellite drivers (for superior frequency-response and sound quality as opposed to two-piece designs). You also get a nifty remote control with a master volume control, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a dial to adjust the bass level.
If you've owned the average speaker systems, get ready for a surprise the moment you listen to these. I could immediately tell a difference. My music 'came alive.' Higher frequencies were chrisper, more defined, and clearer, and more pronounced. Frequencies that I couldn't get with my old speakers came through loud and clear (like guitar riffs, cymbal taps, synthesizers and keyboards, violins and flutes), and the lower-frequencies also became more pronounced and defined. They sound very close, if not better than my Yamaha 5.1 home theater system, which has awesome sound, for 1/5 the price, and 1/4 of the size. It's truly amazing how Logitech got this much sound and sound quality out of a 2.1 system!
A bit of a warning: To say that these are loud is sort of an understatement; they are really loud! It's pretty much pointless to turn the volume up past 60% unless you are hard of hearing. The subwoofer truly gives ground-shaking a new meaning when compared to other systems. It reminded me of those speakers in your teenager's car, but it's not overly intrusive or obnoxious unless you turn the bass to maximum. Either way, if you are an apartment or duplex-dweller, I cannot think of a faster or easier way to annoy your neighbors without talking to them!
My only gripes are questionable build quality and the hardwired satellite speakers (they include leads with 5 foot cords ending in RCA jacks which plug into the subwoofer). Why Logitech chose this is a mystery; It wouldn't be hard to put jacks for wires in these speakers and would probably cut down on the price. Higher-end systems have this feature, and allows the use of different-length or higher quality speaker wires.
My system came refurbished, but one of the RCA jacks was blown, so the left channel was dead, despite it being tested before shipping it out. It also acted strange when I first set it up- the volume was very low despite turning it up to 100%, the computer to 100%, and my media player to 100%. It eventually sorted itself out though, and despite just one speaker working, the sound is still excellent.
Logitech includes a 2-year warranty, and it's a good thing. Other owners I talked to had similar problems, with channels going dead, speakers dying, and subwoofers/amplifiers dying on them after 6 months to a 2 years.
My suggestion is to buy an extended warranty from SquareTrade or another provider (I did, it cost me $10 for 2 years).
Ocerall, an unrivaled set of speakers for the price.
Provided your system doesn't crap out on you after the warranty expires, it won't disapoint. Awesome sound at a fantastic value, what's not to like about that?
Customer Review: A very solid all-around set
Summary: 4 Stars
I've had the Z-2300 for a while now, and it still performs nicely - it's a really solid system for your computer, especially if you happen to listen to a lot of music. If you like thundering bass, this one packs a punch. I've turned it up slowly, now it's perched close to 50% bass, and that's all I'll ever need. Lady Gaga tunes (yes, I have those) thump the room, brutal death metal kickdrums vibrate like cannon fire, and even the right pop tunes will surprise you - hearing a moment of bass "dropping" (the only way I know how to put it) is fantastic. But you shouldn't be quick to discard the treble either - overall it's great. If you've got a good source, you'll hear voices sounding very present, and if you happen to watch a movie where a phone rings, it'll cut you with its shrill sharpness. Startling. I also happened to watch a movie recently where the villain throws his voice - a magnificent effect, felt just as if he was right in the middle of the room. But that's as close at this one ever gets to surround.
I use iTunes for music (some of it lossless), and that sounds all the rage, but what about other sources? For a few gaming nights, I plugged my Xbox360 to the computer screen (special screen-cable sold seperately) and plugged this system in with the adapter that comes in the package. Modern Warfare was a thrill - you might not get the surround effects, but you'll hear the bullets whizzing near your head, and the heavier weapons and grenades provide some real solid thuds. The effect was so solid that I eventually used it to play through all of the campaign in MW2 - a real treat for sure, immersive and suspenseful as ever. But if you already have a good surround system, I'd recommend getting a good toslink optical cable instead - only that will give you the true gaming surround experience.
As a source for movies, it can truly shine as well - but I found it needs the proper settings. I'd sadly already watched movies like 300 and Terminator Salvation with the settings wrong, whereby I found the dialogue in center and the effects lacking. But if you're using say The KMPlayer (as I am), I found boosting the DTS volume to around 65% and then disabling the audio plugins setting does the trick - now it hits hard where it's supposed to, and a movie like Inglourious Basterds gives that extra surprise punch when the dialogue kicks in to action all of a sudden. Just wish I'd found that out sooner..
