Logitech Z-2300 Evaluation

Logitech continues to be carrying out superior work recently, expanding from a computer parts company popularly noted for mice and keyboard products in to a dependable multimedia audio brand. When their designs don't provide audiophile-quality performance, or characteristics of such, they do provide reliable, easy-to-use alternatives for the set-it-and-forget-it users who occupy a significant 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 as well as 120 watts RMS into eight ohms at 100Hz at 10 % THD (total harmonic distortion) for the subwoofer. According to Logitech, there's a 100dB signal-noise ratio at 1 Kilohertz and also a frequency response of approximately 35- 20 Hertz; although without +/- dB specs, the unit may play up until 20 Kilohertz, though if you fail to hear it, then it is not good. Buyers should keep in mind that audio specs rarely represent real-world conditions; they merely provide a brief snapshot of a product's performance under stable conditions. Once you press "Play" and then the material begins making demands on the product, the real specs usually differ.

The Z-2300 also provides THX certification, that basically means it passed a general set of specs that numerous designs could pass anyway without playing the politics and paying the charge to Lucasfilm. However, the badge means a lot for marketing purposes, specifically in the small-speaker arena of desktop audio.

The satellites, that are 6.75 inches in height, 3.5 inches in width, and six inches in depth, utilize 2.5 inches of refined lightweight aluminum phase plug driver that also comes with a top port. 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 subwoofer, which is 11-inch tall, 11-inch wide, and 15-inch deep, engages an 8-inch long-throw woofer, ported also.

Setup and Operation

As with nearly all Logitech products, you will find set-up easy. The Z-2300 offers an outboard wired remote control with a System Volume knob, Subwoofer Volume knob, Power LED, headphone jack and 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. However, if 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. Soon after, plug the D-SUB connector of the remote to the subwoofer's back; make certain that all of the pins are lined up before pushing the plug, since they're easy to break. Enjoin the 2 satellite speakers to the subwoofer's behind after placing them. Conclusively, plug it to the wall( the subwoofer).

Turn on the power switch of the subwoofer upon ensuring that the source is turned off. The Power LED on the remote control should light. Push "Play" on the source and that's it. 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. In the event you want to turn the unit on / off 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 provide volume control via master volume knob. Z-2300's short hardwired cables, on its satellites and remote, may be difficult in the setup process and might give you very few placement choices.

Sound

The Z-2300 plays loud, which will benefit various kinds of material, for example 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 the side-firing port. The subwoofer can manage raises in the subwoofer volume knob, however in extreme situations, it clips a little and also distorts. Overall, the subwoofer provided very good performance, taking into consideration the price. The overall excellence of the remote's volume controls could also be improved, however when considering the price, it's tough to argue.

The satellites offer a mixed bag option. The singular driver can not raise the frequencies's entire range well, which ends to rolled-off high ranges and ordinary midranges. There exists a noticeable sonic gap between your satellites and subwoofer which indicates a low crossover point which the satellites cannot possibly handle. Moreover, the sound decreased much as the satellites point farther away from the listening location which only proves that they have ordinary directional characteristics. Remember these points when determining the balance among sound quality, soundstaging, and imaging.

High Points

- The Z-2300 is the best for movies and games as it can play quite loudly. Considering the increase 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.

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

- Logitech's Z-2300's seems rather decent in size and visual appeal as compared to its cost. The speakers look quite good.

- The handheld remote control provides an easy touch; with high quality headphone jack.

- The RCA connection adapter permits an easy fit with gaming consoles.

Low Points

- The Z-2300 tends to leave audiophiles in search of more with regards to musicality upon comparison of the system to ordinary bookshelf speakers. Bookshelf speakers do not nicely fit on your table alongside a large old 24-inch LCD monitor, but if there are audiophile needs on your desk, then better stick to this gear and pay the required prices.

- The remote control's short, hardwired cables as well as satellites provide a fewer number of placement choices.

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

- The unit doesn't provide a second input which is supposed to be very significant.

Conclusion

The Z-2300 supplies a good deal of advantages, considering its affordable price. The Logitech system provides good quality of sound for movies and games, a nice selection of convenient features and several crisp cosmetics. In the world where downloads already control the music business and are rapidly overtaking for DVD as the favored method to buy and possess movies, your pc needs suitable speakers and the Logitech Z-2300 could possibly be exactly what the doctor ordered. logitech z-2300