The headphone jack on the volume control thingamajigg requires you to press them in with an audible click. They work great though, so that's just a minor "flaw" if you could even call it that. Another thing is that there are only three outs on the bass speaker itself - two stereos (speakers) and one for the volume piece (plus a power input). This was clearly designed to be used as one system - one small cable into the green headphone jack on your computer. No optical, no coaxial, no way to use the bass seperately. It will also be quite cumbersome if you want to bring it to a party - carrying this thing around anywhere is basically out of the question. If you really want it for dance practice or something, find a car with plenty of space. If you have neighbours right nearby that are easily disturbed, I'd recommend getting something more subtle. If you live in an isolated house and have people over to party often - go for it.
I just recently learned that the main volume control cable (which is attached) can't be replaced if it happens to break. That would probably be the most major flaw of the entire system - and that detail may make you want to rethink your purchase. If you're just careful with it though, this is a very good system that's sure to last for a long time.
To summarize - a really solid system if you don't mind annoying people nearby. The sound carries incredibly well, but if you listen to tunes often and you want an extra punch, this is for you. If you're thinking of using it as your main movie system, I'd recommend playing around with the settings - if it sounds weird, it's probably the settings, not the system. If you're a gamer and want to rock the M60, this is a really good choice, but superflous if you've already got a surround system.
I wouldn't qualify as an audiophile, but I like trying to get the best sound I can on a young man's budget. That's why I haven't given this a full jackpot - eventually I'll complete the system with a NuForce Icon and some good Sennheiser HD650 Headphones. If that changes my view of what this system is capable of, I'll be sure to post it in comments or rewrite my review.
Customer Review: If you want the skinny on these speakers read this.
Summary: 5 Stars
First, I will have to say that I am a music engineer/producer, so when it comes to music, I know what I'm talking about. Secondly, I just bought this product and, no I don't work for Logitech, or anyone else who`s related to the company, or their distributors.
Setting up:
For those who are curious a bit about the speaker set up, it is very easy. The subwoofer acts as the "motherboard", so to speak. Everything hooks into it, from the back. The subwoofer is the power supply source (there's no adapter, just a standard plug, so this will save room on a power strip), and the wired remote plugs into the sub, and the computer. The satellites plug into the sub as well. If you wish to plug the speakers up something else (a videogame console, a DVD player, VCR, etc.) a RCA splitter cord is provided to hook it up. When plugging this thing up, do NOT plug it up to the electrical socket first and then connect the components. Plug it into the wall last. Additionally, there is a on/off feature on the wired remote, as well as a switch on the back of the sub. The ON LED light on the wired remote is a pretty blue color.
When you set up the speakers, you should note that the satellites are very directional sensitive. That is, adjusting the angle of the speakers will have a great deal to do with the how the sound is directed towards your head, and thus the overall quality. Take the time to adjust this to the best sounding position. These speakers are decently compact. My computer is sitting on a tiny IKEA computer desk, along with other studio gear, including two rack-mounted processors. I have plenty of room for these speakers. Do NOT sit these speakers next to your head. It's a good idea to have them farther away from you than your monitor is sitting, if possible. As for the subwoofer, do the smart thing and put it on the floor. It doesn't need to be elevated no more than a foot off the ground, if that much. Also give the sub room to breathe, and for the love of common sense, don't block the side air hole, and don't direct the woofer at your computer tower.
The Sound:
Like I said before, I am a music producer, additionally I am a classically trained musician with 20 years experience (I'm 28). So I know what I'm talking about. Also I should note that I am using a fairly new desktop computer, an Emachines, which is about a year old. I also have a nice Sony 5.1 stereo system. These speakers kick my Sony's tail, all around. The only way it could be better is if it was a perfect surround sound system, and that would be a pain to deal with, unless you have the room and money for it.
Some people have said the mids on these speakers are weak. I'm not hearing it at all. What I have noticed is that the upper highs are very strong. If you are having this problem here's simple solution. I'm using Windows Media Player 9.0. On the "rock" EQ setting just move the 16kHz level down a wee bit. If you're using another kind of media player, just turn down the EQ between 12-20kHz down by 5-10%. If you're hearing hiss out of the speakers then you might have them too close to your head to begin with (I can only hear it when I lean over next to it, and if the volume is past 60%). Otherwise, you might have a shielding problem.
These speakers are quite loud. Be careful not to damage your hearing with these. I really see no point in turning the master volume past 40% and the sub past 25%.
Also keep in mind that these speakers are quality. Don't play hip hop on a classical EQ setting. You should get used to switching your EQ setting (which is easy enough on Windows Media Player) for the appropriate thing you are listening to. If you're listening to talk radio, set it to "speech", and turn the woofer down to zero.
The only draw back on this speaker system is that you can't turn the woofer down to perfect zero, meaning that you can't bypass it. That would be a good bonus. But turning down the EQ in the 20Hz to 50 Hz range should do the trick if you want to by pass it.
For this price, these speakers are a steal. The quality of these things in my opinion are triple the price, if not more.
The z2300 as well deserving of 5 stars. If you want killer sound on your computer without spending a few thousand bucks, this is the way to go. I bought these for my home studio to mix the record I'm working on, and I'm so glad I did it. It far beats spending $400 on a single studio monitor.
If anyone wants so advice or semi-technical assistance as far as these speakers are concerned, I'd be more than glad to offer some advice if you wish, just email me at GSFU (at) aol (dot) com.
Customer Review: Some Glaring Deficiencies
Summary: 4 Stars
After several months of ownership I have to edit this review. I will keep everything as I originally wrote it except for this paragraph. I have to reduce my rating down to one star because of a simple quality problem. Suddenly the speakers started a loud buzzing noise. To make sure it wasn't my computer I plugged it in to different sources. I found that the flaw is in the 2.5mm (or is it 3.5mm?) connector. It is so skinny and poorly made that it became faulty and is the reason for the noise. When I move it around a little bit it will stop buzzing here and there but how could Logitech skimp on quality on such an important connector? At least they could have made it detachable so I could easily replace it without getting a whole new volume control unit. I'm not going through the trouble and time to get a new unit sent to me from Logitech so I'm going to have to buy a new box and switch this volume controller with the new one and return the defective piece of garbage to the store! It's the quickest way I can figure to get this working again. Logitech really dropped the ball on this one. My venting is over so here was my original review...
After hearing the Bose Companion 3's at my local BJ's Wholesale club I decided it was time for me to upgrade my computer's speakers. I went home and researched my different options out there and it came between the Bose and the Logitech Z-2300. So I bought them both and first hooked up the Logitech. I used it for one week and I was highly impressed with the gaming sound performance and the ability to adjust the bass with the desktop volume controller. I wasn't thrilled with the music and I spent lots of time adjusting the EQ. After nothing worked I found out I had my sound cards setting on gaming mode. So I turned it to Entertainment/Music mode and things were better but still not blow me out of my seat better.
Now it was time to set up the Bose Companion 3's and compare the difference. The Bose equipment was much smaller and overall more attractive. The Bose's subwoofer fit under my desk while the Logitech's sub has to go on the side of my desk because of it's large size. If it wasn't for the Logitech's lack of an auxillary input and it's attractiveness deficiencies I would never of even unpacked the Bose. Yet I really wanted an auxillary input and a more attractive setup. So I set up the Bose and it looked great but I knew at that size it would not be able to put out nearly the same amount of volume as the Z-2300. I was right.
I rarely ever got over 50% volume on the Logitech but with the Bose I had the volume maxed out on certain songs. At first I thought the Bose was better on music and then when I switched to games I knew right away the Bose wasn't even close. I had to go to the back of the sub to adjust the bass because the gunfire was much to loud and sharp. No fingertip bass control for the Bose. So now I have to choose between music and gaming I think to myself. So now I go back to music to see "how much better" the Bose is to the Logitech.
I used a control of about ten songs in back to back comparisons. I played one on the Bose and then on the Z-2300's. I found that the Logitech was also far superior in music playback as well. It had a much fuller, cleaner, and more realistic sound than the Bose. The Z-2300's far outperformed the Bose in all the songs compared except for one. Alan Parson's Project "Eye in the Sky" was the only one that may of sounded slightly better on the Bose. Playing hard rock on the Bose was like a bad joke. I played Finger Eleven's "Complicated Questions" and it sounded horrible on the Bose in comparison to the Z-2300's.
As many have said about the Companion 3's tiny satellite speakers, they just cannot produce a strong, full mid-range. There is simply a lot missing from most types of music with the Bose. Best bang for the buck is by far the Z-2300's. If Logitech would have put an auxillary input on their volume controller like Bose did I would have given this system five stars for sure. Also I am not sure why they made the speakers non-adjustable, upward firing speakers. The speakers are actually pointing over my head since my desk has elevated speaker stands but I still notice great sound quality. Even if the Z-2300's were the same price as the Bose I would have easily chosen these Logitech's. If the Bose were half the price of these Z-2300's than I might have taken the performance hit and have gone with the Bose because of the decent sound, small size, and good looks.